A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not guaranteed or insured by any government agency such as FHA, VA, or USDA. Conventional loans are either conforming or non-conforming. Conforming mortgages are required to conform to underwriting guidelines and loan limits set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, whereas non-conforming mortgages have loan amounts higher than the loan limits set by Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac.
Conventional loans can offer the best interest rate and lowest fees, which can result in lower monthly payments. Most home buyers also choose a fixed-rate over an adjustable-rate mortgage to avoid any rising mortgage rates, which makes budgeting much easier. They are typically considered to be the most common, stable, and safest type of loan.
