Which Loan Program Fits You?

There are really only a handful of main loan programs — VA, FHA, conventional, USDA, construction, and investment financing — and the “best” one isn’t a fixed ranking. It depends on your service history, your down payment, how your income is documented, your credit, and the property itself. Answer a few plain questions below and you’ll see the program most likely to fit — about a minute, no credit pull, no email required. It’s a starting point, not an approval, but it beats guessing.

Step 1

How to read your result

The finder gives you a most-likely fit plus any alternatives worth comparing. Those are starting points based on what you entered — not a determination of what you actually qualify for. The real answer comes from running your numbers together, which is the next step.

Common questions

How do I know which mortgage program is right for me?

There’s no universal “best” program — the right one depends on your situation. If you’re a veteran or active-duty, a VA loan is almost always the strongest option. Beyond that it comes down to your down payment, how your income is documented, your credit, and the property. The finder narrows it in about a minute; from there it’s a real comparison of the numbers.

What’s the difference between an FHA and a conventional loan?

FHA loans are government-backed and more forgiving — you can qualify with lower credit and as little as 3.5% down — but they carry mortgage insurance. Conventional loans aren’t government-backed; they reward stronger credit with better pricing, and you can drop PMI once you’ve built enough equity (or skip it entirely with 20% down). Which is actually cheaper for you depends on your credit and down payment, so it’s worth running both side by side.

Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?

Yes. The question isn’t whether you can qualify — it’s how we document your income. That might be full tax returns, a bank-statement program, or a profit-and-loss approach, depending on how your business looks on paper. Self-employment changes the paperwork, not your eligibility.

Do I really need 20% down to buy a house?

No. VA and USDA loans can be zero down for those who qualify, FHA is as low as 3.5%, and conventional loans can start around 3% down. The main benefit of 20% down is avoiding mortgage insurance — but for a lot of buyers, getting in sooner with less down makes more sense than waiting years to save 20%.

Is this tool a pre-approval?

No. It’s a starting point based only on what you tell it — not a credit pull, an eligibility decision, or a commitment to lend. The actual next step is a quick call where we run your real numbers.

Does starting a pre-approval mean I’m guaranteed to be pre-approved?

No. Starting the pre-approval is just the beginning of the process — it’s how we look at your real numbers and see what you actually qualify for. It isn’t a guarantee of approval or a commitment to lend. Some buyers are ready right away; others need a step or two first, and that’s exactly what the conversation sorts out.

Michael Wolff · Mortgage Loan Originator · NMLS #239403 · Go Rascal, Inc. NMLS #2072896 · Equal Housing Opportunity. This tool provides general information only and is not a credit decision, commitment to lend, or offer of any specific terms.