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Mortgage Glossary

Conventional 97

Defined by Onias Derilus, Mortgage Capital · NMLS# 1859012 · Florida licensed mortgage broker

Conventional 97 is a Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac program allowing a 3% down payment on a primary residence.

What Conventional 97 means

It lets buyers use conventional financing with minimal down, paying PMI until they reach 20% equity. It's often cheaper than FHA for borrowers with solid credit.

Florida example

A Florida first-time buyer with a 740 score uses Conventional 97 to put just 3% down on a $350,000 home, paying $10,500 down plus PMI that cancels once they reach 20% equity.

What it is

The Conventional 97 is a loan that lets qualified buyers put just 3% down. It is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

It is a strong low-down option for buyers with good credit.

Who it fits

It suits first-time and repeat buyers who have solid credit but limited savings. PMI applies until you build equity.

We compare it to FHA to find your cheaper path. Apply now and we will run both for you.

Related program: Learn more →

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Official resources

Verify the details for your own situation against these government and agency sources: Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible.

Related Mortgage Terms

Conventional LoanA conventional loan is a mortgage not insured by a government agency, typically requiring a 620+ credit score and 3–20% down.ConveyanceConveyance is the legal transfer of property from one owner to another. It happens through a deed at closing. It makes the ownership change official and final.Cost ApproachThe cost approach is an appraisal method that estimates value as the cost to rebuild the structure new, minus depreciation, plus the land value.
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GuideMortgage With Charge-OffsGuideComplete Down Payment Assistance GuideLoan ProgramRefinanceCredit Score740 Credit Score MortgageCredit Score720 Score, CONVENTIONAL LoanProperty TypeMulti-Family: Financing GuideProperty TypeInvestment Property: FHAProperty TypeModular Home: Conventional
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