Loan Options
MORTGAGE LOANS THAT FIT YOUR LIFE
There’s more than one way to finance a home, and the right one depends on your income, your credit, and your goals. Here’s a plain-English look at the main programs Chet works with — no charge to talk through which one fits.
Six Main Programs
Find the Loan That Fits
The quickest way to narrow it down is side by side. Each program has its own rules on down payment, credit, and who it was built for — these are general starting points, and your actual numbers depend on your full financial picture, which is exactly what a short conversation with Chet sorts out.
| Program | Down payment | Min credit score | Choose this if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Loans Not government-backed. Fixed or adjustable, 10 to 30 year terms. | as low as 3% | 620+ | You have steady income and solid credit. The default starting point for most buyers. |
| FHA Loans Government-backed and built around looser qualifying rules. | as low as 3.5% | 580 (lower case-by-case) | Your credit has a few dings, or your debt runs higher than conventional allows. |
| VA Loans Guaranteed by the VA for those who served. | often $0 | no VA-set minimum | You or your spouse served. Usually the strongest terms available to anyone. |
| USDA Loans Zero down on eligible rural and suburban properties. | $0 | 640 (600–639 case-by-case) | You are buying outside the city and household income fits the limit.* |
| Jumbo Loans For loan amounts above the conventional limit. | typically 10%+ | 700+ | The price is above the conforming limit for the county. |
| Bank Statement Loans Non-QM. Qualifies on bank deposits rather than tax returns. | varies by program | varies by program | You are self-employed and your tax returns understate what you really earn. |
*Household income limits apply — $122,800 in most Texas counties, or $162,100 for households of five or more. Limits are set county by county, so confirm yours with Chet.
Considering a Reverse Mortgage?
For homeowners 62 and older, a reverse mortgage turns home equity into usable funds while you keep the title in your name. It has its own set of rules worth walking through carefully — Chet has a full guide covering how it works, protecting your heirs, and every option available.
More Ways Chet Can Help
Buying a First Home, Refinancing, or Self-Employed?
A few situations get their own dedicated guidance beyond the loan program itself.
First-Time Buyers
New to the process? Start with a free pre-qualification and a walk-through of what to expect, start to finish.
Learn More →Refinance
Replace your current mortgage with one that better fits where you are now — a lower rate, cash out, or different terms.
Learn More →Self-Employed & Non-QM Options
1099 income, DSCR, ITIN, and asset-based programs for borrowers whose income doesn’t fit a standard W-2 mold.
Learn More →A Few Common Questions
What if I want a lower down payment than what’s listed here?
Do you offer loans for investment or rental properties?
What about a loan for renovating a home I'm buying?
Should I get a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage?
What's the difference between a fixed rate and an ARM?
What is an interest-only loan?
How do I know which program is actually right for me?
These are the questions that come up most often about loan programs. Chet’s full Mortgage FAQs page goes further — credit, closing costs, appraisals, and what to expect at every step.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Start with a quick conversation or begin your pre-approval.
