If you’re looking to buy a home in Kansas City, a conventional loan may be your best financing option. These loans offer flexibility, competitive rates, and fewer restrictions than government-backed mortgages. Understanding how they work can help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Conventional Loans

A conventional loan is a mortgage not backed by the government, unlike FHA, VA, or USDA loans. Instead, private lenders issue these loans, following Fannie Mae guidelines.

There are two main types:

• Conforming loans – Meet loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ($805,500 in most areas for 2025).
• Non-conforming loans (Jumbo loans) – Exceed standard loan limits.

Conventional loans are ideal for buyers with good credit, stable income, and a down payment.

Explore Mortgage Options in Kansas City: Conventional loans are just one of many options available. Learn more about mortgage loans in Kansas City and discover which loan type fits your needs best.

Why Choose a Conventional Loan?

Many homebuyers in Kansas City prefer conventional loans due to their advantages:

• Lower interest rates for borrowers with strong credit
• Flexible loan terms, including 10, 15, 20, or 30-year repayment options
• No upfront mortgage insurance, unlike FHA loans
• PMI can be removed once you reach 20% equity

These benefits make conventional loans ideal for long-term homeownership.

Kansas City Conventional Loan Requirements

To qualify, you must meet certain lender criteria:

• Credit Score: A minimum of 620 is required, but a 740+ score gets the best rates
• Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Generally 45% or lower, though some lenders allow up to 50%
• Employment & Income: At least two years of stable employment is required
• Down Payment: You can put down as little as 3%-5%, but 20% down eliminates PMI

Meeting these requirements improves your chances of securing a low-rate mortgage.

Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Loans

When choosing a conventional loan, you’ll need to decide between:

• Fixed-Rate Mortgage: The interest rate remains the same throughout the loan term, ideal for long-term buyers
• Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): Starts with a lower rate but adjusts after a set period (e.g., 5, 7, or 10 years), which may benefit those who plan to sell or refinance before the rate changes

Kansas City buyers should weigh predictability vs. initial savings when deciding.

Down Payments and Mortgage Insurance

A 20% down payment is recommended to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), but you can qualify with as little as 3%-5%. A lower down payment may mean:

• Higher monthly payments due to PMI
• Slightly increased interest rates
• A longer time to build equity in your home

The good news? PMI can be removed once you reach 20% equity, unlike FHA loans, which require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.

Getting Pre-Approved for a Conventional Loan

Getting pre-approved is the first step toward securing a home loan. Here’s how to start:

1. Check your credit score – Higher scores mean better rates
2. Gather financial documents – Pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, and bank statements
3. Calculate your budget – Understand what you can afford based on your income and DTI
4. Compare mortgage lenders – Interest rates and loan terms vary
5. Get pre-approved – A lender will assess your financial situation and issue a pre-approval letter, making you a stronger buyer in a competitive market

A strong pre-approval gives you an advantage when making offers.

Conventional vs. FHA & VA Loans

While conventional loans are a great option, they’re not the only choice. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Conventional Loan	FHA Loan	VA Loan
Credit Score	620+ (best at 740+)	580+	No minimum (typically 620)
Down Payment	3%-20%	3.5%	0% (VA eligibility required)
PMI/MIP	Required under 20%, but removable	Required for life of loan	No PMI required

Comparing Conventional and FHA Loans: Not sure if a conventional loan is right for you? Read our detailed comparison of FHA vs. Conventional Loans to find the best option for your Kansas City home.

Kansas City Conventional Loan FAQs

What’s the minimum down payment required?
Most buyers qualify with 3%-5% down, though 20% down eliminates PMI.

How do I avoid PMI?
Put down 20% or more, or opt for lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI), which may slightly increase the interest rate.

Can first-time buyers use a conventional loan?
Yes! Many first-time buyers qualify for 3% down payment programs.

A conventional loan is an excellent choice for Kansas City homebuyers who want low rates, flexible terms, and the ability to remove PMI. If you’re ready to explore your options, learn more about the homebuying process in Kansas City or check out homebuyer resources from Freddie Mac.