Buying a home in the competitive Kansas City metro area—from the vibrant neighborhoods of Overland Park to the historic areas of Lee’s Summit—requires the right financing strategy. A conventional loan is the most common and flexible option, ideal for buyers with strong credit who need a reliable, fast-closing mortgage.
Conventional mortgages are privately backed and follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They are often the best tool for buyers seeking competitive rates and looking to avoid life-long mortgage insurance premiums.
For a complete overview of our programs and to view today’s specific rates, visit our main Conventional Loan Programs page.
Today’s Conventional Mortgage Rates
Conventional Loan Requirements Specific to KC
While national guidelines set the minimum standards for conventional loans, the Kansas City market has unique factors—most notably, specific loan limits and closing speed—that influence your approval and success.
Credit Score
- Minimum Score: While the minimum credit score is typically around 620, borrowers with scores of 740 or higher receive the best interest rates and compete effectively against multiple offers in the KC market.
- Impact: Your credit score is the biggest factor determining your final interest rate and the size of your required down payment.
Down Payment
- Low Down Payment: You can qualify for a conventional mortgage with as little as 3% down (available through programs like Conventional 97).
- Optimal Down Payment: A 20% down payment is the gold standard, as it allows you to avoid paying monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) entirely.
- Use Our Down Payment Calculator
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Your DTI ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward all debt payments, including your new mortgage.
- Maximum Limit: The maximum allowable DTI generally falls between 43% and 50%. However, a DTI ratio under 43% strengthens your bid, which can be critical when bidding on homes in high-demand KC neighborhoods.
2026 Conforming Loan Limits
Conventional loans must "conform" to annual limits set by the FHFA. For 2026, the baseline limit for the Kansas City metro area has increased to $832,750.
- 1-Unit Property: $832,750
- 2-Unit Property: $1,066,100
- 3-Unit Property: $1,288,700
- 4-Unit Property: $1,601,550
Jumbo Loans: If your loan amount exceeds $832,750, it is classified as a Jumbo Loan. These require different underwriting and down payment structures. Learn more about Jumbo Loans →
Specialized Conventional Programs
To be the definitive guide, we recognize that “conventional” is not a one-size-fits-all product. We offer options designed for specific borrower needs:
- Conventional 97: A conventional loan requiring only a 3% down payment. This is a great, affordable option for first-time buyers who don’t qualify for or prefer not to use FHA financing.
- HomeStyle Renovation Loans: A conventional loan that allows you to finance the purchase price and the cost of repairs or upgrades into a single mortgage.
KC Metro Conforming Loan Limits (2026)
Conventional loans in the Kansas City area must "conform" to annual limits. If your purchase price is higher than these amounts, you will need a Jumbo Loan.
| County | 2026 Limit (1-Unit) |
|---|---|
| Jackson County, MO | $819,000 |
| Johnson County, KS | $819,000 |
| Clay County, MO | $819,000 |
| Wyandotte County, KS | $819,000 |
Need financing above these limits? Explore our Jumbo Loan options
Whether you are looking at a historic home in Brookside, a new build in Overland Park, or a property in the Northland, our conventional programs offer the flexibility KC buyers need to navigate our diverse local housing market.
Expertly Reviewed
This guide was reviewed and approved by Rick Woodruff (NMLS #248984), a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with over 25 years of experience in the Kansas City market. All loan information is current as of 2026.
⭐️ Local Expertise and Trust
Ready to Secure Your Conventional Loan in KC?
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Local Conventional Loan FAQs
Due to our local processing and underwriting team, we can typically close conventional loans in the Kansas City metro area in 21–30 days, giving your offer a competitive edge.
Buyers in Kansas counties can often utilize the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHC) programs in conjunction with a conventional loan to cover down payment and closing costs.
The 2026 conventional conforming loan limit for a single-family home in Jackson County (and most of the KC metro area) is $832,750. Loans above this amount are considered Jumbo Loans.
Our Kansas City Office Location
Kansas City
7280 NW 87th Terrace Suite 200
Phone: (855) 313-2480
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed