





Simpler process
Can be used for primary residence, 2nd homes, investment / rental properties
Available for *most residential properties
As little as 3% down (that’s $10,500 on a $350,000 house)
Higher credit scores = better rates
Lower closing costs
Fewer appraisal requirements
NO monthly mortgage insurance with as little as 3% down
Simpler process
Can be used for primary residence, 2nd homes, investment / rental properties
Available for *most residential properties
As little as 3% down (that’s $10,500 on a $350,000 house)
Higher credit scores = better rates
Lower closing costs
Fewer appraisal requirements
NO monthly mortgage insurance with as little as 3% down
Simpler process
Can be used for primary residence, 2nd homes, investment / rental properties
Available for *most residential properties
As little as 3% down (that’s $10,500 on a $350,000 house)
Higher credit scores = better rates
Lower closing costs
Fewer appraisal requirements
NO monthly mortgage insurance with as little as 3% down




“We cannot say enough good things about Midwest Family Lending and Charlie. He made the process of buying our first home easy, even in a crazy market. He was responsive, diligent, and such a pleasure to work with.
Five stars doesn't come close to what he should actually receive.
Anyone looking for a company/mortgage lender, this is it!”
—Aaron H.
Some amount of money. :)
For a conventional loan, minimum down payment is 3% of purchase price.
When saving for a down payment, a good goal is at least 5% of your purchase price budget.
We always recommend planning for more when possible.
[See sample calculator below.]
Contrary to popular belief, conventional loans don’t require 20% down…they only require as little as 3% down.
Mortgage insurance is different than homeowners insurance. Mortgage insurance, or more commonly referred to as PMI, was created to allow borrowers to put less than 20% down. If a home goes into foreclosure, mortgage insurance helps the system recover part of the loss.
Not quite. Mortgage insurance is coverage for the mortgage payment. Homeowner’s insurance is coverage for your property.
Property taxes & home insurance are typically escrowed on loan files with less than 20% down. Including taxes & insurance as a part of an escrow account also helps borrowers have a consistent monthly pymt. Alternately home owners would need to remember to pay their property taxes each March & September (Iowa’s schedule…other states can/may have different schedules) and their annual homeowners insurance premium.
Existing homeowners can use Conventional, FHA or VA when looking at their refinance options. USDA loan holders can still utilize USDA as a possible refinance option.
Borrowers looking to purchase rental properties will typically need to consider conventional loans or a portfolio loan. Conventional loans need to be applied for and help in personal names, no LLC or other company setups can be used. Portfolio loans are an entirely different animal, rarely do they have fully fixed rate terms/amortizations. Portfolio loans are completely different and have no true consistency on rates/terms/amortizations/costs/etc.
Many people think Conventional loans are the only option or the best option. We would suggest that the best loan for each borrower can only be confirmed by reviewing your current situation, budget, credit, etc…then we can find the right loan setup that accomplishes your goals in every way possible.
Jumbo loans are another type of loan that is a bit less consistent. When loan amounts are higher than the maximum loan amount set by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, Jumbo loans can be utilized. These loans typically need at least 10% down, many times 20% down. The loan rates/terms/etc. are also much more inconsistent from each institution.
Conventional Loans are available anywhere in the US. Team Chedester is licensed in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota. If you’re looking to purchase a home outside of these states - we’re happy to share like minded referrals to your mortgage needs.

“We cannot say enough good things about Midwest Family Lending and Charlie. He made the process of buying our first home easy, even in a crazy market. He was responsive, diligent, and such a pleasure to work with.
Five stars doesn't come close to what he should actually receive.
Anyone looking for a company/mortgage lender, this is it!”
—Aaron H.

