Mortgage Lenders in North Carolina

Fairway serves buyers and homeowners across North Carolina. Connect with a local Fairway loan officer to explore mortgage options and get guidance tailored to your goals and market.

Cities in North Carolina

Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

Wilmington

Branches: 1

Wake forest nc downtown

Wake Forest

Branches: 2

Amtrak Station - Southern Pines, North Carolina

Southern Pines

Branches: 1

Shallotte NC post office

Shallotte

Branches: 1

Raleigh Skyline

Raleigh

Branches: 4

Mystic Cottage (Pinehurst, North Carolina)

Pinehurst

Branches: 1

Mooresville Historic District (Main Street)

Mooresville

Branches: 1

Matthews Branch Library

Matthews

Branches: 5

Indian Trail Town Hall copy

Indian Trail

Branches: 1

Dusk at Holden Beach, NC

Holden Beach

Branches: 1

US-NC-Hickory Union Square

Hickory

Branches: 2

Greensboro Skyline

Greensboro

Branches: 1

Alamance County Courthouse from NE Corner

Graham

Branches: 1

Carolina Theatre (Durham Auditorium 1924)

Durham

Branches: 1

Charlotte skyline

Charlotte

Branches: 3

Boone NC - King Street

Boone

Branches: 1

Downtown Asheville at dusk

Asheville

Branches: 1

Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

Wilmington

Branches: 1

Wake forest nc downtown

Wake Forest

Branches: 2

Amtrak Station - Southern Pines, North Carolina

Southern Pines

Branches: 1

Shallotte NC post office

Shallotte

Branches: 1

Raleigh Skyline

Raleigh

Branches: 4

Mystic Cottage (Pinehurst, North Carolina)

Pinehurst

Branches: 1

Mooresville Historic District (Main Street)

Mooresville

Branches: 1

Matthews Branch Library

Matthews

Branches: 5

Indian Trail Town Hall copy

Indian Trail

Branches: 1

Dusk at Holden Beach, NC

Holden Beach

Branches: 1

US-NC-Hickory Union Square

Hickory

Branches: 2

Greensboro Skyline

Greensboro

Branches: 1

Alamance County Courthouse from NE Corner

Graham

Branches: 1

Carolina Theatre (Durham Auditorium 1924)

Durham

Branches: 1

Charlotte skyline

Charlotte

Branches: 3

Boone NC - King Street

Boone

Branches: 1

Downtown Asheville at dusk

Asheville

Branches: 1

Meet Fairway loan officers in North Carolina

Shawn Batts

NMLS# 2069312 Wilmington

Lane Boutwell

NMLS# 2854391 Charlotte

Leigh Baker

NMLS# 1488003 Matthews

Clay Holk

NMLS# 2075886 Matthews

Chris Waggett

NMLS# 455171 Wilmington

Shelley Hedgecock

NMLS# 1514408 Wilmington

Bill Gold

NMLS# 2823307 Matthews

Damien Franklin

NMLS# 2588474 Charlotte

Piero Santos

NMLS# 2794365 Charlotte

Courtney Siver

NMLS# 1842955 Raleigh

Cam McSorley

NMLS# 1872391 Charlotte

Andrew Bailey

NMLS# 2096861 Winston-Salem

Shawn Swanson

NMLS# 2617268 Matthews

William Roseberry

NMLS# 68916 Matthews

Wesley Ray Jenkins II

NMLS# 102329 Winston-Salem

Tyler Kornhauser

NMLS# 2485886 Charlotte

Trevor Higgins

NMLS# 1410557 Charlotte

Travis Nicolaysen

NMLS# 1782820 Matthews

Tony Cirone

NMLS# 457747 Charlotte

Tim Kerley

NMLS# 448270 Hickory

Tim Jones

NMLS# 121560 Winston-Salem

Tim Johnson

NMLS# 682108 Raleigh

Terry Whitesell

NMLS# 199821 Matthews

Teresa Lewis

NMLS# 1559488 Matthews

Tee Cooper

NMLS# 1663203 Graham

Stephanie Marie Carroll

NMLS# 1639431 Clayton

Sam Bickle

NMLS# 1906536 Matthews

Ryan Andrew Reynolds

NMLS# 77015 Winston-Salem

Rob Downing

NMLS# 177840 Durham

Randall Bowles

NMLS# 2556763 Graham

Pete Mendenhall

NMLS# 715505 Winston-Salem

Paula Grace Gale

NMLS# 113807 Winston-Salem

Paige Macy Waugh

NMLS# 459836 Winston-Salem

Nicole Blakeman

NMLS# 94665 Raleigh

Natalya Hill

NMLS# 107187 Clayton

Mike Lenzini

NMLS# 225113 Pinehurst

Mike Bailey

NMLS# 69274 Winston-Salem

Michelle Hood

NMLS# 77565 Charlotte

Michelle Beamer

NMLS# 1987343 Holden Beach

Michael Martin

NMLS# 131445 Raleigh

Melanie Guerriero

NMLS# 2632048 Charlotte

Matthew O'Connor

NMLS# 142602 Charlotte

Matt Gray

NMLS# 68261 Matthews

Matthew Ryan Bailey

NMLS# 1757024 Winston-Salem

Matt Funderburk

NMLS# 1930687 Charlotte

Mary Ellen MacDonald

NMLS# 788549 Matthews

Mary Elizabeth Graham

NMLS# 1961159 Charlotte

Maggie Renuart

NMLS# 1614366 Burlington

Lynn M Pritchard

NMLS# 1011195 Shallotte

Lucas C. Young

NMLS# 1219501 Winston-Salem

Lucas McClain

NMLS# 1470439 Raleigh

Kim Frye Venable

NMLS# 94235 Charlotte

Kim Blackwell

NMLS# 2155054 Wake Forest

Kevin Lanham

NMLS# 193914 Concord

Ken Land

NMLS# 108157 Charlotte

Kellie Lather

NMLS# 106107 Charlotte

Kasey Ekstrom

NMLS# 93103 Southern Pines

Karl Hoeferlin

NMLS# 119420 Matthews

Karen Holder Guinn

NMLS# 397484 Raleigh

Joe Pessolano

NMLS# 1420072 Clayton

Jocelyn Jackson

NMLS# 1458786 Matthews

Jessica Ema Jarvis

NMLS# 788184 Mooresville

Jeff Gilmore

NMLS# 87272 Matthews

Jeff Reeves

NMLS# 1824007 Boone

Jeff Forman

NMLS# 70185 Raleigh

Jane Ford Clark

NMLS# 1550033 Midland

Jane Estes

NMLS# 70751 Charlotte

Hunter Gilmore

NMLS# 949819 Matthews

Howie Patton

NMLS# 1183298 Asheville

Hannah Heaslet

NMLS# 111256 Charlotte

Hannah Hamilton

NMLS# 2134706 Matthews

Giovanny Salgado

NMLS# 400432 Wake Forest

Garry A Green

NMLS# 112250 Matthews

Frank Mahan

NMLS# 1949016 Raleigh

Erin Callaghan

NMLS# 1810935 Matthews

Eric Hedrick

NMLS# 1851854 Matthews

Dudli Davis

NMLS# 1437546 Charlotte

Don Waters

NMLS# 82361 Clayton

Derek Helms

NMLS# 1494137 Matthews

Denise Maroldy

NMLS# 69834 Winston-Salem

Deborah Pruitt

NMLS# 92496 Hickory

Dawn Hensley

NMLS# 1080001 Winston-Salem

David Kanis

NMLS# 113607 Asheville

Daniel George Coggins

NMLS# 112207 Matthews

Colin Joseph Tommerson

NMLS# 93404 Raleigh

Christopher Lawrence Amodeo

NMLS# 1479763 Charlotte

Christie K Latham

NMLS# 959118 Clayton

Chris Kowalski

NMLS# 1436645 Charlotte

Chris Jenkins

NMLS# 71230 Winston-Salem

Chris Farrell

NMLS# 2034250 Charlotte

Bruce Lawing

NMLS# 659098 Matthews

Brian Endres

NMLS# 114808 Charlotte

Bradford Thomas

NMLS# 107580 Greensboro

Bobby Bell

NMLS# 2141714 Clayton

Blaire Laudermilk

NMLS# 1559771 Matthews

Billy Reynolds

NMLS# 74897 Winston-Salem

Bart Poynor

NMLS# 188427 Clayton

Bailey Moore Land

NMLS# 2696189 Charlotte

April Lynne Palacios

NMLS# 124941 Indian Trail

Anthony Ferretti

NMLS# 1002891 Charlotte

Real recent reviews from Fairway clients

4.98 from 90,600 reviews

Communication was clear, timely and helpful.

Andrew
Belton
October 12, 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a wonderful experience working with Alisa Bailey at Fairway Home Mortgage! As a real estate agent, I truly appreciate a loan officer who communicates well, stays on top of everything, and helps make the closing process as smooth as possible. Alisa was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and a pleasure to work with throughout the transaction. Having a dependable lender makes such a difference for both the buyers and the agents involved. I highly recommend Alisa to anyone looking to purchase a home and would absolutely love to work with her again!

Jennifer
Lumberton
October 12, 2026

Very thorough. Always helpful

Brian
Howard Lake
October 12, 2026

Mike, Katie and Kevin were fantastic. Guiding me along the way for a seamless purchase. Highly recommend for anyone in need of home financing services.

Felipe
Cary
October 12, 2026

Cynthia was so thorough in communicating with me each of the details and reminders and worked hard to get my rate locked in before the fed reserve meeting. She was available day and night and it made me feel taken care of.

Brandy
Anniston
October 12, 2026

The open and transparent communication made the whole process feel seamless. Any questions we had, Marshal made the effort to answer in a timely manner and was thorough with his response.

Juan
Spring Hill
October 12, 2026

Team Neuner is an exceptional team to work with. The make the home buying process easy and stress free.

Tim Woodley
October 12, 2026

Yes, you and your team made this a great experience. I had no issues with any part of the process.

Timothy
Martinsville
October 12, 2026

All 18 Fairway branches in Madison, Wisconsin

Matthews

1320 Matthews Township Parkway

Branch 1320-28105-856

Manager

Burlington

4108 Alamance Rd

Branch 4108-27215-852

Manager

Concord

845 Church Street N, Suite 310 & 311

Branch 845-28025-858

Manager

Matthews

148 E Charles Street, Suite D

Branch 148-28105-858

Manager

Burlington

4108 Alamance Rd

Branch 4108-27215-8522

Manager

Boone

184 North Water Street, Units 22 and 23

Branch 184-28607-8622

Manager

Matthews

148 E Charles Street, Suite D

Branch 148-28105-856

Manager

Wilmington

1430 Commonwealth Drive Suite 202

Branch 1430-28403-8677

Manager

Holden Beach

128 Ocean Blvd W

Branch 128-28462-8677

Manager

Mortgage options for every stage of homeownership

From buying your first home to refinancing your current one, Fairway offers mortgage options designed to support different goals and stages of homeownership.

I want to buy with less down

Flexible credit and low down payment options that make homeownership more accessible.

I want flexible financing options

Financing options for a variety of homebuying needs.

I’m buying my first home

New to buying? See the loans and guidance built for first-time buyers, from your first question to closing day.

I’m looking to buy in a rural area

Zero down payment for buyers in eligible rural areas.

I want predictable monthly payments

One predictable principal and interest payment for the life of your loan.

All Featured Mortgage Products

Explore Fairway’s full range of mortgage products and find options that fit your homeownership goals.

Helpful articles on buying your first home

Funding Date vs Closing Date: When Do I Get the Keys to My House?

Understanding the difference between your funding date vs closing date can keep your home purchase on track.

What Happens After You Make an Offer on a House? 7 Steps Before You Get to Closing

7 things that happen after you make an offer to buy a home, in the order they happen.

How To Make a Cash Offer on a House — Even When You Don't Have Cash

Knowing how to make a cash offer on a house could be the difference between winning a bid and starting over. Here are your options.

I want flexible financing options

Financing options for a variety of homebuying needs.

I want to buy with less down

Flexible credit and low down payment options that make homeownership more accessible.

I’m looking to buy in a rural area

Zero down payment for buyers in eligible rural areas.

I’m looking at higher-priced homes

Financing options for homes above conforming loan limits.

Lower initial monthly payments

Start with a lower rate that adjusts over time, ideal for short-term ownership plans.

All Featured Mortgage Products

Explore Fairway’s full range of mortgage products and find options that fit your homeownership goals.

Helpful articles on buying your first home

Funding Date vs Closing Date: When Do I Get the Keys to My House?

Understanding the difference between your funding date vs closing date can keep your home purchase on track.

What Happens After You Make an Offer on a House? 7 Steps Before You Get to Closing

7 things that happen after you make an offer to buy a home, in the order they happen.

How To Make a Cash Offer on a House — Even When You Don't Have Cash

Knowing how to make a cash offer on a house could be the difference between winning a bid and starting over. Here are your options.

I want to grow my property portfolio

Financing options for buying, refinancing, or growing your real estate portfolio.

I’m looking to buy and rent it out

Financing that qualifies you using the property’s projected rental income instead of traditional income documentation.

I’m self-employed

Flexible loan options for self-employed borrowers.

All Featured Mortgage Products

Explore Fairway’s full range of mortgage products and find options that fit your homeownership goals.

Helpful articles on buying your first home

Funding Date vs Closing Date: When Do I Get the Keys to My House?

Understanding the difference between your funding date vs closing date can keep your home purchase on track.

What Happens After You Make an Offer on a House? 7 Steps Before You Get to Closing

7 things that happen after you make an offer to buy a home, in the order they happen.

How To Make a Cash Offer on a House — Even When You Don't Have Cash

Knowing how to make a cash offer on a house could be the difference between winning a bid and starting over. Here are your options.

I want to buy a new home using my VA benefits

Zero down payment home loan options for eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses.

All Featured Mortgage Products

Explore Fairway’s full range of mortgage products and find options that fit your homeownership goals.

Helpful articles on buying your first home

Funding Date vs Closing Date: When Do I Get the Keys to My House?

Understanding the difference between your funding date vs closing date can keep your home purchase on track.

What Happens After You Make an Offer on a House? 7 Steps Before You Get to Closing

7 things that happen after you make an offer to buy a home, in the order they happen.

How To Make a Cash Offer on a House — Even When You Don't Have Cash

Knowing how to make a cash offer on a house could be the difference between winning a bid and starting over. Here are your options.

I’m looking to lower my monthly payment

Replace your current loan to change your rate, term or payment.

I want to use the equity I’ve built in my home to cover major expenses or consolidate debt

Tap into your home’s equity while keeping your first mortgage and its rate in place.

All Featured Mortgage Products

Explore Fairway’s full range of mortgage products and find options that fit your homeownership goals.

Helpful articles on buying your first home

Funding Date vs Closing Date: When Do I Get the Keys to My House?

Understanding the difference between your funding date vs closing date can keep your home purchase on track.

What Happens After You Make an Offer on a House? 7 Steps Before You Get to Closing

7 things that happen after you make an offer to buy a home, in the order they happen.

How To Make a Cash Offer on a House — Even When You Don't Have Cash

Knowing how to make a cash offer on a house could be the difference between winning a bid and starting over. Here are your options.

I want to build a new home

One loan. One closing. A simpler path from construction to move-in.

I want to renovate my home

Financing for home improvements, from kitchen upgrades to additions.

All Featured Mortgage Products

Explore Fairway’s full range of mortgage products and find options that fit your homeownership goals.

Helpful articles on buying your first home

Funding Date vs Closing Date: When Do I Get the Keys to My House?

Understanding the difference between your funding date vs closing date can keep your home purchase on track.

What Happens After You Make an Offer on a House? 7 Steps Before You Get to Closing

7 things that happen after you make an offer to buy a home, in the order they happen.

How To Make a Cash Offer on a House — Even When You Don't Have Cash

Knowing how to make a cash offer on a house could be the difference between winning a bid and starting over. Here are your options.

Mortgage questions? We’re here to help

Whether you’re exploring your options, already have a loan with Fairway, or need help finding the right place to go, connect with a loan officer to point you in the right direction.

Loan Servicing

Disaster Relief Hotline

It may be helpful to compare both standard and bank statement loan options. Your Fairway loan officer can review how you earn income, evaluate your financial profile and help identify the financing option that may best fit your needs.

Yes. Bank statement loans are generally categorized as non-qualified mortgages, or non-QM loans.

Not necessarily. Some bank statement loan programs may allow eligible borrowers to qualify without using tax returns to document income. Other documentation may still be required, depending on the program and your financial situation.

Credit requirements vary by loan program and may also depend on factors such as the property, down payment, available reserves, and your overall financial profile.

A standard mortgage typically verifies income using documents such as pay stubs, W-2s, and tax returns. A bank statement loan may use eligible deposits shown on your personal or business bank statements to help calculate qualifying income.

Depending on the program, you may be able to use eligible personal or business bank statements.

The number of months required varies by loan program. Your Fairway loan officer can explain the documentation requirements for your specific situation.

FHA and VA loans are generally designed for homes you intend to occupy as your primary residence, rather than properties purchased solely as rentals. Depending on the program, financing a multi-unit primary residence and renting the additional units may be possible.

Some investment property loan programs may require you to have additional funds available after closing.

More than you might think. The number of properties you can finance depends on the loan program, your qualifications, and your existing financed properties.

Yes, conventional financing may be available for eligible investment properties.

The primary difference is how you plan to use the property. A second home is generally intended for your own use, while an investment property is purchased primarily for investment purposes, such as renting it to tenants.

Rental income may be considered with some investment property loan programs. How that income is evaluated depends on the loan and your individual circumstances.

Down payment requirements vary based on the loan program, property type, occupancy, and your qualifications.

Nothing. Home Investor Advantage is what we call DSCR loans at Fairway.

Yes. Fairway currently has DSCR options that allow eligible investment properties to be vested in an LLC. Specific LLC and business-purpose requirements can vary by program.

Requirements vary based on the loan program and factors such as loan amount, property type and transaction.

The biggest difference is how you qualify. Traditional financing generally considers the borrower’s personal income and financial profile, while a DSCR loan focuses primarily on the investment property’s ability to generate enough rental income to cover its debt obligations.

Yes, eligible short-term rentals, including properties using rental platforms, may qualify. Requirements vary by program, and some options place additional restrictions on short-term rental income or investor experience.

It depends on the loan program and your specific scenario. Fairway currently offers DSCR options with minimum ratios ranging from 0.75 to 1.25. A ratio of 1.00 means the property generates enough qualifying rental income to cover its applicable debt obligations.

A DSCR loan focuses primarily on the rental income generated by the investment property rather than your personal income. Because qualification is based on the property’s cash flow, traditional income documentation such as tax returns, W-2s and pay stubs may not be required.

Not always. Some states restrict home equity lending.

Your home secures the loan, so missing payments could put it at risk. Borrow only what you can comfortably repay.

Yes. Your first mortgage stays in place, and you make a separate payment on the home equity loan.

No. A home equity loan pays you once, up front. A home equity line of credit lets you draw as needed. Ask your loan officer which is offered where you live.

It depends on your home's value and how much you still owe.

Credit score requirements vary by loan program and the amount you’re looking to borrow.

A home equity loan adds a second loan and leaves your mortgage alone. A cash-out refinance replaces your mortgage with a new, larger loan at a different rate.

Your local Fairway loan officer will contact you, ask about your goals, and walk you through your options. All without any commitment.

It depends on the type of loan. Your loan officer will review your credit and show you which options fit.

Some programs require you to complete a homebuying course, most often when it comes to getting down payment or closing cost assistance.

Yes. FHA loans are a common choice for first-time buyers, especially with a smaller down payment or credit that's still building.

The loan is your mortgage. Down payment assistance is extra help, like a grant or a second loan, that you pair with it.

It depends on the loan. Several options let you put down much less than many people expect, and assistance programs can help with the rest.

Many programs consider you a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a home in the past three years.

You may be able to refinance later, subject to your qualifications, market conditions, and the refinance program’s requirements.

No. Being a doctor does not require you to use a physician loan.

No. A physician loan is a specialized mortgage program for eligible medical professionals, while a conventional loan is a mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by a government agency and follows established lending guidelines.

Not necessarily. Some programs may allow an eligible borrower to qualify before beginning residency or a new position using an acceptable signed employment contract.

Many physician loan programs offer lower-down-payment options.

Physician loan programs often evaluate student loan payments differently and allow you to qualify more easily than other mortgage options.

Eligibility varies by program. Residents, fellows, practicing physicians, and certain other medical professionals may qualify based on factors such as their profession, credentials, employment, income, credit profile, property, and loan amount.

Builders working on financed construction projects may need to meet program and lender requirements. Connect with a Fairway loan officer or construction team to learn about the requirements and approval process for your project.

With a one-time close construction loan, construction and permanent financing are part of the same loan. Once construction is complete and applicable requirements are satisfied, the loan moves into its permanent financing phase.

Yes. Site-built, modular, and eligible manufactured homes can qualify. Manufactured homes need a permanent foundation and must meet property guidelines.

Yes, construction financing may be available if you already own the land where you plan to build. How the land is treated as part of your financing will depend on the loan.

Some construction-related soft costs, like permits or design fees, may be eligible for financing, depending on the loan program and project.

Changes can happen during construction. If a change affects the cost or scope of your project, talk with your loan officer and builder before moving forward to determine how it may affect your financing.

The number of draws depends on your construction plan and the needs of your project. Funds are released in stages as construction progresses rather than all at once.

Yes. If your current loan is above your county's limit, a jumbo refinance can change your term or take cash out.

A super jumbo loan is an industry term generally used for a mortgage with a loan amount well above the standard conforming loan limit and beyond what a lender considers its regular jumbo range. Unlike the conforming loan limit, there isn’t one universal dollar amount where a jumbo loan officially becomes “super jumbo.”

Yes. A jumbo adjustable-rate mortgage can lower your starting payment if you expect to move or refinance within a few years.

Jumbos usually require stronger credit, higher income, and a larger down payment.

Sometimes that's the better move, and sometimes keeping cash in the bank is. We can compare both for you.

It depends on the home and the program. A home you'll live in usually needs less down than a second home or rental.

The FHFA sets the standard loan limit for each county every year. Any loan above it is considered a jumbo loan.

Yes. FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans can all come with a fixed rate. Your loan officer will help you choose the loan first, then the term.

Yes. Fixed-rate financing is available for eligible second homes and investment properties.

Yes. You can refinance later to help you reach your financial goals, like saving with a lower rate or paying your mortgage off early with a shorter term.

Your principal and interest stay the same. If your property taxes or homeowners insurance change, the part of your payment that covers them can change too.

Early-payment terms and any applicable restrictions depend on the specific loan. Review the loan documents and speak with a loan officer for details about your financing option.

Available terms vary by loan program. A loan officer can help you review eligible options and compare how different terms may affect your monthly payment and financial goals.

The big plus is predictability: your principal and interest payment never changes. The trade-off is that an adjustable rate starts lower and could reduce further if interest rates drop, while a fixed rate won't drop on its own.

That depends on the scope of your renovation and whether the home can be occupied safely while work is underway.

Yes. Repairs must be done by a licensed contractor and be a permanent part of the home.

Yes. A renovation loan can refinance your current mortgage and fund your repairs and upgrades in the same loan.

The Limited 203(k) covers smaller, non-structural updates like new flooring or cabinets. The Standard 203(k) handles larger projects, structural work and added square footage.

Yes, we offer VA renovation financing.

It can be a good option if you want to finance improvements rather than pay for the entire project out of pocket. The right choice depends on your project, budget, property and financial goals.

A renovation loan helps finance eligible repairs or improvements to a home. Depending on the program, it may be used when buying a home or renovating one you already own.

Requirements vary by loan program and your financial situation. Your loan officer can review your current mortgage, finances, and property to determine which refinance option makes the most sense for you.

A rate-and-term refinance changes the terms of your mortgage without taking significant cash out, while a cash-out refinance lets you tap into the equity you’ve built in your home.

No. A refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one, while a home equity loan is a separate loan that lets you borrow against your home’s equity.

How soon you can refinance an FHA loan into a conventional loan depends on your eligibility, financial profile and the requirements of the new loan.

Yes. Depending on your situation, you may have options to refinance your existing FHA loan. A loan officer can help you compare available refinance programs and find the right fit for your goals.

It depends on your current loan, the terms available to you, and your financial goals. A loan officer can help you compare your options.

Refinancing may make sense when a new loan could better fit your financial goals, whether that means pursuing a lower rate or payment, changing your loan term, or accessing home equity.

It depends on your credit, savings and plans. Conventional often fits stronger credit and more savings; FHA can fit when either is still building.

It means the loan isn’t insured or guaranteed by a government agency like the FHA, VA or USDA. It doesn’t mean there’s no mortgage insurance.

Timing depends on your loan and financial profile.

PMI may be removable once you meet certain equity and loan requirements.

Possibly. Owing taxes doesn't automatically mean conventional financing is off the table.

Beyond credit, qualifying for a conventional loan depends on your overall financial profile, including factors such as income, debt, and down payment. Requirements vary by loan program and property type.

Yes. Conventional loans offer a variety of down payment options, so you may be able to buy a home with a smaller down payment than you expected.

Not if you qualify. A USDA loan can cover the full appraised value of the home, and gift funds can help with what’s due at closing.

It depends on your county and household size. USDA sets the limits by area, so a family over the limit in one county may qualify in another.

USDA keeps a map of eligible areas, and many suburbs and small towns qualify, not just farmland. Your loan officer can check any address for you.

Yes. A USDA Streamline Refinance can replace an existing USDA loan with less paperwork, and you can refinance into another loan type if you qualify.

Not mortgage insurance, but USDA loans carry a guarantee fee that does a similar job. Part is paid at closing and part monthly.

Households with income at or under the USDA limit for their county, buying a home they’ll live in, who meet USDA’s residency and credit guidelines.

The home must be in a USDA-eligible area, be your primary residence, and meet USDA’s property standards. Your loan officer can check an address before you make an offer.

Yes. VA loans cover a range of homes, including townhomes and VA-approved condos, as long as the home will be your primary residence.

The VA doesn't set a minimum score, but lenders do, and Fairway has its own guidelines. Your loan officer can tell you where you stand before you apply.

Yes, borrowers can use a VA construction loan to finance the construction of a new primary residence along with the land.

Yes. You may be able to use your VA home loan benefit more than once, depending on your available entitlement and the status of any existing or previous VA loan. A loan officer can help review your eligibility and available options.

Entitlement is the amount the VA will guarantee on your loan. With full entitlement, you can often buy with no down payment. If part of it is tied up in another VA loan, you may need some money down.

It's the VA's record that you qualify for the benefit, based on your service. It also shows whether you have full or partial entitlement. Your loan officer can request it when you're ready.

No. VA loans don't have private mortgage insurance, even with no down payment. Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee instead, unless they're exempt.

Assistance comes as a grant or a second loan. Grants typically don’t need to be repaid. Second loans may be forgiven over time, deferred until you sell or refinance, or repaid monthly. Each program sets its own terms.

Programs are run by states, counties, cities and nonprofits, so what’s available depends on where you buy. Your local Fairway loan officer checks the programs for your area. You can also browse programs by state in our down payment assistance guide.

Ready to start your mortgage journey?

Apply today or connect with a local Fairway loan officer who can help you understand your options, your numbers, and what comes next.