That’s when they met their guide, a local loan officer named Sarah, who opened a map of possibilities they didn't know existed. She explained that "mortgage loan programs" weren't just bank forms—they were different paths to the same front door. The Standard Path: Conventional Loans
But Maya’s credit was still recovering from student loans. For that, Sarah pointed to the . Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, this program was designed for people exactly like them. "It allows for a lower credit score and a down payment of just 3.5%," Sarah said. It was the "entryway" for millions of families who just needed a fair shot. The Specialized Routes: VA and USDA mortgage loans programs
Sarah first showed them the . It was the most common route, backed by private lenders rather than the government. "If you have a solid credit score and a bit of a nest egg," Sarah explained, "this is often the cleanest way to go. You don’t always need 20% down anymore; some programs allow for as little as 3%." The Helping Hand: FHA Loans That’s when they met their guide, a local