The Conventional Loan, Done at Wholesale Instead of Retail
Conventional financing is the most common path to a home, which is exactly why the pricing gap between lenders matters so much. I shop it across 200+ lenders instead of handing you one bank's answer.
Same Loan Type. Very Different Pricing.
A conventional loan is a mortgage that isn't backed by a government program like FHA or VA. It's the default for most buyers with reasonable credit and a down payment, and when you qualify for it, it's usually the cheapest option on the table.
Here's the part most people never find out. Two lenders looking at the identical file will quote you different rates, different fees, and different mortgage insurance. A bank shows you their one product and that's the end of the conversation. As a broker with Barrett Financial Group, I put your file in front of 200+ lenders and compare what comes back.
Same loan, same borrower, better terms, because somebody actually shopped it. That's the whole value of doing it this way.
Why Conventional Usually Wins
Lower long-run cost
When you qualify, conventional pricing generally beats government programs over the life of the loan.
Mortgage insurance ends
Unlike the way FHA typically works, conventional mortgage insurance can drop off once you reach the required equity.
Flexible down payment
Low down payment conventional options exist. More down improves your pricing, but 20% is not a requirement.
Second homes and rentals
Conventional financing covers primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.
A Conventional Loan Usually Fits If
- You have solid credit and documented income
- You want mortgage insurance that eventually goes away
- You're buying a primary home, a second home, or a rental
- You're moving up and rolling equity from your current home
- You want the lowest long-term cost you qualify for
- You'd rather compare options than take one bank's quote
How We Get It Done
Talk it through
A short call about your goals, your timeline, and your numbers. No application and no pressure, just a straight read on what's possible.
Shop 200+ lenders
I put your file in front of the Barrett lender network and compare rates, fees, and guidelines to find the real fit.
Lock and underwrite
Once we pick the program, I handle the paperwork and the lender communication so nothing stalls in underwriting.
Clear to close
Most of my loans are cleared to close within about two weeks. You'll know where things stand the whole way.
Conventional Loan Questions
Do I really need 20% down?
No. There are conventional programs with considerably less down. Twenty percent removes mortgage insurance, which lowers your payment, but it is not required to get approved. We'll run the math both ways so you can see what the extra down payment actually buys you.
When does mortgage insurance come off?
Conventional mortgage insurance can generally be removed once you reach the required equity position, based on the lender's and investor's rules. That's a real advantage over the way FHA typically works.
Conventional or FHA, which is better for me?
It depends on your credit, your down payment, and your debt load. FHA is often more forgiving on credit, and conventional is usually cheaper when you qualify. Rather than guess, I'll price both and show you the difference.
How fast can you close?
Most of my loans are cleared to close within about two weeks. Staying ahead of the paperwork and the lender is most of that.
What areas do you serve?
My home market is the Phoenix West Valley, including North Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Litchfield Park, and Goodyear. I also work throughout Southern California, and I'm licensed in Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
I work with borrowers across the Phoenix West Valley, including North Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Litchfield Park, and Goodyear, and throughout Southern California from Orange County and San Diego County out to the Inland Empire. I'm also licensed in Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Let's Price Your Loan Properly
Send me the basics and I'll come back with real comparisons. Not a rate sheet, an actual recommendation.
Jim Apessos, NMLS #229056 · Barrett Financial Group, LLC, NMLS #181106. Licensed in AZ, CA, CO, FL, NJ, OR, PA and WA. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, income and asset verification, property appraisal, and program guidelines. Terms and availability vary by program, lender, and state and are subject to change without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Licensed in AZ, CA, OR, WA, CO, PA, NJ & FL
Visit Barrett Financial Group’s Website
James Apessos | NMLS #229056 | Barrett Financial Group, L.L.C. | NMLS #181106 | 2701 East Insight Way, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ 85286 | AZ 0904774 | CA 60DBO-46052 & 41DBO-148702 Licensed by Dept. of Financial Protection & Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law License | CO | FL MLD1880 | NJ | OR | PA 92105 | WA MB-181106 | Equal Housing Opportunity | Equal Housing Lender | This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval. | nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/181106
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