FHA continues to be one of the most commonly used finance options.  FHA stands for "Federal Housing Administration" and is a loan program created by the federal government in 1934.  FHA loans account for nearly 25% of loans originated and are a favorite of first time home buyers due to the low down payment requirements and flexible credit standards while still  maintaining low rates.  

Conventional loans are not guaranteed nor backed by any government agency.  Underwriting guidelines are set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allowing the purchase of primary residences as well as investment and 2nd home properties.   Typically conventional loans will require better credit and down payments to qualify.  Conventional mortgages make up more than 60% of all loans originated in the U.S.  

Military home buyers and veterans can take advantage of zero down financing through the Veterans Administration loan.   While it requires an up front VA funding fee to be rolled into the loan, there is no monthly M.I.  Couple that with flexible underwriting guidelines and low rates and it's one of the best loan products available.   Additional discounts can be utilized for VA home buyers with service related disability.   

USDA is only available in certain areas based on the most recent census tract information.  Typically these areas are rural.  It requires strict maximum income requirements based on area and number of family members and considers all household income in the calculation.  You are not allowed to own another home and be eligible but you are not required to be a first time home buyer.  It's a fantastic option if you make less than the maximum and find a home in a USDA eligible area. 

Jumbo loans, also called non-conforming, due to being above the conventional conforming loan limit, typically have very similar underwriting parameters that would be found in the smaller conventional loans.  However jumbo does typically have stricter guidelines, higher minimum credit standards and may require reserves to qualify due to the larger amount being loaned.  In the past always requiring 20% down payment but now offer alternatives to put down less than 20%. 

Non-QM stands for non qualified mortgage.  Meaning it falls outside the definition set by the CFPB and therefore not granting the lender the same liability protections given to standard loan programs.  These programs are made up of loans that use alternative documentation or credit requirements to approve borrowers for loans.  For example, a self-employed borrower who cannot document income may utilize a 12 month bank statement program to document income, a source not allowed through conventional or government loan programs.  There are many different forms of non-QM loans so if you are having issues with standard loan programs this may provide you the alternative needed to get your new home.