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Conventional 30-Year Fixed Mortgage: Your Go-To Home Loan in 2025

In this guide, we’ll answer exactly what a Conventional 30-Year Fixed Mortgage is, who it’s best for, and why it remains the most popular home loan option today.

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What is a 30-Year Fixed Conventional Mortgage?

A conventional 30-year fixed mortgage is a home loan that is not backed by the government (unlike FHA or VA) and locks in a fixed interest rate for 30 years.
That means:
  • Same principal + interest payment every month
  • Predictable budgeting—no surprises if market rates rise
  • Can be used for primary residences, second homes, or investment properties

Quick Answer

A 30-year fixed conventional loan is ideal if you want a stable payment for a longer term and you have at least 3%–5% down (or 20% to skip PMI)

Why Consider a Conventional 30-Year Fixed Loan?

Here’s why the 30-year fixed remains a top choice

Stable Monthly Payments

Your rate never changes. Perfect for long-term homeowners.

Lower Monthly Payment

Spreading principal over 30 years lowers your payment vs. shorter-term loans

No PMI with 20% Down

If you put at least 20% down, you avoid private mortgage insurance

Flexible Property Use

Buy a single-family home, condo, second home, or investment property.

Credit-Friendly

Credit score requirements start around 620, with 680+ earning the best rates

Pro Tip

If you plan to stay in your home longer than 7 years, a 30-year fixed often makes sense—because it gives you breathing room if rates or budgets shift.

Eligibility Requirements in 2025

Credit Score

620 Minimum (680+ to qualify for best rates)

Down Payment

3-5% minimum (20%+ to skip mortgage insurance)

Debt-to-Income (DTI)

≤ 45% (Varies by borrower profiles)

Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Required if you put <20% down

Property Types

Primary home, second home, condo, investment

Pro Tip

You do not need to put 20% down to qualify for a 30-year fixed mortgage. You can qualify with as little as 3% down, but you’ll pay PMI until you hit 20% equity.

30-Year Fixed Conventional Loan
vs. Other Mortgage Options

30-Year Fixed Conventional

Down Payment Needed
3%-20%
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI/MI)
Yes (< 20% down)
Government Backed?
No
Rate Type
Fixed for 30 years
Ideal If...
You want long-term stability

FHA Loan

Down Payment Needed
3.5%
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI/MI)
Yes (MI)
Government Backed?
Yes
Rate Type
Fixed for 30 years
Ideal If...
You have lower credit for 3.5% down

Adjustable Rate (ARM)

Down Payment Needed
0%-5% (varies by program)
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI/MI)
Yes/No
Government Backed?
No
Rate Type
Adjusts after initial period
Ideal If...
You plan to sell or refinance in less than 5-7 years

Which mortgage is better: FHA or conventional?

If you have a credit score of 680+ and can manage 3–5% down, a conventional loan often has lower overall costs. FHA is ideal if your credit is in the mid-600s and you need more lenient guidelines.

Find your monthly payment.

What does a monthly mortgage payment look like for you? Get an estimate with some basic information.

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Estimated Monthly Payment

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The UMortgage mortgage calculators are for estimation purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. For an exact quote based on your individual financial circumstances, please contact us.

How to Apply for a Conventional 30-Year Fixed Mortgage

Pre-Qualification (60 Seconds)

Answer a few questions online or with a UMortgage Loan Originator.

Get Custom Loan Options

We’ll show you rates, payment estimates, and a closing cost breakdown.

Lock In Your Interest Rate

Choose to lock when you see a competitive rate to avoid surprises down the line.

Underwriting & Closing Your Loan

Submit documentation, clear underwriting, and close on your timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Wondering if a 30-year fixed conventional loan makes sense to you? Get clear, expert answers to the most common questions—cost, timing, benefits, and more!

Here's Why UMortgage is Your Best Choice

Relationships, Not Transactions

Relationships, Not Transactions

We’re here for more than just your mortgage. We’ll stick with you beyond closing to help you gain financial freedom through homeownership.

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Local & Nationwide Expertise

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Fast, Transparent Closings

We communicate with you every step of the homebuying or refinance process so you can close quickly without any hidden fees or surprises.

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