The Budget Comparison
- VA Loan: $0 down, no PMI — for eligible veterans, always the budget winner
- USDA Loan: $0 down in eligible areas, lower MIP than FHA — best for suburban buyers
- FHA: 3.5% down, accessible credit requirements, but permanent MIP is a long-term cost
- Conventional 97: 3% down, PMI cancels at 20% — best long-term cost for 620+ credit
The right program depends on your credit, location, and down payment. We model all options side by side. Use our payment calculator
