Blog·August 22, 2026
Where they actually differ
FHA and conventional are two different loan boxes, not the same product with different names. The differences people actually feel: down payment, credit, what the house has to pass, and how mortgage insurance works.
Which one applies to you depends on your file. This is a high-level split, not a quote. There is no rate or APR on this page.
FHA, in English
FHA is often used by first-time buyers. A lower down payment is the usual reason people look at it. Credit overlays can be more flexible depending on the file.
The property has to meet FHA minimum standards. There are county loan limits — I will not invent the dollar number here; we look it up against the house you are writing on.
Mortgage insurance works differently than conventional PMI and often lasts longer. FHA is useful for many buyers in Los Angeles County. It is not automatically the cheapest money.
Conventional, in English
Conventional is the default for many purchase files when credit and down payment are stronger. PMI can come off later when you have enough equity.
Pricing comes from the credit/LTV grid. In a lot of cases there is more property flexibility than FHA. It is still not a banner rate.
What applies to you
The monthly number, how long you will hold the house, and whether the house will clear FHA. That is the actual decision. I will say when FHA is the better box and when it is not.
Talk first, or start the file
Every file is different. If you want to talk through the tradeoffs before you apply, call (818) 669-6142 or use the contact page. If you already know you are buying, start Get Pre-Approved — that is the real Tried & True application, not a teaser.
There are no rates on this page. The next useful step is a conversation or a file.