Loans with tailoredunderwriting for homebuyerswith specific goals
In Katy, greater Houston, all of Texas
Licensed Texas Mortgage Broker · Based in Katy, TX
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Loan Selection
Conventional Loan
And PMI terms that automatically cancel upon reaching your equity goal.
Competitive Interest Rates
Low interest rates. Conventional home loans provide top-tier fixed rates to qualified buyers with strong credit scores, reducing monthly mortgage payments significantly.
Flexible Down Payment Options
Lower upfront capital. Borrowers can purchase a home with as little as 3% down payment, allowing homebuyers to retain liquid cash reserves for home improvements.
Removable Private Mortgage Insurance
Eliminate PMI costs. Private mortgage insurance automatically drops once you reach 22% equity, lowering total borrowing expense without a refinance.

Conventional Loan Full Description
Everything you need to know before you apply.
A conventional loan is a mortgage that carries no government insurance and isn't guaranteed by a federal agency, though conforming conventional loans are typically sold to and backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, offering qualified Texas homebuyers a flexible, market-driven path to financing a primary residence, second home, or investment property. Because these loans rely on private market standards rather than a federal guarantee, lenders typically require a higher credit score than FHA alternatives, rewarding borrowers with strong financial histories through competitive interest rates and a wide range of down payment and term options. At 3E Lending, our Katy-based team works with clients across the state to determine whether their credit profile and long-term ownership goals align with the advantages these loans provide.
Not sure if a conventional loan fits your situation?
PMI & Long-Term Cost
Where conventional financing truly distinguishes itself is in the long-term cost structure, especially for buyers putting down less than twenty percent. Private mortgage insurance is required to protect the lender, but unlike mortgage insurance on many government-backed loans, PMI on a conventional mortgage automatically terminates once your loan balance reaches seventy-eight percent of the home's original value, typically around twenty-two percent equity through your scheduled amortization. That automatic cancellation gives homeowners a predictable, built-in way to reduce their monthly payment without requiring a refinance or manual request, making it an appealing choice for buyers who plan to build equity steadily in the Texas market.
If you would like to explore whether a conventional loan matches your purchase price, credit profile, and long-term budget, reach out to 3E Lending today to speak with our licensed Texas mortgage team in Katy.
Conventional Loan - Quick Reference
Straight answers to the questions borrowers ask most about a conventional loan, sourced directly from lender guidelines.
Credit Score
No numeric floor through DU since November 2025. Lender overlays commonly sit at 620-640, and 740+ unlocks the best pricing.
Source: Fannie Mae Selling Guide B3-5.1-01 (SEL-2025-09) · varies by lender
Credit History / Strength
2+ years stable credit history preferred. Clean recent payments speed approval.
Source: Fannie Mae DU/Freddie Mac LPA
Interest Rates
Competitive mortgage rates. LLPAsLoan-Level Price Adjustment — a fee that shifts your rate based on credit score, down payment, and loan type. add 0.125%-2.75% by credit tier.
Source: Fannie Mae LLPA matrix, eff. 2026-01-28 · varies by lender
Income / Employment Verification
Most recent paystub and W-2 or written VOE, plus a verbal check before closing. Two years of returns applies to variable or self-employed income.
Source: Fannie Mae B3-3.2-01, B3-3.3-01, B3-3.1-04
Self Employment Qualifications
2 years business and personal tax returns. Fannie Mae itself allows 1 year for an established business meeting its stated conditions.
Source: Fannie Mae B3-3.5-01 · varies by lender
Documentation Difficulty
Standard full doc mortgage: W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns.
Source: Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines
Debt to Income (DTI)
45% debt-to-income max. Up to 50% with strong compensating factors via AUSAutomated Underwriting System — software lenders use to instantly evaluate your approval eligibility..
Source: Fannie Mae DU/Freddie LPA · varies by lender
Down Payment Requirement
3% down payment first-time buyer. 5% repeat. 20% removes PMI.
Source: Fannie Mae 97% LTV, Freddie Mac Home Possible
Down Payment Collateral Alternatives
Gift funds, employer assistance, grants, DPA cover down payment.
Source: Fannie Mae B3-4.3-04 (gifts), B3-4.3-06 (grants and lender contributions)
Out of Pocket Fees
Closing costs 2-5% plus down payment. Seller concessions 3-9% by LTVLoan-to-Value ratio — the loan amount divided by the home's appraised value..
Source: Typical market range - the Loan Estimate discloses actual costs · varies by lender
Process Speed / Timeframe
30-45 day mortgage closing. AUSAutomated Underwriting System — software lenders use to instantly evaluate your approval eligibility. approval speeds process. Pre-approval helps.
Source: Industry standard 2026 · varies by lender
Figures on this page reviewed by Kimberli Pham, Mortgage Broker · NMLS ID 2459395, on . Program terms are set by the lender a file is placed with and change over time — each figure cites its source above.
The figures above are program guidelines and illustrative examples, not a quote. Actual terms vary by circumstances - your credit profile, income, the property, occupancy, loan amount, and the lender the file is placed with. Individual lenders also apply their own overlays on top of agency minimums. Nothing on this page is a commitment to lend. Approval depends on completion of underwriting, and not every applicant qualifies.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from 3E Lending borrowers, verified on Google.
“This was by far the smoothest, most straightforward, and best-informed lending experience I have had. Kimberli's knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to customer service were evident at every stage.”
Neil Milan
Verified Google Review
“She went above and beyond by conducting a thorough industry comparison to secure the absolute best rate for my unique situation. The whole mortgage process was better than any I've experienced before — transparent and easy, even with my issues. I will be back again!”
Thanh Tran
Verified Google Review
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Adjust the numbers below for a rough monthly estimate. For an accurate, personalized rate, our licensed team is one call away.
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Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,524
Estimate only, not a loan offer or rate quote. Talk to our licensed team for a personalized number based on your credit profile.
Or Call NowReady to move forward with a conventional loan in Katy?
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