Traditional Lending · CrossCountry Mortgage

Traditional Loan Programs — Conventional, FHA, VA & USDA

The four programs that finance the most American homes, in one place. Explore down payments from 0% and flexible credit options with Jimmy Nadeau — serving homebuyers across Orlando & Central Florida.

🏆America's #1 Retail Mortgage LenderFinancing 1 in 30 homes from coast to coast
💰Down payments from 0%VA & USDA offer 100% financing · FHA from 3.5%
📈$51B+ originated in 2025131,000+ families served nationwide
5.0 client satisfactionJimmy Nadeau — rated on Experience.com

Most homebuyers start here. Traditional loans — Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA — are the four programs that finance the vast majority of American home purchases, with down payments ranging from 0% to 3.5% for qualifying borrowers.

What Is a Traditional Loan?

A traditional mortgage follows the mainstream, government-influenced lending guidelines most people think of when they picture a home loan. The two big categories are conventional loans (not backed by the government, following Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac standards) and government-backed loans (FHA, VA, and USDA), which are insured or guaranteed by federal agencies to make homeownership more accessible.

These programs usually offer the lowest rates and lowest down payments available — which is why they're the first stop for first-time buyers and move-up buyers alike.

Four Traditional Programs, One Local Expert

Jimmy Nadeau at CrossCountry Mortgage in Winter Park, FL works with buyers across Orlando and Central Florida. Here's what's on the menu:

Conventional Loans

Government-free financing with down payments as low as 3% for strong-credit borrowers.

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FHA Loans

3.5% down and flexible credit guidelines — backed by the Federal Housing Administration.

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VA Loans

100% financing with no mortgage insurance for veterans and active-duty military.

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USDA Loans

0% down for eligible rural and suburban areas — backed by the USDA.

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Who Traditional Loans Are For

First-time homebuyers

Low down payments and flexible credit make FHA, USDA, and VA especially popular.

Move-up & repeat buyers

Conventional loans with 3% down and no mortgage insurance once you hit 20% equity.

Veterans & active-duty military

VA loans deliver 100% financing with no mortgage insurance.

Rural & suburban buyers

USDA loans offer zero down across 91% of the U.S. landmass.

Strong-credit borrowers

Conventional loans typically price best for 740+ credit scores.

Borrowers rebuilding credit

FHA and VA are forgiving on credit events with flexible guidelines.

Traditional Loans at a Glance

Down payments from 0% — VA & USDA · 3.5% FHA · 3% conventional
Credit scores from ~580 — FHA · 620+ conventional
Fixed or adjustable rates — 10 to 30-year terms
Government-backed options — FHA, VA & USDA
Down payment assistance — grants & programs available
Purchases & refinances — including cash-out

Heads up: The "best" traditional loan is the one that fits your credit, down payment, and property — not the one with the flashiest rate. Jimmy will run the numbers side-by-side before you choose.

Why Borrowers Work With Jimmy

Jimmy Nadeau is a Senior Loan Officer with CrossCountry Mortgage — America's #1 Retail Mortgage Lender. That scale means competitive pricing and access to down payment assistance programs most loan officers can't offer, plus a local Winter Park advisor who picks up the phone.

Traditional Loans — Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions borrowers ask most. Your loan officer is always your best resource for your specific situation.

What is a traditional mortgage?
A traditional (or conventional-style) mortgage is a home loan that follows mainstream underwriting — documented income, credit scores, and standard property types. The four programs most homebuyers start with are Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
What's the difference between traditional and non-QM loans?
Traditional loans — Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA — follow agency or government guidelines and usually offer the lowest rates and down payments. Non-QM loans are for borrowers who don't fit those boxes (self-employed, investors, or credit-event borrowers) and use alternative ways to verify income.
Which traditional loan has the lowest down payment?
VA and USDA loans can go to 100% financing — zero down. FHA loans start at 3.5% down, and conventional loans start as low as 3% for qualifying borrowers.
Do I need perfect credit for a traditional loan?
No. Conventional loans typically want a 620+ score, FHA can go lower (often 580 for a 3.5% down payment), and VA/USDA have flexible guidelines. Your loan officer can match you to the right program.
Can I combine a traditional loan with down payment assistance?
Yes. Many borrowers pair FHA and conventional loans with down payment assistance programs — including CCM Community Promise, Smart Start, and local Orlando/Central Florida grants. Jimmy can check what you qualify for.
Are these loans only for first-time homebuyers?
No. All four programs are open to repeat buyers. FHA, VA, and USDA are simply popular with first-time buyers because of the low down payments and flexible guidelines.

Not Sure Which Program Fits?

Jimmy will review your situation and point you to the right traditional loan — no jargon, no pressure.

Jimmy.Nadeau@ccm.com
147 E Lyman Avenue, Suite D & C-1, Winter Park, FL 32789

Your Local Loan Officer

Jimmy Nadeau Senior Loan Officer

CrossCountry Mortgage · Branch #3982 · Winter Park, FL

147 E Lyman Avenue, Suite D & C-1, Winter Park, FL 32789

NMLS #2102442

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC · NMLS #1444822 · Equal Housing Lender

This page is for informational purposes and is not a commitment to lend. Program availability, guidelines, rates, and terms vary and are subject to change. Your rate may vary. Terms apply.