A conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgage features a steady interest rate throughout its lifetime. Spanning three decades, homeowners with this mortgage can look forward to consistent monthly payments for many years to come, which can provide peace of mind and help them budget their finances. A conforming 30-year fixed rate loan offers amounts up to $726,200 in most of the US and a maximum of $1,396,800 in high-cost areas.

A conventional 15-year fixed rate mortgage is similar to a 30-year fixed rate mortgage in many respects. A conforming 15-year fixed rate loan features a limit of $726,200 ($1,396,800 in high-cost areas) and a consistent rate throughout its lifetime, giving you secure and predictable monthly mortgage payments.

An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is a home loan with an interest rate that changes after a fixed amount of time—usually 5-7 years. Adjustable rate mortgages typically offer lower interest rates and lower monthly payments than a fixed rate mortgage. After the allotted time passes, the rate may adjust and your monthly mortgage payments will adjust accordingly.

A non-conforming jumbo mortgage can help you purchase a lot of real estate. This mortgage is needed for loan amounts over the conforming loan limit of $726,200 and $1,396,800 in high-cost areas. If you need to take out a loan over the conforming limit, a fixed or adjustable rate jumbo mortgage could be your ticket to a big and beautiful home.

FHA home loans are mortgages insured by the federal government through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a branch of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. FHA home loans reduce the barrier to entry for homebuyers and refinancers by featuring low down payments, flexible credit requirements and more purchase power. If funds are limited, an FHA home loan can help you finance more than 80% of your home value.

The US Government's VA loans program helps veterans, active-duty service members and their families qualify for a home loan. Though they are issued by private lenders like Rate, VA home loans are backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Created during World War II to help returning service men and women purchase homes, this program has guaranteed over 22 million VA loans since 1944.