Conventional, jumbo and more
Conventional home loans from a lender who does more than VA
Most people know me for VA loans and pilot income. I also originate conventional, jumbo, FHA and USDA loans for buyers with no military or aviation background at all. Same team, same pricing engine, same response time.
Short answer: a conventional loan is a mortgage that is not backed by a government agency. It is the most common loan in the country and the most flexible: primary homes, second homes and investment properties, with down payments that can start in the low single digits for qualified buyers. If you put less than 20 percent down you pay mortgage insurance, which can be removed later.
When conventional is the right tool
Primary residence
First-time and repeat buyers with solid credit. Low down payment options are available, and mortgage insurance comes off once you have enough equity.
Second home or crash pad
A place near your base or a vacation home. VA loans cannot be used here, so conventional is the standard route.
Investment property
Rentals, including in cities you know well. Expect a larger down payment and reserve requirements than on a home you live in.
What I can do on a conventional loan
- Shop the loan across multiple investors. Trident is not tied to one source of money, so I can move a file to the investor with the best pricing for your scenario.
- Lender-paid and seller-paid temporary buydowns, when available, to lower the payment in the first years.
- Jumbo loans for amounts above the conforming loan limit.
- Side-by-side comparisons. If you are a veteran, I price VA and conventional together so you can see payment and cash to close for each.
- Pilot income done correctly on any loan type: new-hire class dates, upgrades and equipment changes.
Not sure which loan fits? That is the first thing we sort out on a call. I also offer FHA and USDA loans when they are the better fit.
Conventional versus VA for veterans
If you have VA eligibility, conventional is not automatically worse or better. VA usually wins on a primary residence with a small down payment because there is no monthly mortgage insurance. Conventional can make sense when you are putting 20 percent or more down, buying a second home or rental, or preserving entitlement for a later purchase. I run both and show you the numbers. More in the VA loan guide.
What I need to pre-approve you
- W-2s for the last two years
- Paystubs covering the most recent 30 days
- The most recent two months of statements for accounts used for down payment, closing costs or reserves
- Driver license
- If you own real estate: mortgage statement, homeowners insurance declarations page and any lease agreements
Conventional loan questions
Do you only do VA loans?
No. I am best known for VA loans, but I originate conventional, jumbo, FHA and USDA loans in every state where I am licensed.
How much do I need to put down on a conventional loan?
It depends on the property and your profile. Qualified buyers of a primary residence can put down well under 20 percent. Second homes and investment properties require more. I will give you the exact figure for your scenario.
What is PMI and can I get rid of it?
Private mortgage insurance is charged on conventional loans when the down payment is under 20 percent. Unlike some government loans, it can be removed once you reach enough equity.
What is a jumbo loan?
A jumbo loan is a conventional loan above the conforming loan limit set each year for your county. I wrote about the 2026 limits in Aero Crew News.
Can I use a conventional loan for a crash pad near my base?
Yes. A place you use around trips while your family home is elsewhere is financed as a second home, which is a conventional loan.
I am not a veteran or a pilot. Will you still work with me?
Yes. Plenty of my clients have no connection to aviation or the military. You get the same process and the same response time.
Get real numbers on a conventional loan
Apply online in about 10 to 15 minutes, or call or text 913-645-1185.