ServicesConventional Loans
Conventional Loans in Bee Cave
A conventional loan is often the cleanest path to a purchase or refinance when your credit and income are steady. We walk through down payment, mortgage insurance and rate options with you, then show the numbers side by side so the choice is yours.

When a Conventional Loan Is the Right Fit
Conventional loans carry no government agency backing. They follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, which favor good credit, verified income and manageable debt. For many borrowers, that adds up to a lower long-term cost than FHA, plus mortgage insurance that can be dropped once enough equity builds.
Our loan officer has spent 11 years in the mortgage industry and held an NMLS license for 10 years. Over that time one rule has stuck: improve what already works before replacing it. If your existing conventional loan just needs its mortgage insurance taken off, we will say so rather than pitch a refinance. If another program, like FHA Loans or VA Loans, would serve you better, we will explain the reason plainly.
What Our Conventional Loan Work Includes
- Phone pre-qualification
- We begin by talking through income, debts, savings and your target price range. By the end of the call you have a rough sense of where you stand and which documents are next.
- Comparing down payments
- Some first-time buyers can qualify with only 3 percent down, and others choose 10 or 20 percent. We set out each option so you see how the payment and mortgage insurance shift.
- Choosing mortgage insurance
- With less than 20 percent down, private mortgage insurance applies. We compare monthly and single-premium choices and explain when and how it can be canceled later.
- Rates with and without points
- We quote the rate both ways and show the month you break even on points. A written comparison makes the choice clear.
- Purchases and refinances
- One program handles purchases, rate-and-term refinances and cash-out refinances. If you would rather leave your first mortgage alone, we may direct you to our HELOC page.
- Keeping closing on schedule
- We keep your appraiser, title company and real estate agent up to date so nothing catches you off guard on closing day.
Signs a Conventional Loan May Suit You
Your credit is strong
Conventional pricing improves with higher scores. If your score has risen since you last checked, this program may now come out ahead.
Your income is steady and documented
W-2 employees and self-employed borrowers with two years of returns are usually a good match. If your returns show less than you earn, start with our Bank Statement Loans page instead.
You carry FHA mortgage insurance
FHA insurance frequently lasts for the full loan term. Switching to a conventional loan after building equity can end it permanently.
You have money set aside to put down
A modest down payment still qualifies for conventional options, and a bigger one reduces or eliminates mortgage insurance.
You want a vacation home or rental
Conventional rules permit second homes and investment properties, which government-backed programs usually do not.
How a Conventional Loan Moves From Call to Closing
- 1
Starting the conversation
We meet by phone, video or at our office, talk through your goals and finances, and give you a pre-qualification estimate.
- 2
Paperwork and pre-approval
You provide pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements and consent to pull credit. After a careful review, we issue a pre-approval you can show a seller.
- 3
Locking and appraising
When you are under contract, we go over lock choices and order the appraisal. If it comes in low, we discuss your options before moving on.
- 4
Clearing underwriting conditions
Underwriting may request a letter of explanation or a newer statement. We tell you precisely what is needed and why, so your file keeps moving.
- 5
Signing
Your Closing Disclosure arrives at least three business days before you sign. We review each line together so the numbers match what you planned for.

What Shapes the Cost of a Conventional Loan
Your rate and closing costs come from the specifics of your file and the market on your lock date. Every figure is in writing, with an explanation of what it covers. These are the items that move the numbers most.
- Your score
- Pricing adjustments shrink as scores go up. A small boost before applying can sometimes cut your rate, and we will let you know if a month's wait would pay off.
- Equity and amount down
- More equity lowers the lender's risk, which brings a better rate and less or no mortgage insurance.
- How the property is used
- Primary residences get the best pricing. Second homes, investment properties and condos add adjustments.
- Points and lock length
- Points bring the rate down. A longer lock costs more but protects you when closing will take a while.
- Size of the loan
- Loans under the yearly conforming limit are priced apart from jumbo loans, which comes into play on higher-priced properties around Lakeway and West Lake Hills.
Conventional Loan Questions
Something not covered here? (512) 881-7587
What score does a conventional loan require?
Most programs begin at 620, and pricing improves noticeably as scores climb. At pre-qualification we review your actual report, tell you where you fall and whether a few changes might help.
Is 20 percent down required?
No. Plenty of borrowers put down 3 to 5 percent. Under 20 percent, private mortgage insurance applies, and it can be removed once you have enough equity.
My conventional loan has PMI. Should I refinance to drop it?
Often that is not necessary. If your balance has come down or your property is worth more, your current servicer may cancel PMI and your rate stays the same. We help you look into that first and suggest a refinance only when it clearly saves more.
How does a conventional loan compare with FHA?
FHA is easier on credit, but its mortgage insurance tends to last longer and cost more overall. Conventional loans reward better credit with lower costs over time. We can price both so you compare them directly.
How long until closing?
Many conventional purchases close in roughly 30 to 45 days, based on the appraisal, title work and how fast documents arrive. Getting paperwork together early is the surest way to stay on track.

See Where You Stand on a Conventional Loan
One conversation covers your likely price range, down payment choices and whether a conventional loan is the right program for you. We will be direct if another option fits better.