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Owner-Occupant & First-Buyer

Fannie Mae Conventional 97 (3% Down)

Standard 3% down conventional for first-time buyers — no income limits.

Overview

Fannie Mae's Conventional 97 program lets first-time buyers put just 3% down on a conforming loan with no income limits (unlike HomeReady). PMI is required but drops off at 80% LTV. Cheaper long-term than FHA when credit is 720+. Stackable with most DPA programs. Widely available at every conventional lender.

Best fit
First-time buyers with 720+ FICOBuyers above HomeReady income limitsStandard suburban / metro buyers
Estimated impact
Skip 17% down vs standard 20%; PMI drops off in ~7 years

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