What is a conventional loan that meets secondary market guidelines and does not exceed conforming loan limits?

A conventional loan that meets secondary market guidelines and does not exceed conforming loan limits is classified as a conventional loan. This type of loan adheres to the standards set by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, enabling them to be sold in the secondary market.

Conforming loans are subject to specific limitations, including the conforming loan limits established annually, which define the maximum loan amounts eligible for sale to the GSEs. By staying within these limits, the loans can maintain liquidity in the market and benefit from potentially lower interest rates due to reduced risk for lenders.

In contrast, other loan types mentioned, such as non-conforming loans and jumbo loans, exceed these limits and generally cannot be sold to GSEs, thus falling into different categories. An FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration and also has its own set of guidelines and requirements that differ from those of conventional loans.