Irving has a unique housing mix compared to most DFW cities I work in — a strong condo and townhome market around Las Colinas alongside traditional single-family neighborhoods. I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329), a mortgage loan officer serving Irving and the rest of Dallas County, and conventional loans are often the smarter choice here, especially for condo buyers who run into FHA's more limited condo-approval requirements.
This guide covers conventional loan requirements, down payment options, PMI, and 2026 loan limits for Irving. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 if you'd rather skip to the numbers — I'll run your scenario the same day.
Conventional Loan Requirements in Irving TX for 2026
Conventional loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines statewide. Here's what you need to qualify in Irving in 2026:
- Credit score: 620 minimum; 680+ recommended for the best rate tiers
- Down payment: 3% minimum (HomeReady/Home Possible); 5–10% most common in Irving
- Debt-to-income ratio: Generally 43–45% max; up to 50% with compensating factors
- Employment: 2 years of verifiable employment or self-employment history
- Loan amount: Up to $806,500 (Dallas County conforming limit, 2026)
- Property type: Single-family, condos, townhomes, 2–4 unit properties
Condos are a bigger part of Irving's market than most of the cities I cover, and conventional financing generally has a broader universe of eligible condo projects than FHA, which requires the specific building to appear on an approved list. I check condo eligibility for you before you make an offer.
Down Payment Options for Conventional Loans in Irving TX
Here's how the math looks on a $350,000 Irving home or condo in 2026:
| Down Payment | Amount (on $350K) | PMI Required? | Approx. PMI/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3% (HomeReady) | $10,500 | Yes | ~$135–$180 |
| 5% | $17,500 | Yes | ~$115–$155 |
| 10% | $35,000 | Yes | ~$70–$90 |
| 20% | $70,000 | No | $0 |
PMI on a conventional loan cancels automatically once you reach 80% loan-to-value — an advantage FHA doesn't offer, since its mortgage insurance typically lasts the life of the loan. Most Irving buyers I work with put down 5–10%, balancing manageable PMI with keeping reserves on hand.
I also help Irving buyers combine down payment assistance with conventional financing where eligible — see my down payment assistance page for what's available.
2026 Conventional Loan Limits in Irving TX (Dallas County)
Irving is in Dallas County, where the 2026 conforming loan limit is $806,500 for a single-family home. That covers virtually all Irving purchases, including higher-end Las Colinas properties.
For more Irving-specific details, see my Irving conventional loans page, the main conventional loans guide, or my Irving mortgage page.
Conventional vs. FHA in Irving TX — Which Is Right for You?
I model both loan types for every Irving buyer. My general rule of thumb for 2026:
- Go conventional if: Credit score 680+, buying a condo (broader eligible-project list), or putting down 5% or more
- Consider FHA if: Credit score 580–639, minimal down payment, and the property (or condo project) is FHA-approved
- VA loan if eligible: Always my first recommendation for eligible veterans — $0 down, no PMI
For condo buyers specifically, I usually recommend checking conventional first since the FHA-approved condo list in Irving is more limited than the broader conventional-eligible universe.
Working With a Local Conventional Loan Expert in Irving TX
I've closed conventional loans across Irving, including a number of condo and townhome purchases near Las Colinas, and I know how to check building eligibility quickly so you don't waste time on a property that won't work with your loan type. I typically issue Irving pre-approval letters within 24–48 hours.
I also coordinate with title companies and real estate agents active in Irving to keep closings on schedule. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 and let's get your Irving purchase moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a conventional loan in Irving TX in 2026?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) and the minimum is 620, but I recommend 680+ for the best pricing. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 for a free credit review.
How much down payment do I need for a conventional loan in Irving TX?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) and the minimum is 3%, though most Irving buyers put down 5–10% given the $280,000–$450,000 price range. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 and I'll model your exact numbers.
What is the conventional loan limit in Irving TX for 2026?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) and Irving is in Dallas County, where the 2026 conforming limit is $806,500. That covers virtually all Irving purchases. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 with questions about your price range.
Is a conventional loan better than FHA in Irving TX?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329) and for most Irving buyers with 680+ credit, conventional beats FHA on total cost and offers broader condo eligibility. Call or text me at 469-545-7180 for a full comparison.
Ready for a Conventional Loan in Irving TX?
I'm Bond Peter Njoku (NMLS #2670329). I close conventional loans across Irving and the rest of Dallas County, including condo and townhome purchases. Call or text me at 469-545-7180, message me on WhatsApp, or start your pre-approval online.