As low as 3% down, no government restrictions, and PMI that disappears once you hit 20% equity. For Baton Rouge buyers with solid credit, conventional is often the best long-term value.
A conventional loan is the most flexible mortgage available — no government program restrictions, no geographic eligibility requirements, no income caps. For Baton Rouge buyers with 620+ credit, conventional gives you the most options. Learn more on our Louisiana Conventional Loan guide.
Unlike FHA's permanent mortgage insurance, conventional PMI cancels automatically once you reach 20% equity — either through payments, appreciation, or a combination of both.
Primary residence, second home, investment property — conventional works for all three. FHA and USDA are owner-occupied only. If you want flexibility, conventional delivers it.
Conventional pricing rewards strong credit. At 740+, you'll qualify for the best available rates — often meaningfully lower than FHA for the same loan amount.
First-time buyers can put as little as 3% down on a conventional loan. Repeat buyers need 5% minimum. Either way, you don't need 20% to get started.
As a broker, Bayou Mortgage compares conventional rates across multiple lenders — not just one. That means you get the most competitive rate your credit profile qualifies for.
We run both scenarios side by side for every Baton Rouge buyer — so you can see which program saves you more based on your actual credit score, down payment, and timeline.
A conventional loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. That insurance allows lenders to offer more flexible qualification rules than many conventional loans.
A conventional loan is any mortgage not backed by a government agency. Instead, conventional loans conform to guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — the two government-sponsored enterprises that buy most US mortgages. Because they're not government-backed, lenders require stronger credit, but offer more flexibility in property type, loan amount, and long-term cost.
For Baton Rouge buyers, the key question is whether conventional or FHA makes more sense for your credit score and how long you plan to stay. Bayou Mortgage runs both scenarios with real numbers so you can make an informed decision — not a guess.
| Program | Down Payment | PMI / MIP | Min Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 3–20% | Removable at 20% | 620 |
| FHA Loan | 3.5% | MIP for life | 580 |
| VA Loan | $0 | None | No VA min |
| USDA Loan | $0 | 0.35%/yr | 640 |
Conventional wins long-term for buyers with 680+ credit who plan to build equity. Bayou Mortgage compares all options with your real numbers.
We run FHA vs Conventional side by side for every buyer — real numbers, not guesses. You'll see which program saves you more.
Compare My Options →Baton Rouge is a steady, growing market fueled by LSU, state government employment, and a strong petrochemical industry. First-time buyers find solid inventory across East Baton Rouge Parish.
East Baton Rouge Parish is home to LSU and a large state workforce, which creates stable demand and consistent home values across price points.
Key areas: Garden District, Mid City, Shenandoah, Broadmoor, Sherwood Forest
Flood zone note: Parts of Baton Rouge experienced significant flooding in 2016. Flood zone status varies by address — we check this early.
Conventional underwriting rewards strong credit and clean documentation. Bayou Mortgage structures your file to get the best rate your profile deserves.
We look at your credit score, down payment, DTI, and income — and run the numbers on conventional vs. FHA so you can make an informed decision before you apply.
Get Started →We collect documentation up front and issue a pre-approval that gives sellers confidence you're a serious, qualified buyer ready to move in Baton Rouge.
Get Started →Conventional appraisals have no government minimum property requirements — just a value confirmation. We guide you cleanly from contract to closing day.
Get Started →PMI, down payment options, how conventional compares to FHA for your credit score, and when conventional wins — explained for Baton Rouge buyers.
See what buyers across Louisiana say about working with Bayou Mortgage. Read all Google Reviews →
Strong credit deserves the best rate available. Bayou Mortgage shops multiple lenders to make sure you get it.
Bayou Mortgage serves buyers across Louisiana. Find conventional loan information for your city, or visit our Louisiana Conventional Loan overview page.
Free quote, no credit pull, no pressure — just clear answers for Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish.
