Neighborhoods · Feb 14, 2026 · 8 min read
Best Loan for Low Down Payment: FHA 3.5% vs Conventional 3% in Fairfax, Virginia
What’s the best low down payment loan in Fairfax, Virginia — FHA 3.5% or Conventional 3%? If your credit score is 680+ and you plan to own long term, Conventional 3% usually costs less because PMI can be canceled. If your credit is 580–659 or your debt-to-income ratio is tight, FHA 3.5% may offer easier approval and stronger buying power in Northern Virginia’s competitive market.
What’s the best low down payment loan in Fairfax, Virginia — FHA 3.5% or Conventional 3%? If your credit score is 680+ and you plan to own long term, Conventional 3% usually costs less because PMI can be canceled. If your credit is 580–659 or your debt-to-income ratio is tight, FHA 3.5% may offer easier approval and stronger buying power in Northern Virginia’s competitive market.