Purchase & Refinance Loan Options

Whether you're buying your first home or adding to an investment portfolio, the right loan structure makes a material difference in your long-term outcome. The programs below cover the full range of purchase and refinance scenarios — from first-time buyers with limited down payment to investors qualifying on rental income. Use the tabs to find the program that fits your situation, or contact us if you'd like help narrowing it down before you start.
Purchase & Refinance
FHA
FHA loans offer flexible qualification standards and lower down payment requirements, making them a practical option for first-time buyers and borrowers who may not qualify for conventional financing. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are widely available and work across a broad range of credit profiles and income types.
Criteria
- Down payment as low as 3.5%
- Minimum FICO: 580
- Flexible debt-to-income requirements
- Available for 1-4 unit primary residences, condos, and manufactured homes
- 15 and 30-year loan terms available
- Mortgage insurance required for life of loan in most cases
- Can be paired with down payment assistance programs
- Loan limits vary by county — contact us for current limits in your area
VA
VA loans are designed exclusively for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses — and they carry benefits no conventional loan can match. If you've served, this is likely your best financing option. No down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates make the VA loan the strongest purchase product available to those who qualify.
- Must be an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying spouse
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required — we can help obtain this
- No down payment required
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Minimum FICO: 600
- Available for purchases, cash-out refinances, and streamlined refinances (IRRRL)
- VA funding fee applies — amount varies by usage and down payment
- Loan limits vary by county
Conventional
Conventional loans are the most widely used mortgage product for purchase and refinance transactions. They offer the broadest range of term and rate options and work across primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. Borrowers with strong credit and stable income typically find the best overall terms with a conventional loan.
- Down payment as low as 3%
- Low minimum credit score with AUS approval
- Fixed and adjustable rate options with terms from 10 to 30 years
- Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties — 1-4 units
- Mortgage insurance required below 20% down — removable at 20% equity
- Custom mortgage insurance options available
- Conforming and high-balance loan limits apply
Jumbo & Non-QM
For loan amounts that exceed conventional limits or borrowers who don't fit standard qualification requirements, our expanded prime program offers flexible documentation and higher loan limits without sacrificing competitive terms. Bank statement, 1099, P&L, and full doc options are available — making this program well suited for self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and high-net-worth individuals with complex income structures.
- Loan amounts up to $3,500,000
- Full doc, bank statement, 1099, and P&L income options available
- Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties
- Fixed and adjustable rate options including interest-only
- Credit score requirements vary by loan amount and LTV
- Contact us for current program parameters
Down Payment Assistance
Coming up with a down payment is one of the biggest barriers to homeownership. Our down payment assistance program pairs with an FHA loan to cover your down payment and closing costs — helping you get into a home with little to nothing out of pocket. The assistance is available as a forgivable second or a repayable second depending on your situation and income.
Criteria
- Minimum FICO: 600
- Available for 1-2 unit primary residences, condos, and manufactured homes
- Loan amounts follow FHA county limits
- Assistance available as a forgivable second or repayable second
- Can be combined with competitive rate options
- Income limits may apply depending on program tier
- Contact us to determine eligibility for your situation
USDA
USDA loans offer 100% financing for eligible borrowers purchasing in qualifying rural and suburban areas. If the property and your income meet program guidelines, this is one of the most affordable paths to homeownership available — no down payment, no high credit score requirement, and a 30-year fixed rate that keeps payments predictable.
Criteria
- No down payment required
- No minimum credit score with AUS approval
- Available to low-to-moderate income households
- 30-year fixed rate only
- Available for purchases and refinances
- Property must be located in a USDA-eligible area
- Household income limits apply — contact us to verify eligibility
- Geographic and income eligibility requirements apply
FHA Low Credit
FHA loans are the most accessible government-backed mortgage program for borrowers with lower credit scores. With a minimum score of 580 and a down payment of 3.5%, FHA offers a viable path to homeownership for borrowers who have experienced credit challenges in the past. Scores between 500 and 579 may still qualify with a higher down payment — contact us to discuss your specific situation.
- Minimum FICO: 580 with 3.5% down
- Scores 500-579 may qualify with 10% down
- Flexible debt-to-income requirements
- Available for 1-4 unit primary residences, condos, and manufactured homes
- Mortgage insurance required
- Can be paired with down payment assistance
- Loan limits vary by county
VA Low Credit
VA loans offer some of the most flexible credit requirements of any mortgage program — and for veterans who have served, there is no better starting point regardless of credit history. While we require a minimum score of 600, the VA program's manual underwriting options and flexible guidelines make it accessible to borrowers who may not qualify elsewhere. If you've served your country, this program is worth exploring before assuming you don't qualify.
Criteria
- Must be an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying spouse
- COE required — we can help obtain this
- Minimum FICO: 600
- No down payment required
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- VA funding fee applies
- Contact us to discuss manual underwriting options
USDA Low Credit
USDA loans have no minimum credit score requirement when the loan receives an underwriting approval. For borrowers in eligible rural and suburban areas who have limited credit history or past credit challenges, USDA can be a viable path to 100% financing when other programs are unavailable. If the property qualifies and your income meets program guidelines, credit score alone is unlikely to be the barrier.
- No minimum credit score with underwriting approval
- No down payment required
- 30-year fixed rate only
- Primary residence only
- Property must be in a USDA-eligible area
- Income limits apply
- Contact us to verify property and income eligibility
FHA Low Down Payment
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher — one of the lowest down payment thresholds available on a standard purchase loan. For a $300,000 home that's $10,500 down, making FHA one of the most accessible entry points to homeownership for buyers who haven't had years to accumulate savings.
- Down payment: 3.5% minimum with 580+ FICO
- Available for 1-4 unit primary residences, condos, and manufactured homes
- Can be paired with down payment assistance to reduce out of pocket further
- Mortgage insurance required
- 15 and 30-year loan terms available
- Loan limits vary by county — contact us for current limits in your area
VA Low Down Payment
The VA loan is the only standard mortgage program that offers 100% financing with no down payment requirement and no monthly mortgage insurance. For eligible veterans and service members, this is the most powerful low down payment option available — bar none. If you've served and you're buying a home, this is where the conversation starts.
- No down payment required
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Must be an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying spouse
- COE required — we can help obtain this
- VA funding fee applies — amount varies by usage and down payment
- Loan limits vary by county
- Primary residence only
USDA Low Down Payment
USDA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment for borrowers purchasing in eligible rural and suburban areas. If the property and your income meet program guidelines, USDA delivers one of the lowest total cost of ownership paths available for buyers who qualify. Combined with no monthly mortgage insurance requirement, the monthly payment on a USDA loan is often lower than comparable FHA or conventional financing.
- No down payment required
- Property must be in a USDA-eligible area
- Income limits apply — contact us to verify eligibility for your area
- 30-year fixed rate only
- Primary residence only
- No minimum credit score with AUS approval
- Geographic and income eligibility requirements apply
Down Payment Assistance Low Down Payment
Down payment assistance pairs directly with an FHA loan to cover both your down payment and closing costs — reducing your out of pocket at closing to as little as nothing. For borrowers who meet the income and credit requirements, this is the most direct path to homeownership with minimal upfront investment. The assistance is structured as either a forgivable second that goes away over time or a repayable second with favorable terms depending on your situation.
- Minimum FICO: 600
- Available for 1-2 unit primary residences, condos, and manufactured homes
- Loan amounts follow FHA county limits
- Forgivable or repayable second options available
- Can be combined with competitive rate options
- Income limits may apply
- Contact us to determine eligibility for your situation
FHA Refinance
FHA refinance options include both rate and term refinances and the FHA Streamline — one of the most efficient refinance paths available for borrowers already in an FHA loan. The Streamline requires minimal documentation and no new appraisal in most cases, making it a fast and cost-effective option when rates drop. For borrowers looking to move from FHA to conventional and eliminate mortgage insurance, we can evaluate both paths and recommend the right approach for your situation.
- Available for primary residences
- FHA Streamline available for existing FHA borrowers — limited documentation required
- No appraisal required on Streamline in most cases
- Mortgage insurance required
- Minimum FICO: 580
- Loan limits vary by county
- Contact us to compare FHA Streamline vs conventional refinance options
VA Refinance
VA refinance options include the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) — commonly called the VA Streamline — and the VA cash-out refinance. The IRRRL is one of the fastest and most straightforward refinance products available, requiring minimal documentation and no appraisal in most cases. The cash-out option allows eligible veterans to access up to the full value of their home — making it one of the most powerful equity access tools available to those who qualify.
- Must be an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying spouse
- COE required — we can help obtain this
- IRRRL available for existing VA loan borrowers — limited documentation required
- No appraisal required on IRRRL in most cases
- Cash-out refinance available up to 100% LTV
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- VA funding fee applies
- Loan limits vary by county
Conventional Refinance
Conventional refinancing offers the broadest set of options for borrowers looking to lower their rate, change their loan term, or access equity. Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties, conventional refinancing works across a wide range of loan amounts and property types. Borrowers currently in an FHA loan with sufficient equity may benefit from refinancing to conventional to eliminate mortgage insurance permanently — we'll run the numbers on both options and show you which delivers better long-term value.
- Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties
- Rate and term and cash-out options available
- Cash-out up to 80% LTV on primary residence
- Removes FHA mortgage insurance when sufficient equity exists
- Fixed and adjustable rate options
- Conforming and high-balance loan limits apply
- Contact us to compare conventional vs FHA refinance options
Jumbo & Non-QM Refinance
For borrowers with loan amounts above conforming limits or income structures that don't fit standard documentation requirements, our expanded prime refinance program offers flexible qualification and competitive terms. Bank statement, 1099, P&L, and full doc options are available across primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. If you've been told you don't qualify for a conventional refinance due to income documentation, this is the program worth exploring next.
- Loan amounts up to $3,500,000
- Full doc, bank statement, 1099, and P&L income options available
- Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties
- Fixed and adjustable rate options including interest-only
- Credit score requirements vary by loan amount and LTV
- Contact us for current program parameters
USDA Refinance
USDA offers a streamlined refinance option for existing USDA loan borrowers looking to lower their rate without the full documentation requirements of a standard refinance. Property and income eligibility requirements still apply and the property must remain in a USDA-eligible area. If you're currently in a USDA loan and rates have improved since you closed, this is worth evaluating — we'll compare the USDA streamline against a conventional refinance and show you which delivers better terms for your situation.
- Available for existing USDA loan borrowers only
- Property must remain in a USDA-eligible area
- Income limits apply
- 30-year fixed rate only
- Primary residence only
- Limited documentation required on streamline option
- Contact us to verify eligibility and compare options
FHA Cash Out
FHA cash-out refinancing allows borrowers to access the equity in their primary residence — consolidating debt, funding home improvements, or covering major expenses. Available for owner-occupied properties only, the FHA cash-out program offers flexible credit requirements and is a viable option for borrowers who don't yet have the credit profile or equity position to qualify for a conventional cash-out. If you're currently in an FHA loan and have built meaningful equity, this may be your most accessible path to putting that equity to work.
- Primary residence only
- Maximum LTV: 80%
- Minimum FICO: 580
- Mortgage insurance required
- 12-month ownership and payment history required
- Loan limits vary by county
- Contact us to compare FHA cash-out vs conventional cash-out options
VA Cash Out
The VA cash-out refinance is one of the most powerful equity access tools available — eligible veterans can refinance up to 100% of their home's value, making it possible to access equity that would be out of reach under conventional or FHA programs. Available for both existing VA loans and non-VA loans being refinanced into a VA product, this program gives veterans maximum flexibility to put their home equity to work — whether that's consolidating debt, funding a renovation, or covering a major expense.
- Must be an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying spouse
- COE required — we can help obtain this
- Maximum LTV: 100%
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- VA funding fee applies
- Primary residence only
- Available for existing VA and non-VA loans
- Full documentation required
Conventional Cash Out
Conventional cash-out refinancing is available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties — making it the most flexible cash-out option across occupancy types. Whether you're consolidating debt, funding a renovation, or pulling equity from an investment property to fund your next acquisition, conventional cash-out delivers competitive terms for borrowers with strong credit and sufficient equity. For borrowers currently in an FHA loan with 20% or more equity, refinancing to a conventional cash-out also eliminates mortgage insurance permanently.
- Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties
- Maximum LTV: 80% on primary residence
- Maximum LTV: 75% on second home
- Maximum LTV: 75% on investment property
- Fixed and adjustable rate options
- Mortgage insurance not required at 80% LTV or below
- Conforming and high-balance loan limits apply
- Contact us for investment property cash-out parameters
Jumbo & Non-QM Cash Out
For cash-out transactions above conforming loan limits or borrowers with non-standard income documentation, our expanded prime program provides access to equity without the restrictions of agency programs. Bank statement, 1099, P&L, and full doc options are available across primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. If a conventional cash-out isn't available due to loan amount or income documentation, this is the program that fills the gap — competitive terms without requiring you to fit a standard qualification box.
- Loan amounts up to $3,500,000
- Full doc, bank statement, 1099, and P&L income options available
- Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties
- Fixed and adjustable rate options including interest-only
- Credit score and LTV requirements vary by loan amount and documentation type
- Contact us for current program parameters
Home Equity Loan
Our home equity loan program provides a standalone second mortgage for borrowers looking to access equity in a primary residence or second home without refinancing their first mortgage. Unlike a cash-out refinance that replaces your existing loan entirely, a home equity loan sits behind your first mortgage and leaves your existing rate and terms intact. Full doc and bank statement documentation options are available, making this accessible for borrowers with non-standard income structures who have built meaningful equity in their property.
- Loan amounts from $50,000 to $1,000,000
- Available for primary residences and second homes only
- Full doc and bank statement documentation options
- Standalone second — does not require refinancing first mortgage
- Existing first mortgage remains in place
- Minimum FICO: 620
- Contact us for current LTV and program parameters
DSCR Loan
DSCR loans qualify based on the property's rental income relative to its debt obligations — not your personal income, employment history, or tax returns. If the property generates sufficient cash flow to cover the mortgage payment, you may qualify regardless of how your personal finances are structured. Ideal for self-employed investors, portfolio builders, and borrowers whose personal DTI makes additional conventional financing difficult. Short-term rental income is eligible, making this program well suited for Airbnb and vacation rental investors as well as long-term buy and hold strategies.
- Loan amounts from $100,000 to $2,500,000
- Qualification based on property cash flow — no personal income required
- Available for single-family, 2-4 units, and short-term rentals
- Non-owner occupied investment properties only
- LLC and entity vesting allowed
- Minimum FICO: 620
- Fixed and adjustable rate options available
- No limit on number of financed properties
- Available in most states — contact us to confirm availability for your location
DSCR Second Mortgage
The DSCR second mortgage allows investors to access equity from an existing investment property without disturbing the first mortgage — preserving a favorable rate on the primary loan while still putting equity to work. This is particularly valuable for investors who locked in a low rate on their first mortgage and don't want to refinance into current market rates just to access equity. Qualifies on rental income rather than personal income, consistent with the DSCR program structure.
- Loan amounts from $75,000 to $500,000
- Qualification based on rental income — no personal income required
- Maximum CLTV: 80%
- Minimum 6-month seasoning on first mortgage required
- Minimum FICO: 620
- Non-owner-occupied investment properties only
- LLC and entity vesting allowed
- Contact us for current rate and program parameters
Not sure which loan is right for you?
The right loan structure makes a material difference. We match borrowers to the right program across every purchase and refinance scenario — conventional, government, jumbo, and investor.
Bastion offers purchase and refinance financing for owner-occupied borrowers and real estate investors in Idaho and California, with investor lending available in most states. For owner-occupied borrowers, we originate conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans covering the full range of purchase scenarios — from first-time buyers with limited down payment to move-up buyers and second home purchases. For borrowers who don't fit standard qualification requirements, our expanded prime program offers bank statement, 1099, and P&L documentation options up to $3,500,000. For real estate investors, our DSCR program qualifies on rental income rather than personal income — making it accessible for self-employed investors and portfolio builders regardless of personal DTI. Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing an investment property, we identify the right program and structure the transaction to close efficiently.
