FHA. Highlights: 3.5% down payment, allows seller to pay 6% of buyers closing cost. Refinances have a lower mortgage insurance rate.

Veterans: Highlights for VA loans: 100 percent financing, veteran can purchase a home with no cash out of pocket.

Conventional, Hightlights: 5% down payment, no mortgage insurance at 80% loan to value. Multiple loan options as Fixed rates for 10 to 30 years, fixed adjustable rate hybrids - rate fixed initially from 3-10 years the adjustable thereafter.

Rural Development, Highlights: Lends in rural locations

Reverse Mortgages, Highlights: Cash up front or a line of credit to seniors, no repayment for their entire lives.