What type of mortgage is described as not insured or guaranteed by a government agency?

A conventional loan is defined as a type of mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by any government agency. This classification typically includes loans that conform to certain standards set by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but these loans operate independently of any government backing.

In contrast, loans such as FHA and VA are explicitly government-backed programs. FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which reduces the risk to lenders if the borrower defaults. Likewise, VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing lenders with a safety net and allowing them to offer beneficial terms to eligible veterans and service members.

Reverse mortgages, while also a specific type of loan often designed for older homeowners to convert home equity into cash, typically involve some level of FHA insurance as they are part of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program.

Therefore, the defining characteristic of a conventional loan is its lack of government insurance or guarantee, making it distinctly different from the other types of mortgages listed.