A Conventional Loan program is most often utilized by a more seasoned home buyer.  However, Conventional Loan also has a first time home buyer version with a minimum of only 3% down payment required rivaling FHA.  Conventional Loans fall under the Conforming loan category.  Conforming means that it meets and is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  Conventional is a program that can be used for a purchase or refinance rate / term or cash-out.