Although the list of loan programs available are too numerous to list, below is a small selection of the most popular:
| Loan Programs |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Fixed Rate Mortgages
- 30 year fixed
- 15 year fixed
|
Monthly payments are fixed over
the life of the loan
Interest rate does not change
Protected if rates go up
Can refinance if rates go down
|
Higher interest rate
Higher mortgage payments
Rate does not drop if interest rates improve |
|
|
|
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
- 10/1 ARM
- 7/1 ARM
- 3/1 ARM
- 1 year ARM
- 6 month ARM
- 1 month ARM
|
Lower initial monthly payment
Lower payment over a shorter period of time
Rates and payments may go down if rates improve
May qualify for higher loan amounts |
More risk
Payments may change over time
Potential for high payments if rates go up |
|
|
|
Balloon Mortgages
|
Lower initial monthly payment
Lower payment over a shorter period of time
Many balloon mortgages offer the option to convert
to a new loan after the initial term. |
Risk of rates being higher at
the end of the initial fixed period
Risk of foreclosure if you cannot make balloon
payment or if you cannot refinance or if you cannot exercise
the conversion option |
|
|
|
First Time Buyer Programs |
Lower down payment
Easier to qualify
Sometimes you may get lower rates |
May be subject to income and property
value limitations
Some programs which have government subsidies
may have a recapture tax if you sell the house too early. |
|
|
|
Stated Income Programs |
Don't need to verify income
Faster approval |
Higher rates
Higher down payment |
|
|
|
No point, No fee Programs |
No closing costs
Less money required to close |
Higher rates
Higher payments |
|
|
|
Imperfect Credit Programs |
Potential for reestablishing credit
if you pay your mortgage on time.
When used for debt consolidation, you may be
able to reduce your monthly debt payment |
Higher rates
Terms may not be as favorable
Harder to get long term fixed loans
Loans may have prepayment penalties |
|
|
|
Home Equity Line of
Credit |
You only borrow what you need
Pay interest only on what you borrow
Flexible access to funds
Interest may be tax deductible |
Rates can change. The maximum
interest rate is normally high.
Payments can change
Harder to refinance your first mortgage |
|
|
|
Home
Equity Fixed Loan |
Fixed payments
Interest may be tax deductible |
Higher interest rates than on
1st
mortgages
Harder to refinance your first mortgage |