Last Updated on June 30, 2018 by Eric Jeanette
There are many loan options available to you depending upon your situations. What you see in the grid below is just a basic example of what is out there. The main loan types are programs that you may find yourself looking into is as follows..
Years you plan to stay in the home |
Recommended program |
1-3 years |
3/1 ARM, 1 year ARM or 6 month ARM |
3-5 years |
5/1 ARM |
5-7 years |
7/1 ARM |
7-10 years |
10/1 ARM, 30 year fixed or 15 year fixed |
10+ years |
30 year fixed or 15 year fixed |
|
Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Fixed Rate Mortgages |
Monthly payments are fixed over the life of the loan |
Higher interest rate |
30 Year Fixed |
Interest rate does not change |
Higher mortgage payments |
20 Year Fixed |
Protected if rates go up |
Rate does not drop if interest rates improve |
15 Year Fixed |
Can refinance if rates go down |
|
|
Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Adjustable Rate Mortgages |
Lower initial monthly payment |
More risk |
10/1 ARM |
Rates and payments may go down if rates improve |
Payments may change over time |
7/1 ARM |
May qualify for higher loan amounts |
Potential for higher payments if rates increase |
5/1 ARM |
30 year term, no balloon payment |
|
3/1 ARM |
|
1 year ARM |
6 month ARM |
1 month ARM |
|
Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Balloon Mortgages |
Lower initial monthly payment |
Risk of rates being higher at the end of the initial fixed period |
Lower payment for a predetermined period of time |
Risk of foreclosure if you cannot make balloon payment, refinance, or exercise the conversion option |
Many balloon mortgages offer the option to convert to a new loan after the initial term |
Balloon payment requires you to sell or refinance after the term, as opposed to a 7/1 or 5/1 program with a 30 year term |
|
Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
First Time Buyer Programs |
Lower down payment |
May be subject to income and property value limitations |
Easier to qualify |
Some government subsidized programs may generate a recapture tax if you sell the house too soon |
Lower rates may be available |
Education courses may be required to qualify for these loans |
|
Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Low Documentation Programs |
Dont need to verify income or assets |
Higher rates |
Faster approval |
Higher down payment |
Good for borrowers who may not qualify with a full income documentation program |
|
|
Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Interest Only Loans |
You have several payment options |
Higher rates |
Lower monthly payments |
Principal loan balance will not decrease during the interest only payment period |
Qualify for a higher loan amount |
Payment will be higher for the remaining term |
Qualify at the interest only payment |
Loan Options |
Option to pay the full normal payment |
Interest only payments for up to ten years |
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