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ABOUT
DIFFERENT LOAN PROGRAMS
What Are The
Basic Loan Types?
The past several years
have seen an explosion in loan products designed to meet almost every
borrowers individual criteria. These many mortgage products fall under a
few basic loan types.
15-Year and 30-Year
Fixed Rate Payment and rate
stay the same from start to finish
5 and 7 Year
Balloons
Lower start rate. Some of the balloon programs may be converted to an
adjustable rate or a fixed rate after the 5 or 7 years, with very low
fee and attractive rate.
Adjustable Rate
Mortgage (ARM)
Lowest start rate Adjusts either every 6 months or every 12 months
depending on program and grade and is based on the economy 6%
ceiling for prime and 7% ceiling for sub-prime.
5/1 and 7/1 Fixed
Rate
Rate is fixed for the first 5 or 7 years, then shifts to an adjustable
rate mortgage (ARM).
2/28 and 3/27 ARM
An ARM program that is fixed for the first 2 or 3 years, then shifts
into a 6 month adjustable rate mortgage. It is a sub-prime program
giving you a rate lower than the sub-prime 30-year fixed, and if you
have had credit problems, it allows a window of time for credit
rebuilding and seasoning. You will then want to refinance this loan.
What
Should I Look For?
Are You Moving in
the First Few Years? You may
want to consider a balloon mortgage. Some balloon loans allow you to
convert to a longer term if you find the 5 or 7 years was not enough
time. Conversions are easy and reasonable. When you consider this loan,
ask if the program is convertible.
Do You Need the
Lowest Possible Rate to Qualify? To
qualify for the house you want, an adjustable rate or a 7-year balloon
may be the answer.
Do You Want a Fixed
Predictable Loan? If
you want a fixed predictable loan for a long time, the 15-year or
30-year fixed is probably the best, especially when you have good
credit.
Which
Program Is Best For Me? |