Fixed
Looking for a little stability in this ever changing world?
A fixed rate mortgage is one of the most popular loan options to date.
With this reliable and stable loan option, you will lock in a fixed rate for a time period ranging from 10 to 30 years.
With a fixed mortgage, you can often put down as little as 3.5%, with loans ranging from $25,000 to $2,000,000.
Your monthly payments are based on the locked rate and principal loan amount.
The monthly mortgage payment will not change throughout the life of the mortgage.
Fixed rate mortgages are the most stable and recommended loan options on the market today.
ARM
If you are looking for the lowest payment option for your mortgage, the adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) may be for you.
The interest rate for an ARM is fixed for a certain period of time, typically five or seven years.
After that time, the interest rate adjusts to the current market situation.
While ARMs typically deliver lower rates, they are affected by current market changes.
ARMs work great for people who take proactive measures and have a keen eye on the market.
With an ARM, you will likely qualify for a larger loan amount and incur lower monthly payments upfront.
Interest-only
An interest-only mortgage is just as its name implies: paying only the interest on your mortgage for a set period of time (typically 5-10 years).
Interest-only loans are appealing for many potential home buyers looking to keep monthly payments low.
Benefits of Interest-Only Mortgage
- Lower monthly payments
- Greater purchasing power
- Frees up cash for college funds, retirement and other investment opportunities
- Maximize your tax deduction
Risks of Interest-Only Mortgage
- Available funds needed immediately when interest-only payment period expires
- Higher payments on the back end
- Will not build equity, as you do not pay toward the principal of the estate
- More difficult to refinance
Jumbo
If you are looking to get low rates on big loan, look toward a jumbo mortgage.
A jumbo mortgage is a home loan in an amount above conventional conforming loan limits, set by the United States government.
Jumbo mortgages are unable to be purchased by the government sponsored enterprise groups, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and therefore often hold higher interest rates.
A jumbo loan is any amount above $510,400 for most U.S. areas and $765,600 in the highest priced areas of the United States.
Jumbo loans are offered in a variety of options, including fixed rate and ARMs, as well as interest only.
Jumbo loans are a higher risk for lenders but can be great for long-term investments for loan seekers.
FHA
If you plan to put less than 5% down on your home and are looking for more lenient credit requirements, a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage may be for you.
FHA loans do not carry the income limits that other conventional home loans may carry.
The actual payment varies on your current income status, credit profile and interest rates.
You can put down as little as 3.5% of the purchase price of your home or use available grants to avoid having to come up with any down payment altogether, thus freeing up cash for future payments or home improvements.
FHA loans carry limits on how much can be borrowed at one time.
They are offered in both fixed and adjustable rate loans.
The property must be FHA approved for the loan to be successful.
VA
Members of our U.S. military know how hard it can be to move from place to place due to deployments and relocation.
That is why the Department of Veteran’s Affairs set up the VA home loan, offering all active service, veterans and retired military employees, along with surviving spouses, the ability to purchase a home with no money down.
Veterans enjoy no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) that conventional loans hold as well as less qualifications and higher debt-to-income ratios than may otherwise be accepted.