Which loan is right for you?

Years you plan to stay in the house

Recommended program

1-3

3/1 ARM, 1 year ARM or 6 month ARM

3-5

5/1 ARM

5-7

7/1 ARM

7-10

10/1 ARM, 30 year fixed or 15 year fixed

10+

30 year fixed or 15 year fixed

Fixed Rate Mortgages

30yr. fixed

15yr. fixed

Advantages

Disadvantages

• 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 Mortgage

10/1 ARM
7/1 ARM
3/1 ARM
1 year ARM
6 month ARM
1 month ARM

Advantages

Disadvantages

• 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

7 year
5year

Advantages

Disadvantages

• 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

Advantages

Disadvantages

• Lower down payment
• Easier to qualify
• Sometimes you may get lower rate

• 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

Advantages

Disadvantages

• Don't need to verify income
• Faster approval

• Higher rates
• Higher down payment

No Point, No Fee Programs

Advantages

Disadvantages

• No closing costs
• Less money required to close

• Higher rates
• Higher payments

Imperfect Credit Programs

Advantages

Disadvantages

• 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

Advantages

Disadvantages

• 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

Advantages

Disadvantages

• Fixed payments
• Interest may be tax deductible

• Higher interest rates than on 1st mortgages
• Harder to refinance your first mortgage