| 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
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| 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
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| Balloon Mortgages |
7 year
5 year | - 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
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| First Time Buyer Programs |
| | - 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.
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| Stated Income Programs |
| | - Don't need to verify income
- Faster approval
| - Higher rates
- Higher down payment
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| No point, No fee Programs |
| | - No closing costs
- Less money required to close
| - Higher rates
- Higher payments
|
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| 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
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| 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
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| Home Equity Fixed Loan |
| | - Fixed payments
- Interest may be tax deductible
| - Higher interest rates than on 1st mortgages
- Harder to refinance your first mortgage
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