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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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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 interest rates go up
Can refinance if rates go down |
Higher interest rate
Higher mortgage payments
Rate does not drop if rates go down
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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM)
10/1 ARM
7/1 ARM
5/1 ARM
3/1 ARM
1 year ARM
6 month ARM
1 month ARM |
Lower initial monthly payment
Rates and payments may go down if rates improve
May qualify for higher loan amounts
30 year term, no balloon payment
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More risk
Payments may change over time
Potential for higher payments if rates increase
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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Balloon Mortgages
7 year
5 year |
Lower initial monthly payment
Lower payment for a predetermined 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, refinance, or exercise the conversion option
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 |
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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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First Time Buyer Programs |
Lower down payment
Easier to qualify
Lower rates may be available
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May be subject to income and property value limitations
Some government subsidized programs may generate a recapture tax if you sell the house too soon
Education courses may be required to qualify for these loans |
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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Stated Income Programs |
Don't need to verify income
Faster approval
Good for borrowers who may not qualify with a full income documentation program |
Higher rates
Higher down payment
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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Interest Only Programs |
You have several payment options
Lower monthly payments
Qualify for a higher loan amount
Qualify at the interest only payment
Option to pay the full normal payment
Interest only payments for up to ten years |
Higher rates
Principal loan balance will not decrease during the interest only payment period
Payment will be higher for the remaining term |
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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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No point, No fee Programs |
No out-of-pocket loan costs at closing
Closing costs are paid from the lender rebate
Less money required to close
Refinance without increasing your loan amount |
Higher rates
Higher payments
Some lenders may have a short payoff penalty which is usually charged to the loan broker, but may be passed on to you
Some require a prepayment penalty for the first one to five years |
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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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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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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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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
May be free of closing costs
A good source for an emergency fund, if set up in advance
Can be used for debt consolidation and lower payments
Rates are usually lower than consumer loan or credit card rates |
Rates can change. The maximum interest rate can be relatively high
Payments can change
Harder to refinance your first mortgage |
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Loan Program |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
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Home Equity Fixed Loan |
Fixed payments
Interest may be tax deductible
Get cash out for any purpose |
Higher interest rates compared to first mortgage
Harder to refinance your first mortgage
Interest is paid on the entire loan amount, compared to an equity line of credit |
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