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Common Types of Mortgages - What Do They Mean?

Tuesday, December 19, 2023   /   by Meghan McDowell

Common Types of Mortgages - What Do They Mean?

There are several types of real estate mortgages in the United States, each designed to meet the specific needs of borrowers.

  1. Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM):

    • The interest rate remains constant throughout the loan term.
    • Monthly payments remain the same, providing predictability for budgeting.
  2. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM):

    • The interest rate is variable and can change periodically based on market conditions.
    • Typically, there is an initial fixed-rate period followed by adjustments.
  3. FHA Loans (Federal Housing Administration):

    • Insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
    • Often suitable for first-time homebuyers with lower down payment requirements.
  4. VA Loans (Department of Veterans Affairs):

    • Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.
    • Usually offers favorable terms, including no or low down payment.
  5. USDA Loans (U.S. Department of Agriculture):

    • Designed for borrowers in rural areas who meet income and property eligibility criteria.
    • Can offer low or zero down payment options.
  6. Conventional Loans:

    • Not insured or guaranteed by government agencies.
    • Typically require higher credit scores and larger down payments compared to government-backed loans.
  7. Interest-Only Mortgage:

    • Borrowers pay only interest for a specified initial period (e.g., 5 or 10 years).
    • After the interest-only period, payments include both principal and interest.
  8. Balloon Mortgage:

    • Offers lower monthly payments for a fixed period, after which the remaining balance becomes due in a lump sum (balloon payment).
    • Often used by borrowers who plan to sell or refinance before the balloon payment is due.
  9. Reverse Mortgage:

    • Available to seniors aged 62 and older.
    • Allows homeowners to convert home equity into cash, with loan repayment typically deferred until the borrower sells the home, moves, or passes away.
  10. Jumbo Loans:

    • Loans that exceed the conforming loan limits set by government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
    • Typically used for high-value properties.
  11. Interest-First Mortgage:

    • Borrowers pay interest only for a specified period, followed by payments of both principal and interest.

It's important for potential homebuyers to carefully consider their financial situation and goals when choosing a mortgage type. Additionally, mortgage terms and availability may vary based on the lender and current market conditions.

Give us a call today to determine which mortgage type best suits your needs!


  mortgage, home loans, financing

Keller Williams | Hutch & Howard
11400 Parkside Drive, Suite 120
Knoxville, TN 37934
865-966-5005

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