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.
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Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM):
- The interest rate remains constant throughout the loan term.
- Monthly payments remain the same, providing predictability for budgeting.
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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.
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FHA Loans (Federal Housing Administration):
- Insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
- Often suitable for first-time homebuyers with lower down payment requirements.
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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.
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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.
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Conventional Loans:
- Not insured or guaranteed by government agencies.
- Typically require higher credit scores and larger down payments compared to government-backed loans.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!