Loan Programs (click on program for more information)

Fixed Rate Mortgages
  • 30 year fixed
  • 15 year fixed

Advantages

  • 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

Disadvantages

  • 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
FHA Home Loans
  • 30 year fixed
  • 15 year fixed

Advantages

  • Competitive rates for borrowers with a lower credit score
  • Lower down payments required
  • Closing costs can be gifted or included in mortgage
  • Less stringent approval guidelines

Disadvantages

  • Full documentation of income and assets
  • No stated income or asset programs

Advantages

  • Don't need to verify income
  • Faster approval
  • Good for borrowers who may not qualify with a full income documentation program

Disadvantages

  • Higher rates
  • Higher down payment

Advantages

  • 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

Disadvantages

  • Higher rates
  • Principal loan balance will not decrease during the interest only payment period
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM)
  • 1 month ARM
  • 1 month ARM
  • 6 month ARM
  • 5/1 ARM
  • 3/1 ARM
  • 10/1 ARM
  • 7/1 ARM

Advantages

  • 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

Disadvantages

  • More risk
  • Payments may change over time
  • Potential for higher payments if rates increase

Advantages

  • Lower down payment
  • Easier to qualify
  • Lower rates may be available

Disadvantages

  • 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

Advantages

  • 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

Disadvantages

  • Rates can change
  • Payments can change
  • Harder to refinance your first mortgage