The best way to determine which loan program is best for you is to consider how many years you plan to stay in your home. Below are some recommendations that generally work best. Don't forget to review our complete set of programs.
We have a wide variety of loan programs that are just right for you. Below you will find an overview of each, including the general benefits of each.
| Loan Programs |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Fixed Rate Mortgages
- 30 year fixed
- 15 year fixed
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- 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
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- 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, 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 rates
|
- 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
- Credit score driven
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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
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- 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
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- Higher interest rates than on 1st mortgages
- Harder to refinance your first mortgage
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In addition to our standard loan programs, we also have a number of unique programs to serve your needs:
