The following article appeared on CUInsight on July 31, 2019.
For those looking to buy a home, it might seem a little daunting, especially when you consider how many mortgage types there are. Here’s a simple list of 5 loan types with a basic description of each so you can begin to make the best decision on how to acquire your dream castle, complete with a moat and drawbridge. NONE SHALL PASS!!!
- CONVENTIONAL / FIXED RATE MORTGAGE Numero Uno is the most common of the mortgage types. If the title didn’t give it away, the interest rate, and thus the monthly payments, don’t change over time. The most common of these is the 30-year term. It should be noted that a 15-year term will give a better interest rate and get your mortgage paid off in half the time.
- INTEREST-ONLY MORTGAGEThese are kind of cool because they allow the borrower to pay interest only for the first five to seven years. Obviously, you can pay more if you’d like, but you don’t have to. So, if you’re budgeting lean, this could be a helpful way to go. Once that five- or seven-year period is done, however, normal payments including principal and interest, will kick in.
- ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE (ARM)Much like the Fixed Rate Mortgage, the name of this mortgage type explains what it does. Basically, the interest rate can change (typically upward) over the lifespan of the loan. This might not sound like an amazing way to go, but it does make it possible for someone to pay low interest rates to start with on an expensive home. More bang for your buck in a manner of speaking.
- FHA LOANSFHA means Federal Housing Administration. They tend to be very attractive to first-time home buyers because they require a low down payment and your credit doesn’t have to be stellar to qualify. The drawbacks are the borrower is required to pay for mortgage insurance (insurance that protects the lender in case you default) and the house must meet certain criteria from an appraisal by an FHA-approved appraiser.
- VA LOANSServed in this great country’s military? These loans are designed for you. Need a down payment? No. Require mortgage insurance? Again, no. Can work with a credit score that’s low? Of course!
There are other mortgage types and even more information about the ones listed above. However, this should get you pointed in the right direction.
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