Think of this as a menu of just about all the types of mortgages there are, what you need to know about them - and the type of borrower for which each home loan is best suited.
A home loan with an interest rate that’s set for the entire 30-year term of the mortgage.
Most popular home loan
Your interest rate never changes
Lower monthly payment than with shorter-term loans
Best for: Traditionally favored by most home buyers.
This mortgage also has an interest rate that never changes, but it’s structured to pay off the home in just 15 years.
Interest rate is set for the life of the loan
Lower interest rate than with longer-term loans
Higher monthly payment than with 30-year loans
Best for: Home buyers who want to pay off their loan faster and can afford the higher monthly payments.
A home loan with an initial rate that’s fixed for a period of time, then adjusts periodically. For example, a 5/1 ARM has an interest rate that is set for the first five years and then adjusts annually.
Initial “teaser rate” is lower than on most other loans
Initial rates can often be locked for one, five, seven or 10 years
Best for: Home buyers who don’t plan on being in their home for the long term or who believe interest rates are heading lower.
An interest-only mortgage requires payments only on the lender’s interest charge. The loan balance, or principal, is not reduced during the interest-only payment period.
Can be appropriate for borrowers who are disciplined enough to make periodic principal payments
Useful to home buyers who don’t expect to remain in a house for the long term
Borrowers will have to demonstrate to lenders substantial assets or a proven ability to pay
Best for: Borrowers with high monthly cash flow, a rising income, large cash savings or an income that varies from month to month. Also for those who receive large annual bonuses they can use to pay down the principal balance.
A home loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans are backed by the government and designed to help borrowers of more modest means buy a home.
Allows down payments as low as 3.5%
FICO scores as low as 500 can qualify
Mortgage insurance premium payments are required
Best for: Borrowers with lower credit scores and a down payment less than 20%.
VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and are available to military service members and veterans.
No down payment required
There is an upfront VA funding fee
No mortgage insurance
Best for: Military-qualified borrowers who appreciate a low interest rate and no down payment.
USDA home loans are for buyers in rural and suburban areas. The mortgages are backed or issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
No down payment is required on most properties
Home improvement loans and grants are also available
Income limits and property value caps apply
Best for: Income-qualified buyers in USDA-eligible areas who want a low or zero down payment.
Jumbo home loans are issued on homes with values above a local limit, as established by the government.
Can have fixed or adjustable rates
Often require borrowers to have a FICO score of 700 or higher
Usually require a down payment of 10% or more
Best for: Buyers of higher-value homes.
Now you know the different types of mortgages you’re likely to encounter when buying a home. Here are four subsets of mortgage types you might hear about along the way:
Conventional mortgages: Lenders use the term conventional mortgages to describe loans that aren’t backed by the government.
Conforming mortgages: Another industry term, which defines a mortgage that meets local loan limits, as set by the government.
Government-backed mortgages: Loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans), FHA-insured loans and loans backed or issued by the Agriculture Department (USDA loans).
Reverse mortgages: A way to unwind equity in a home as a lump sum or stream of income, for homeowners over 62.
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