Loan Programs
Thirty-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage
The traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has a constant interest rate and monthly payments that never change. This may be a good choice if you plan to stay in your home for seven years or longer. If you plan to move within seven years, then adjustable-rate loans are usually cheaper. As a rule of thumb, it may be harder to qualify for fixed-rate loans than for adjustable rate loans. When interest rates are low, fixed-rate loans are generally not that much more expensive than adjustable-rate mortgages and may be a better deal in the long run, because you can lock in the rate for the life of your loan.
Fifteen-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage
This loan is fully amortized over a 15-year period and features constant monthly payments. It offers all the advantages of the 30-year loan, plus a lower interest rate — and you’ll own your home twice as fast. The disadvantage is that, with a 15-year loan, you commit to a higher monthly payment. Many borrowers opt for a 30-year fixed-rate loan and voluntarily make larger payments that will pay off their loan in 15 years. This approach is often safer than committing to a higher monthly payment, since the difference in interest rates isn’t that great.
ARM (3/1 ARM, 5/1 ARM, 7/1 ARM)
These increasingly popular ARMS — also called 3/1, 5/1 or 7/1 — can offer the best of both worlds: lower interest rates (like ARMs) and a fixed payment for a longer period of time than most adjustable rate loans. For example, a “5/1 loan” has a fixed monthly payment and interest for the first five years and then turns into a traditional adjustable-rate loan, based on then-current rates for the remaining 25 years. It’s a good choice for people who expect to move (or refinance) before or shortly after the adjustment occurs.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM)
When it comes to ARMs there’s a basic rule to remember…the longer you ask the lender to charge you a specific rate, the more expensive the loan.
Negative Amortization (Neg. Am) Loan
This is a deferred-interest loan which is very powerful — and the most misunderstood mortgage program because of its many options. Basically, the lender allows the borrower to make monthly payments that are less than the accruing interest. Therefore, if the borrower chooses to make the minimum monthly payment, the loan balance will increase by the amount of interest not paid on the loan. The power of this loan lies in the borrower’s ability to choose between making the full loan payment, or the minimum payment, or any amount in between. If a borrower’s income varies throughout the year (due to commissions, bonuses, etc.), the borrower can make a lower payment during the “lean times”, and then make higher payments when funds are readily available.
1/3/5/7 Year ARMs
We offer lower interest rate ARM, or Adjustable Rate Mortgage, programs that are fixed for a specific number of years at a lower interest rate than a 30 or 15 year fixed program. These programs can save you money on your mortgage payments, especially if you are planning to move in a certain number of years or are buying your first home.
Interest Only
Only make an interest payment on your mortgage. This keeps your payments as low as possible, leaving more disposable income to pay other debts or to apply toward your principle balance. This is a great program if you are buying an investment property that you intend on selling in a few years, or if you are planning to move within the first few years of buying your home.
Poor Credit – We have loans to help reestablish your credit
Loan Programs | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) |
Six and twelve month ARMs can significantly lower a mortgage payment for six or twelve months.
That can be enough time to catch up on other debt payments and improve your credit rating. |
Six and twelve month ARMs can become expensive after the initial six or twelve month introductory period.
Chances are, you’ll want to improve your credit and obtain a better loan. |
Fixed Rate Mortgages |
Two and three year fixed rate mortgages provide the security of a fixed loan payment and relatively low, fixed interest rate for the first two or three years.
For most people trying to improve their credit, two to three years is plenty of time. After two or three years, these loans convert to ARM loans. |
Two and three year fixed rate mortgages convert to ARM loans at the end of the fixed rate period. Rates on ARMs can increase.
Chances are, you’ll want to improve your credit and obtain a different loan before the two or three years are up. |
Fixed Rate Mortgages |
Fixed monthly payment and rate protect against interest and monthly payment increases |
Higher interest rate compared to ARM introductory rates
Higher rate compared to two and three year, fixed rate loans Fifteen and thirty year loans should generally be obtained if you plan not to move or refinance in the foreseeable future. If you’re trying to improve your credit in anticipation of refinancing for a lower-rate loan, consider avoiding these loans. |
Private Investor Loans (Hard money) |
Fast close
Less “red tape” Easy qualification guidelines |
Higher interest rate
Higher loan fee |
ONCE GOOD CREDIT IS ESTABLISHED (OR REESTABLISHED), THESE LOANS ARE AVAILABLE | ||
Loan Programs | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Adjustable Rate Mortgages |
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 |
Balloon Mortgages |
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 the balloon payment, refinance or exercise the conversion option |
No or Stated Income/Asset Programs |
No tax returns or W-2s
No proof of assets or down payment No verification of income Fast approval |
Higher rates
Higher down payment |
No point, No fee Programs |
No closing costs
Less money required to close |
Higher rates
Higher payments |
Home Equity Line of Credit |
You only borrow what you need
Pay interest only on what you borrow Access to funds as needed Interest may be tax deductible Up to 125% loan-to-value |
Rates can change. The maximum interest rate is normally high
Payments can change Harder to refinance your first mortgage |
Home Equity Fixed Loan |
Fixed payments
Receive one lump sum at closing Interest may be tax deductible |
Higher interest rates compared to 1st mortgages
Harder to refinance your first mortgage |