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Fixed-Rate Mortgage
The
interest rate and the principal payments remain fixed throughout the
loan. Keep in mind your monthly escrow account payment could vary from
year-to-year as taxes and insurance rates change.
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Variable or Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
The
interest rate on the loan fluctuates over the period of the loan.
Periodic adjustments to the interest rate are made based on changes to
a defined index. The loan's interest rate is determined by adding a
fixed number of points to the defined index.
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Balloon Loan
Short
term, fixed-rate mortgage that has monthly payments usually based on a
30-year amortization schedule and a lump sum payment due at the end of
term, usually 3, 5 or 7 years. The interest rate on balloon loans is
usually less than a 15- or 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
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Piggyback Loan
A
second mortgage that closes with the first. Often the first mortgage is
for 80% of the purchase price and the "piggyback" is for 10%. The home
buyer covers the remaining 10% with their down payment. (Some lenders
will write a second mortgage of 15% or even 20% of the purchase price.)
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Housing Finance Agencies
These
agencies offer special loan programs to low- and moderate-income
buyers, buyers interested in rehabilitating a home in a targeted area,
and other groups as defined by the agency. Working through a housing
finance agency, you can receive a below market interest rate, down
payment assistance and other incentives.
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B/C Loans
Loans for
borrowers who cannot meet the credit guidelines established by Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac. The purpose is to offer temporary financing to
someone whose credit history disqualifies them for a conforming loan
(including someone who has recently filed for bankruptcy, foreclosure
or late payment on their credit report). Typically the interest rates
run higher and vary depending upon the individual credit situation.