Programs:

Fixed Rate Loans - Both interest rate and payment remain the same over the term of the loan. Loans can be amortized over the following terms: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 years. The advantage of a fixed rate program is that it allows you to get a fixed rate, over a specified period, without being concerned about market fluctuations. This type of financing is recommended for borrowers who intend to stay in their house for a long period of time.

Fixed Rate Balloons - Both interest rate and payment remain the same until the loan is due. Typically, the entire loan amount is due in either 3, 5, or 7 years. The advantage of balloon programs is that they tend to have the lowest rates, due to the fact that the entire balance must be paid off or refinanced at the end of the term. This type of financing is recommended for borrowers who know they will be leaving their current house in either 3, 5, or 7 years.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) - Both interest rate and payment remain the same for a fixed time period, usually 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. At the end of that period the rate can rise at fixed intervals. The amount the rate can rise, or margin, is predetermined (normally 1/2% to 2% per rise). The intervals are normally 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Typically there is a cap on the margin, which determines the highest the rate could ever go. The advantage of an ARM is that it allows you to get a lower rate, for a known period of time, while you watch the market to see if and when fixed rates get better. Some feel that although they may have gotten a better rate with a balloon, an ARM will adjust at the end of the "fixed period", whereas a "Balloon" has to be refinanced or paid in full. ARMs are recommended for those borrowers who intend to stay in their house for a fixed period and have taken the time to factor in the margin, to determine that they would not be better off with a Fixed Balloon or even a Fixed Rate.

Buydown - Both rate and payment remain the same for a fixed period, at the end of which, the rate and payment increase. The rate and payment may increase once, twice, or even three times, depending on whether the Buydown is a 1/1, 2/1, or 3/1. The percentage of increase, as well as number of increases is predetermined. Once all of the increases have occurred the new rate and payment remain fixed for the term of the loan. Also, lenders will typically charge a fee to "buy the rate down" for the first 1, 2, or 3 years of the loan. The advantage to a Buydown is that it offers a lower rate and payment during the first few years of the loan. Buydowns are recommended for those borrowers who are having trouble qualifying for a Fixed Rate Loan or those who need a more affordable payment at present.

Loan Types:

Conforming - Conforming loans refer to loan amounts that conform to government service standards as determined by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac (the original government agencies, set up in the early 1940's, established to help people finance new homes). Conforming loans range in amount form $1 to $227,150. Although not all conforming loans are serviced by these government agencies, the mortgage industry has adopted the term to express loan amounts in this range.

Jumbo (Non-Conforming) - Jumbo loans refer to those loan amounts outside of the "conforming" range or, above $227,150.

Government Loans - Government loans refer to those loans that are guaranteed by one of two federal agencies. The two types of government loans are: Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, and Veterans Administration (VA) loans. The advantage of financing using FHA loans are that they are easier to qualify for and allow a borrower to finance more of the loan amount than non-government loans. Whereas with a Conforming loan a borrower may only be able to finance 80% of the loan amount, a FHA loan allows a borrower to finance 97% of the loan amount. FHA loans are recommended for those borrowers who are first-time buyers, have little money to put down, have a short credit history, or are having trouble qualifying for a Conforming loan. The two main advantages of financing using VA loans are that the VA allows borrowers to finance 100% of the loan amount, and that, the VA only requires proof of veteran status to qualify for the loan. The only drawback to government loans is that mortgage insurance is required at all loan to values (LTV), unlike Conventional and Jumbo loans where payment of mortgage insurance is determined by the amount of equity a borrower has in his home.

Investment Properties (Non-Owner Occupied) - These types of homes are normally acquired specifically for investment purposes or are owned as a result of moving to a new house without selling or being able to sell the old house. Financing for investment properties can be achieved using any of the above described programs. Typically, the rates for financing on investment properties are higher than owner occupied homes and the LTVs allowed are lower, due to the fact that default rates tend to be higher on these types of loans.

B, C, D Credit - Just because your credit isn't perfect does not mean you can't obtain financing. Most, if not all of the above described programs can be utilized even if a borrower does not have perfect credit. In these cases the rates will be higher and LTVs allowed will be lower. Most lenders have special divisions specifically created for the marketing and sales of sub-prime products. Also, most lenders will offer special limited programs as incentives, when they recognize an area where there is a need.

No Document or Low Document Loans - In certain situations it is either difficult or impossible for potential borrowers to show a lender their income on paper. In these instances any of the above described programs can be used, but under circumstances called NIV or No Income Verification. All of the other program parameters must be met, however, in the case of income, a borrower may only be required to show a operating license or business license and/or limited income information. With this type of financing, rates offered tend to be slightly higher. This type of financing is recommended for self-employed borrowers or borrowers who have difficulty showing their income on paper, for one reason or another.

Purchases - All of the above described programs can be used in the financing of a new house. It is recommended that potential borrowers compare and contrast the different types of financing based upon their personal goals and financial situations. In no way are the programs described above, all of the programs offered in the mortgage industry. These descriptions are only to serve as an overview of the more popular programs offered and used.

Cash-Out Refinances - Occasionally, when refinancing a first trust, a borrower wants to "cash out" some of the equity that has been built into the loan. Under specific conditions, established by the lender, a borrower can actually receive a check for an amount of money that meets those conditions. Cashing-Out is not normally limited to any type of loan program, it can be done with most of the described programs.

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