Home Mortgage Loans - Fixed Rate, Adjustable or Balloon, Which One Is Right For You?When you're shopping for a new home-especially for the first time-all the terms and expressions may be confusing and difficult to understand. Adjustable rate, fixed rate, balloon payment - how do you decide which is the right type of home mortgage for you if you're not even sure what each of them are? The name of the mortgage type usually has to do with how you'll pay for your loan - how the interest on the loan is being determined by the bank. The three major types of mortgages are fixed rate, adjustable rate and balloon payment. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Fixed Rate Mortgage With a fixed rate mortgage, you have a set interest rate for the entire life of the loan. The interest rate that you pay for your loan won't change - which means that you'll pay the same monthly payment for the entire length of the loan. This protects you from unexpected rises in interest rates that would increase your monthly payment. At the same time, should the interest rates drop, you will have the option of refinancing at a lower interest rate. Because the protections are largely on the side of the buyer with a fixed rate mortgage, interest rates on them are generally slightly higher than they would be on other types of mortgages. A fixed rate mortgage is the safest type. Because the payments are predictable, it's usually considered the most desirable type of mortgage. Always choose a fixed rate mortgage if interest rates are rising. Adjustable Rate Mortgage When you choose an adjustable rate mortgage, your monthly payment and interest rate will fluctuate with the current market interest rate. If the interest rate goes up, so will your monthly payment. If it drops, your monthly loan payment will as well. The adjustable rate is tied to an index, which is determined by the lender. Other terms of the mortgage are also determined by the lender. These include how often the interest rate is adjusted - anywhere from every 3-6 months to once a year, how much the interest rate can increase or decrease on any adjustment date, and whether there is a 'cap' on how high the interest rate can rise. Often, adjustable rate mortgages are advertised with extremely low interest rates, which will be in effect for a short period of time. When the introductory period is over, the mortgage rate will rise to its normal amount. Choose an adjustable rate mortgage when you have secure income that is likely to increase along with the economy. It's a good mortgage when interest rates are stable, or if the signs suggest that they're about to fall. Balloon Mortgages A balloon mortgage is often a last resort for home buyers who can't qualify for more traditional loans. The balloon mortgage has a fixed interest rate and monthly payments for a specific amount of time. At the end of that time, the entire loan comes due - hence the name 'balloon'. In practical terms, a balloon rate will give you a fixed monthly payment for several months. After that, you'll essentially have an adjustable rate mortgage. Choose a balloon mortgage loan for substantially lower initial rates, or if your credit limits the other types of mortgage that you can apply of qualify for. Now that you understand your options for mortgage loans, don't forget to shop around! The interest rates and fees can vary wildly from lender to lender, so make sure that you get the best deal that you can! To view our list of recommended mortgage lenders online, visit this page: Recommended Mortgage Lenders Online Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans. The site has informative articles and the latest finance news.
MORE RESOURCES updated Wed. April / 24 / 2024 Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 24, 2024 | Rates Still Slated to Go Down This Year Business Insider 10-year refinance rates: What to know about the current market CNN Underscored Should You Refinance Halfway Through Your Mortgage? Bankrate.com MBA: Mortgage Applications Decreased in Weekly Survey Calculated Risk How to Refinance Your Mortgage NerdWallet Only Half Of Black Seniors Approved For Home Repair Or Refinance Loans To Age In Place Block Club Chicago 15-Year Mortgage Refinance Rates: Compare Current Rates Business Insider 30-Year Mortgage Refinance Rates Business Insider Average Mortgage Interest Rates: Mortgage Rates by Credit Score, Year, and Loan Type Business Insider Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 22, 2024 | The Still-Hot Economy is Keeping Rates High Business Insider Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 21, 2024 | Rates Remain Near 7% Business Insider Will Interest Rates Go Down in May 2024? | Mortgage Rates Forecast The Mortgage Reports Mortgage Rates This Week NerdWallet Current Student Loan Interest Rates in April 2024 Business Insider How To Get The Best Refinance Rate Bankrate.com The best mortgage lenders for refinancing in April 2024 CNN Underscored Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 19, 2024 | High Rates Make for a Challenging Homebuying Season Business Insider How To Choose The Right Kind Of Refinance For You Bankrate.com Should You Refinance Your Mortgage In 2024? Bankrate.com Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders In 2024 Bankrate.com Current mortgage refinance rates CNN Underscored Mortgage Interest Rates Today, April 20, 2024 | Rates Remain Elevated, but They Could Fall Later This Year Business Insider Best Refinance Lenders of April 2024: Refinance Your Mortgage The Motley Fool When to Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage Business Insider Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of April 2024 Business Insider Mortgage Rates Chart | Historical and Current Rate Trends The Mortgage Reports Refinance Requirements: What You Need to Refinance Your Home in 2024 The Mortgage Reports How Soon Can You Refinance a Mortgage? NerdWallet Mortgage Rate Forecast February 2024 Bankrate.com Refinancing a Home Equity Loan (2024 Guide) MarketWatch Conventional Refinance Rates and Guidelines for 2024 The Mortgage Reports How To Refinance An Underwater Mortgage Bankrate.com 30-year refinance rates: What to know CNN Underscored Current 15-year refinance rates — and lenders that offer them CNN Underscored Mortgage Rate History: 1970s to 2023 Bankrate.com When should I refinance my mortgage? To determine if a refinance is the right move for you, you’ll need to know the ... The Wall Street Journal Pros and Cons of a Cash-Out Refinance Bankrate.com Should I Refinance My Mortgage Now? When to Refinance As Rates Drop Business Insider What Credit Score Do I Need To Refinance? Bankrate.com Office of Research blog: A look at cash-out refinance mortgages and their borrowers between 2013 to 2023 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau The Sales Pitch for an 8% Mortgage: Buy Now, Refinance Later—for Free The Wall Street Journal Mobile Home Refinancing | Loans & Rates 2023 The Mortgage Reports Current mortgage interest rates: Mortgage rates today CNN Underscored Will Mortgage Rates Go Down in 2024? What Homebuyers Should Expect Business Insider CFPB Releases Study of Refinance Mortgage Loans Between 2013 and 2023 Consumer Finance Monitor
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