| Loan Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Fixed Rate Mortgages
- 30 year fixed
- 15 year fixed
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- Monthly payments are fixed over the life of the loan
- Interest rate does not change
- Protected if rates go up
- Can refinance if rates go down
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- Higher interest rate
- Higher mortgage payments
- Rate does not drop if interest rates improve
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| Loan Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM)
- 10/1 ARM
- 7/1 ARM
- 5/1 ARM
- 3/1 ARM
- 1 year ARM
- 6 month ARM
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- Lower initial monthly payment
- Rates and payments may go down if rates improve
- May qualify for higher loan amounts
- 30 year term, no balloon payment
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- More risk
- Payments may change over time
- Potential for higher payments if rates increase
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| Loan Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| First Time Buyer Programs |
- Lower down payment
- Easier to qualify
- Lower rates may be available
|
- May be subject to income and property value limitations
- Some government subsidized programs may generate a recapture tax if you sell the house too soon
- Education courses may be required to qualify for these loans
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| Loan Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Stated Income Programs |
- Don't need to verify income
- Faster approval
- Good for borrowers who may not qualify with a full income documentation program
|
- Higher rates
- Higher down payment
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|
| Loan Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Interest Only Programs |
- You have several payment options
- Lower monthly payments
- Qualify for a higher loan amount
- Qualify at the interest only payment
- Option to pay the full normal payment
- Interest only payments for up to ten years
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- Higher rates
- Principal loan balance will not decrease during the interest only payment period
- Payment will be higher for the remaining term
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| Loan Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Imperfect Credit Programs |
- Potential for reestablishing credit if you pay your mortgage on time
- When used for debt consolidation, you may be able to reduce your monthly debt payment
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- Higher rates
- Terms may not be as favorable
- Harder to get long-term fixed loans
- Loans may have prepayment penalties
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