Types of Mortgages: Basics

Types of Mortgages: Basics

Real Estate Consultant · San Leandro, CA · Member since 2008 · 38 posts · 1 vote

When mortgaging or refinancing property, there are three types of mortgage options that you can choose from. These are the three basic mortgage options:

  • 1. Fixed Rate Mortgages

  • 2. Adjustable Rate Mortgages

  • 3. Balloon mortgages

Here are a short description of each of the three mortgage types:

Fixed Rate Mortgages: This is what the name suggests, a fixed rate mortgage. The amount of the interest is decided at the time of the loan, or before the time of the loan. The interest rate remains the same for the period of the mortgage.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages: Often known as ARM, this kind of mortgage has a fixed amount of interest for a short period of time(usually from 6 months to 5 years) and then the rates change according to the current market interests. In this process, the lender uses an index, and this adjustment varies based on the lender's policies such as the duration of a single adjustment or the amount. To know more about ARMs, visit this article.

Balloon Mortgage:It's a bit similar to the ARM, because it has a fixed interest rate during a fixed amount of time, except the entire balance of loan becomes due at once after that fixed period of time.

Every loan system has it's own pros and cons and the choices for which one you wish to choose is exclusive to your particular circumstance.

Which one will you choose? and why?

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Developer · Garland, TX · Member since 2008 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
15y

I prefer fixed with term matching the amortization. I am biased towards buy and hold long-term and want to manage the inflation risk. Balloons can be a killer if your plan doesn't unfold the way you expect, and aren't there often unexpected bumps in the road?

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  • Note Investor · Pasadena, CA · Member since 2009 · 849 posts · 544 votes
    15y

    Depends on what your goal is.

    I think it's a fabulous time to get your long term financing fixed at such low rates. I personally would never lend at such low rates for such a long term, but that's part of understanding "the game" and playing it.

    There is also a time & place for balloon type mortgages.

    It also seems like that the variable stuff is what the commercial lenders are trying to push, as it the product that best protects their interests.

  • Developer · Garland, TX · Member since 2008 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    I prefer fixed with term matching the amortization. I am biased towards buy and hold long-term and want to manage the inflation risk. Balloons can be a killer if your plan doesn't unfold the way you expect, and aren't there often unexpected bumps in the road?

  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    "Balloon Mortgages" are generally FRMs that have a call date for the lender. They aren't new types of loans.

  • Mobile Home Investor · Spanaway, WA · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 578 votes
    15y

    When talking to loan officers what they refer to as a "fixed rate mortgage" and what i perceive it to be are 2 different animals now. It used to mean it was fixed for a 15, 20, 25, 30 year term. Now when a commercial loan officer uses the term fixed - they mean it is fixed for 3, 5, 7, or 10 years with a 30 year amortization and then it changes to an ARM with a floor and ceiling amount it cannot pass. Make sure you are on the same sheet of music when talking about a "fixed rate mortgage". Ask a commercial loan officer for a 30-year fixed mortgage and see what they tell you!

  • J ScottPro Member
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    Investor · Sarasota, FL · Member since 2008 · 18k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    15y
    Originally posted by Realtyman:
    Now when a commercial loan officer uses the term fixed - they mean it is fixed for 3, 5, 7, or 10 years with a 30 year amortization and then it changes to an ARM with a floor and ceiling amount it cannot pass.

    Any broker who calls that a fixed term mortgage (or anything other than an ARM) shouldn't be trusted. No reputable broker would refer to that type of mortgage as "fixed"...

  • Investor · Round Rock, TX · Member since 2010 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    15y

    Here is a great primer on mortgage basics for future readers:

    Tutorial on Choosing Between ARMs and FRMs

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