Opening the door to dream homes
for families in all stages of life.

Chuck Brusven, Realtor
Direct: 612-760-6400
Email: cbrusven@msn.com
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Which loan is right for me?

Years you plan to stay
in the home
Recommended program

1-3

3/1 ARM, 1 year ARM
or 6 month ARM

3-5

5/1 ARM

5-7

7/1 ARM

7-10

10/1 ARM, 30 year fixed
or 15 year fixed

10+

30 year fixed
or 15 year fixed


 

Loan Programs Advantages Disadvantages
Fixed Rate Mortgages
40 year fixed
30 year fixed
15 year fixed
 
  • 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
 
  • Higher interest rate
  • Higher mortgage payments
  • Rate does not drop if interest rates improve
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
10/1 ARM
7/1 ARM
3/1 ARM
1 year ARM
6 month ARM
1 month ARM
 
  • Lower initial monthly payment
  • Lower payment over a shorter period of time
  • Rates and payments may go down if rates improve
  • May qualify for higher loan amounts
 
  • More risk
  • Payments may change over time
  • Potential for high payments if rates go up
Balloon Mortgages
7 year
5 year
 
  • Lower initial monthly payment
  • Lower payment over a shorter period of time
  • Many balloon mortgages offer the option to convert to a new loan after the initial term.
 
  • Risk of rates being higher at the end of the initial fixed period
  • Risk of foreclosure if you cannot make balloon payment or if you cannot refinance or if you cannot exercise the conversion option
First Time Buyer Programs
  • Lower down payment
  • Easier to qualify
  • Sometimes you may get lower rates
  • May be subject to income and property value limitations
  • Some programs which have government subsidies may have a recapture tax if you sell the house too early.
Stated Income Programs
  • Don’t need to verify income
  • Faster approval
  • Higher rates
  • Higher down payment
No point, No fee Programs
  • No closing costs
  • Less money required to close
  • Higher rates
  • Higher payments
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
  • Higher rates
  • Terms may not be as favorable
  • Harder to get long term fixed loans
  • Loans may have prepayment penalties
Home Equity Line of Credit
  • You only borrow what you need
  • Pay interest only on what you borrow
  • Flexible access to funds
  • Interest may be tax deductible
  • Rates can change. The maximum interest rate is normally high.
  • Payments can change
  • Harder to refinance your first mortgage
Home Equity Fixed Loan
  • Fixed payments
  • Interest may be tax deductible
  • Higher interest rates than on 1st mortgages
  • Harder to refinance your first mortgage