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Which loan is right for me?

There isn't a single or simple answer to this question. The right type of mortgage for you depends on many different factors:

Your current financial picture
How you expect your finances to change
How long you intend to keep your house
How comfortable you are with your mortgage payment changing

For example, a 15-year fixed rate mortgage can save you many thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan, but your monthly payments will be higher. An adjustable rate mortgage may get you started with a lower monthly payment than a fixed rate mortgage, but your payments could get higher when the interest rate changes.

The best way to find the "right" answer is to discuss your finances, your plans and financial prospects, and your preferences frankly with a mortgage professional.

Years you plan to stay in the home	Recommended program
1-3 years	3/1 ARM, 1 year ARM or 6 month ARM
3-5 years	5/1 ARM
5-7 years	7/1 ARM
7-10 years	10/1 ARM, 30 year fixed or 15 year fixed
10+ years	30 year fixed or 15 year fixed

Loan Program	Advantages	Disadvantages
Fixed Rate Mortgages 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

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 1 month ARM	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	More risk Payments may change over time Potential for higher payments if rates increase

Loan Program	Advantages	Disadvantages
Balloon Mortgages 7 year 5 year	Lower initial monthly payment Lower payment for a predetermined 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, refinance, or exercise the conversion option Balloon payment requires you to sell or refinance after the term, as opposed to a 7/1 or 5/1 program with a 30 year term

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

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	Higher rates Principal loan balance will not decrease during the interest only payment period Payment will be higher for the remaining term

Loan Program	Advantages	Disadvantages
No point, No fee Programs	No out-of-pocket loan costs at closing Closing costs are paid from the lender rebate Less money required to close Refinance without increasing your loan amount	Higher rates Higher payments Some lenders may have a short payoff penalty which is usually charged to the loan broker, but may be passed on to you Some require a prepayment penalty for the first one to five years

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	Higher rates Terms may not be as favorable Harder to get long-term fixed loans Loans may have prepayment penalties

Loan Program	Advantages	Disadvantages
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 May be free of closing costs A good source for an emergency fund, if set up in advance Can be used for debt consolidation and lower payments Rates are usually lower than consumer loan or credit card rates	Rates can change. The maximum interest rate can be relatively high Payments can change Harder to refinance your first mortgage

Loan Program	Advantages	Disadvantages
Home Equity Fixed Loan	Fixed payments Interest may be tax deductible Get cash out for any purpose	Higher interest rates compared to first mortgage Harder to refinance your first mortgage Interest is paid on the entire loan amount, compared to an equity line of credit

In addition to our standard loan programs, you may benefit by obtaining one of our many special programs:

Purchase your home with no down payment using Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) or Lender-paid Mortgage Insurance (MI).
Piggyback loans: 80-10-10 or 80-15-5. Avoid PMI payments by using Lender-paid MI.
Debt consolidation programs.
Home Improvement loans.
You may qualify even if you've been turned down before!