Understanding the Different Types of Mortgages Available to Home Buyers
There are a lot of mortgage options available to buyers, so understanding your options can help you make the best decision for your needs. It’s important to consider what will work best for you and your family now, and in the future.
Fixed rate loans lock in a specific interest rate for the entire life of the loan. They’re ideal for buyers who plan to stay in their home for a long period of time, or those who want a predictable monthly payment.
Understanding Your Options
Buying a home is a big financial decision, and getting your mortgage right can make it easier to achieve your goals. But before you jump into the application process, its important to understand your options and be prepared to ask questions about each type of loan.
First, determine your budget. This will help you decide what size house is best for your family, and how much you can afford to borrow. Next, pick a lender and apply for a mortgage online or over the phone.
Youll be asked to enter basic details about your finances, including your income, credit history, assets and debt obligations. A mortgage expert can then explain your options and help you find a loan thats right for you.
There are many types of mortgages to choose from, ranging from conventional loans to government-backed ones. Some have more features than others, so its important to get the right fit for your needs.
For example, a fixed-rate mortgage offers a low interest rate and a steady monthly payment that wont change over the life of the loan. Its a good choice for people who are planning to stay in their homes for the long haul.
But there are other mortgages that also offer great benefits. For instance, a forbearance option lets you temporarily suspend or reduce your payments until your financial situation improves.
If your credit score is less than ideal, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) may be a good alternative to a conventional loan. But make sure you understand the ARMs rules and how it works.
Finally, dont forget to factor in fees and closing costs when shopping for a mortgage. These fees can add up quickly, so its important to ask your loan adviser about them before you sign on the dotted line.
Conventional Loans
If you want to buy a home, you can choose from several types of mortgages. These include conventional, government-backed and jumbo loans. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so its important to understand your options and make the best decision for you.
Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage in the United States, accounting for about 82% of all loans. They are not government-backed or insured, but they are still regulated by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).
While conventional mortgages offer more flexibility than government-backed mortgages, they also have their downsides. For one, they typically require higher credit scores than government loan programs. In addition, they can be more difficult to qualify for, especially if you have a poor credit history or high debt-to-income ratio.
Another disadvantage of conventional loans is the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI). Unless you put down at least 20%, you will have to pay PMI, which helps protect lenders in case you default on your loan.
In addition, these loans can be more expensive than government-backed mortgages. They may charge upfront fees based on the loan amount and charges that are rolled into your monthly fee. These costs can be substantial, so you should shop around for the lowest interest rate possible.
If you are interested in a conventional loan, start by checking your credit score for free with Experian. If you have a credit score of at least 620, you can generally get approved for a conventional mortgage with low-down payments and a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. You should also save for a down payment and have a two-year history of consistent income and employment to help you prove your creditworthiness to a lender.
Government-Insured Loans
If youre looking for a mortgage that offers a lot of flexibility, consider getting one of the many government-insured loan programs. These loans are often easier to qualify for and have lower down payments, so they may be the best fit for you.
You can find a variety of government-insured mortgages available nationwide, including FHA, USDA and VA. All have their own unique eligibility requirements and guidelines, but they can be an excellent way to get into the housing market with little to no down payment.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is the most popular government-insured mortgage program, and its available to people with good credit and decent incomes. It also typically requires a down payment of just 3.5%.
There are also VA loans, which are reserved for active-duty military members, veterans, eligible spouses and certain U.S. citizens who served overseas during World War II. These loans typically require a down payment of just 5% or less, and the process is also more straightforward.
A downside to these loans is that they are more expensive than conventional mortgages. These mortgages often have a higher upfront fee, plus you must pay the upfront mortgage insurance premium. Additionally, if youre buying a home in a rural area, you must pay an annual fee to the United States Department of Agriculture.
These loans are often used to finance high LTV (Loan to Value) mortgages that are more difficult to qualify for with conventional lending standards. They are also issued to borrowers who lack upfront equity, and who have weak or poor credit histories. These borrowers are more likely to experience adverse income shocks and are more at risk of defaulting on the loan.
Jumbo Loans
Jumbo loans are a great option for homebuyers who want to buy a larger property than can be financed with conventional mortgages. Jumbo loans exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which vary by state and market.
Jumbo mortgages are available to borrowers with credit scores higher than 700, although some lenders may require a score of 720 or greater. You must have a low debt-to-income ratio and enough cash reserves to cover up to one year of mortgage payments.
Currently, jumbo mortgage rates are about the same as conforming mortgage rates. This is a result of federal regulations that have impacted rate markets in such a way that jumbo lenders are not as worried about the risk of making high-balance loans.
In addition to higher interest rates, jumbo mortgages have stricter approval standards than conforming loans. Thats because jumbo loans are not backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which means theyre considered a higher-risk product.
The lender will also look at your income and down payment size. You must have documentation that demonstrates a stable income, such as two years of tax returns and W-2 forms.
Your down payment will need to be at least 20% of the purchase price. If you dont have a down payment this high, you will be required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Before you apply for a jumbo loan, make sure you know the qualification requirements and how much money is needed for your down payment. Then, you can shop for a jumbo mortgage lender that meets your needs and budget.
Many of todays most desirable real estate markets are priced beyond conforming loan limits, and a jumbo loan can help you find the right property. In addition, a jumbo mortgage can be an excellent option for investors, because they can leverage the capital they put down on the loan to grow their portfolios.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
If youre planning to buy a home or refinance in the near future, an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) may be a good option for you. These loans offer upfront savings on interest and then rise over time sometimes with caps to help you avoid rapid increases in your payment.
ARMs usually have two periods: the first period is a fixed period, where your interest rate does not change; and the second period is an adjustable period, where it can go up or down based on market rates. Typical ARMs include 5/5, 7/6, or 10-year versions with an initial fixed rate that lasts for five, seven, or 10 years and then adjusts every six months.
A key factor in determining whether an ARM is right for you is whether or not youre comfortable with changes in your interest rate. ARMs can be a great way to save money in the early years of your mortgage, but theyre risky if you dont plan on selling or refinancing your home before the fixed-rate period ends.
For example, if you have an ARM with a 5.5% interest rate and the rate adjusts to 6.5% after your fixed-rate period ends, that can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly payments.
Thats why its important to make sure your ARM has a cap on how much the interest rate can increase. A cap can be periodic, limiting how much the rate can increase at each adjustment period; or lifetime, limiting it for the life of the loan.
Despite their risk, ARMs are popular because they start off with a low interest rate and typically have lower monthly payments than a comparable fixed-rate mortgage. Nevertheless, theyre not for everyone. If youre unsure about taking the plunge with an ARM, its best to consult a financial planner and seek out the advice of a qualified mortgage professional before making a decision.