This segment will outline your basic loan choices and basic terms.
In order to understand mortgage loans we need to review basic terminolgy.
Loan termThis is the lenght of time, typically in years, the loan will be made with typically the expectation that the loan will be repaid by the end of the term (usually, 15,20, or 30 years). The payment are usually scheduled monthly on residential loans.
AmortizationThis describes how the principal balance of your loan is reduced over time. Each monthly payment is comprised of two parts, interest and principal. The lender will subtract interest due from each payment first and the remaining amount will go to reduce the outstanding balance on the loan. If a loan is Fully Amortizing, the loan will be fully repaid by the end of the term. If the payments do not fully repay the loan over the term, the remaining balance will be due with the last payment at the end of the term. This is referred to as a balloon payment. Some loan are interest only, these loans do not have repayment of principal, so you owe the entire principal balance is due at the end of the loan term.
Interest RateInterest rate can be fixed or Adjustable. Fixed rate loans are set for the term of the loan. Adjustable rate loans(ARM) allow the interest rate to adjust at some predetermined increment, such as monthly, quarterly or annually. Once the interest rate adjust, the monthly payment will reset to amortize the balance over the remaining term of the loan.
Loan ChoicesThe most common loan is the 30 year fixed rate fully amortizing loan. This is one of the most stable loan programs available, as the payments will not change over the life of the loan. This loan is recommended for the person who will be in their home for three years or longer.
If you do not plan to stay in your home for more than 2 years, you may consider an ARM. There are ARM programs where the interest rate can be fixed for the first year, three year or five years then the interest rate will adjust. In today's market the the three and five year ARMs are not much different than the 30 year fixed loans.
Check back as more loan programs will be discussed.
If you have questions, call and ask for Alan Jennings and I will be happy to discuss any of these options with you. Our number is 770-928-4420.