Which loan is right for me?
| 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
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- 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
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- Higher interest rate
- Higher mortgage payments
- Rate does not drop if interest rates improve
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| 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
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- 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
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- More risk
- Payments may change over time
- Potential for higher payments if rates increase
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| Loan Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| First Time Buyer Programs |
- Lower down payment
- Easier to qualify
- Lower rates may be available
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- 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
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| 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
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- Rates can change. The maximum interest rate can be relatively high
- Payments can change
- Harder to refinance your first mortgage
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| Loan Program | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Home Equity Fixed Loan |
- Fixed payments
- Interest may be tax deductible
- Get cash out for any purpose
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- 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
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In addition to our standard loan programs, you may benefit by obtaining one of our many special programs:
- Debt consolidation programs.
- Home Improvement loans.
- You may qualify even if you've been turned down before!
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