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Common
Loan Types and Programs
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A
30 year fixed mortgage is a type of mortgage loan that is repaid
by the borrower making 360 equal monthly payments over a period of
30 years. Since the borrower's payments are 'fixed', the borrower
can expect to make the same monthly payment for the entire term of
the loan. A 30 year mortgage loan is the most widely accepted
program used to finance a residential purchase, and is available
for conventional, jumbo, FHA and VA loans. |

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A
15 year fixed mortgage is a type of mortgage loan that is repaid
by the borrower making 180 equal monthly payments over a period of
15 years. Since the borrower's payments are 'fixed', the borrower
can expect to make the same monthly payment for the entire term of
the loan. A 15 year mortgage loan is the most widely accepted
program used to finance a residential purchase, and is available
for conventional, jumbo, FHA and VA loans. |

| An Adjustable Rate
Mortgage (ARM) is a mortgage loan that is most widely known for
its low starting interest rate (when compared to the 30 & 15
year mortgage loans). This 'low' introductory rate is used to
calculate the mortgage payment for a specified period of time.
Once this introductory period is over, the interest rate is
adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index. The most
commonly used index is the yield on the one-year Treasury Bill.
The new interest rate is determined by adding this index to a set
margin (which is determined by the lender). Although there are a
variety of adjustable rate mortgage programs available, the most
common program is the One Year Adjustable Mortgage (one Year ARM),
which is available for conventional, jumbo, FHA and VA loans. The
interest rate on the one year ARM is adjusted once each Year, for
30 years. APR's on variable rate loans are subject to increase but
may decrease from year-to-year, the borrower should be prepared to
handle an increase in his/her monthly payment (should the index
rate increase). |

| A jumbo mortgage is a
mortgage loan which is larger than the limits set by Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac ($240,000 as of 1/1/99). Since these two agencies
will not purchase these types of loans, they usually carry a
higher interest rate (to enhance their value and marketability to
investors). |

| An FHA mortgage loan
is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (a division of
the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)). Although
mortgage lenders provide the mortgage funds, the FHA sets
underwriting standards for approving applicants. In many cases,
FHA underwriting guidelines are more lenient than conventional
(not government insured or guaranteed) underwriting guidelines.
This leniency makes it easier for borrowers to qualify for a
mortgage loan (low down payment requirements and a higher monthly
debt allowance). FHA limits the types of loan programs it insures,
but it will insure the more popular 30 year fixed, 15 year fixed
and one year adjustable loan programs. However, borrowers are
limited to the amount that they can borrow using an FHA-insured
mortgage. Applicable loan limits differ by county, so contact your
local HUD office for specifics. |

| A VA mortgage loan is
a mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans
Affairs (DVA). One of the biggest advantages of using a VA loan is
that the borrower can finance the purchase of a property with
no-money down. However, VA loans are restricted to individuals
qualified by military service. The DVA will guarantee the more
popular 30 year fixed, 15 year fixed and one year adjustable loan
programs. |

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A
balloon mortgage loan is a type of mortgage loan that has a short
term (typically 5 or 7 years), but the monthly payment is computed
using a 30 year term. When a borrower uses a balloon loan, he/she
will make the monthly payment for the scheduled loan term (5 or 7
years). When this loan term is over, the borrower is required to
pay off the remaining balance in one lump-sum payment. If the
borrower decides not to sell the property after the loan term is
over, the borrower has the option to refinance the mortgage with a
new one. A 7/23 balloon mortgage gives the borrower the option to
convert to a fixed rate program (for a nominal fee) after the
initial term (7 years) is over. If the conversion feature is used,
the interest rate for the remaining term of the loan (23 years)
will be adjusted once to reflect market conditions, then remain
fixed for the remainder of the loan term. |

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