- Interest rates change daily.
- There are different loan programs for different financial situations. If a Lender does not know much about you, he/she might quote you a rate from a program that does not fit your situation.
- Interest rates quoted over the phone are not usually locked rates.
- You will know the exact amount for which you can qualify. This allows you to view Properties you are certain you can afford.
- Your monthly payment will be set (approximately), so you can figure it in to your budget.
- You will receive closing cost and down payment figures.
- You and your lender can select the best loan program for your particular situation.
- If you are a first time buyer, you might qualify for a special loan package that would allow you to get more home for your money.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Mortgage loans under which the interest rate is periodically adjusted to more closely coincide with current rates. The amount and times are agreed to at the inception of the loan. | Buydown Loan Loan that has a reduced rate and payment for a specific period of time. This is done by paying interest up front. |
Balloon Payment Loan A loan that is typically amortized over 30 years, but is due and payable at the end of a certain term. May be extended or rolled over to a different loan. EXAMPLE: 30 years due in 5 years. | Community Homebuyer’s Program A first time buyer program with a fixed rate and low down payment, commonly 3-5%. There are no cash reserve requirements and qualifying ratios are easier. Loan is subject to buyer meeting all income standards and completing a four hour training course. |
Conventional Loan A mortgage not obtained under a government insured program, secured by investors. | FHA Loan Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration under H.U.D. They offer low down payments and easier qualifying. |
Fixed Rate Loan A loan with one interest rate that remains constant through the life of the loan. | Graduated Payment Mortgage A loan that starts payments lower than standard fixed rate loans, and increases the payment by a predetermined amount each year. |
Non-Qualifying Loan A loan that may be taken over from the seller by the buyer. The buyer would pay the seller for his/her equity and assume the payments, avoiding qualification. These loans are complicated and rare. Please contact your lender with any questions. | VA Loan A loan that can be up to 100%+, secured by the government for people who have served in the armed forces. Customarily, the buyer pays no costs of the purchase. The extra fees that the seller has to pay are usually added on to the sales price. |