Mortgage Programs - Private Sector
Conventional Loans - The only security guarantee
is the value of the property.
Conforming Loans - Conventional loans that follow
the terms and conditions established by the guidelines of Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac.
• Fixed-Rate Mortgage
The interest rate and the principal payments remain fixed throughout the
loan. Keep in mind your monthly escrow account payment could vary from year-to-year
as taxes and insurance rates change.
• Variable or Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
The interest rate on the loan fluctuates over the period of the loan. Periodic
adjustments to the interest rate are made based on changes to a defined
index. The loan's interest rate is determined by adding a fixed number of
points to the defined index.
• Balloon Loan
Short term, fixed-rate mortgage that has monthly payments usually based
on a 30-year amortization schedule and a lump sum payment due at the end
of term, usually 3, 5 or 7 years. The interest rate on balloon loans is
usually less than a 15- or 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
• Piggyback Loan
A second mortgage that closes with the first. Often the first mortgage is
for 80% of the purchase price and the "piggyback" is for 10%. The home buyer
covers the remaining 10% with their down payment. (Some lenders will write
a second mortgage of 15% or even 20% of the purchase price.)
• Housing Finance Agencies
These agencies offer special loan programs to low- and moderate-income buyers,
buyers interested in rehabilitating a home in a targeted area, and other
groups as defined by the agency. Working through a housing finance agency,
you can receive a below market interest rate, down payment assistance and
other incentives.
Jumbo and Non-Conforming Loans - Loans above the
maximum amount established by the guidelines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Often the interest rate charged for a jumbo or non-conforming loan is higher
than that of a conforming loan.
• B/C Loans
Loans for borrowers who cannot meet the credit guidelines established by
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The purpose is to offer temporary financing
to someone whose credit history disqualifies them for a conforming loan
(including someone who has recently filed for bankruptcy, foreclosure or
late payment on their credit report). Typically the interest rates run higher
and vary depending upon the individual credit situation.
Mortgage Programs - Government
FHA Loans - The Federal Housing Authority (FHA),
which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
plays a significant role in helping low- to moderate-income families qualify
for mortgages. FHA assists first-time buyers and others who would not qualify
for a conventional loan, by providing mortgage insurance to private lenders.
Interest rates for an FHA loan are usually the going market rate, while
the down payment requirements for an FHA loan are lower than conventional
loans. The required down payment can be as low as 3 percent and the closing
costs can be included in the mortgage amount.
VA Loans - VA Loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs. Service persons and veterans can qualify for a VA Loan,
which usually offers a competitive fixed interest rate, no down payment
and limited closing costs. While the VA does not issue the loans, it does
issue a certificate of eligibility required to apply for a VA loan.
RHS Loan Programs - The Rural Housing Service (RHS),
which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, guarantees loans from
private lenders to help low- to moderate income families qualify for mortgages.
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