Loan Types Overview

It seems like there are dozens of different loan types, how can you cut through all of the jargon and choose the right one for you?

We’ve laid out the key features of each type here so you can easily understand how they work and which one(s) you find appealing.

  • Interest Rate/Payment Types:
    • Fixed Rate Mortgages
    • Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
      • Hybrid
      • Interest-Only
      • Convertible
      • Negative Amortization
    • Balloon Mortgages
      • 7/23, 5/25 Convertible
      • Deferred Interest
  • Other Types:
    • Conventional vs. Government Guaranteed
    • Conforming vs. Jumbo
    • Assumable vs. Not
    • Prime vs Subprime
    • Seller Financing/Wraparound
  • Loan Terms:
    • 30 Years
    • 15 Years

Loan Types

The two most common loan types are called Fixed Rate mortgages and Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM).  The choice between them is all about how comfortable you are with the risk that interest rates will rise during the life of your loan. Read More >>

Loan Terms

Choosing between 15 and 30 year terms is not a simple decision. There are pros and cons to each... Read More >>