From fixed-rate to adjustable-rate, government-guaranteed to conventional loans, the variety can be overwhelming. Having a clear understanding of the various types of mortgages not only simplifies the home-buying process, but it also facilitates informed decision-making and potentially saves thousands of dollars over the life of the mortgage.
In This Insight
An Overview of the Different Types of Mortgages
There are multiple types of mortgages available in the financial market. Each type is designed to meet various needs depending on a borrower's financial situation and objectives. The most common types include fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, and government-sponsored loans like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans, and Veterans Affairs (VA) loans. Other less common types are interest-only mortgages and balloon mortgages. Understanding these different mortgages can help in making an informed decision when buying a home. Fixed-rate mortgages are perhaps the most straightforward and popular form of mortgage. This type of mortgage has an interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan. It provides borrowers with the predictability of knowing exactly what their monthly payment will be without the risk of interest rates going up. This appeals to borrowers who plan to stay in their home for a long period of time and prefer a consistent mortgage payment. In contrast, adjustable-rate mortgages, also known as ARMs, offer interest rates that adjust over time depending on the market. Usually, these mortgages start with a lower rate than a fixed-rate mortgage, but after a specified term-usually five to ten years-the rate can fluctuate. This can result in a higher or lower monthly payment. ARMs can be a beneficial choice for those planning on moving before the adjustment period begins. Understanding how ARMs work and the possibility of increasing monthly payments is important for mortgagees considering this kind of loan.
Understanding Fixed-Rate Mortgages
Fixed-rate mortgages are a type of home loan characterized by a consistent interest rate that does not change over the lifespan of the loan. They are popular among home buyers due to the stability they offer, particularly in an economy where interests rates are fluctuating. With a fixed-rate mortgage, the borrower is aware from the outset, the total amount of interest they will pay, and this can aid in long-term financial planning. The main advantage of fixed-rate mortgages is the certainty they offer home buyers. No matter what happens in the market, your interest rate and monthly mortgage payment remains the same. That predictability can be extremely valuable when budgeting, as you aren't subject to the whims of interest rate trends. However, the stability offered by fixed-rate mortgages does come at a cost. If interest rates drop drastically after you've secured your loan, you won't be able to take advantage of those lower rates without refinancing. An essential factor to consider when choosing a fixed-rate mortgage is the term of the loan. Common loan terms are 15, 20, or 30 years, each with its trade-offs. Simply put, shorter loan terms generally have higher monthly payments but lower interest rates, and you also build equity in your home more quickly. Conversely, longer loan terms will have lower monthly payments but higher interest rates. It’s important to carefully consider the mortgage term when deciding on a fixed-rate mortgage, as it will have a significant impact on your financial future.
The Mechanics of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are loans with interest rates that change over the life of the loan. They typically start with an initial fixed-rate period offering lower interest rates than fixed-rate loans. The initial rate period guidelines vary from several months to several years, providing a period of stability for the borrower. After this fixed rate period, the mortgage will switch to an adjustable rate. This means that the interest rate could go up or down, depending on the wider market conditions. The fluctuations in the interest rates of ARMs are influenced significantly by market indices, such as the U.S. Treasury Bill Rate and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), among others. When these rates increase, the adjustable-rate of the mortgage goes up, resting a heavier financial burden upon the borrower. Conversely, should these rates decrease, the borrower may experience somewhat of a financial reprieve with lowered interest rates. Thus, an essential aspects of ARM is the borrower's ability to bear potential increases in mortgage costs. Caps and floors play major roles in adjustable-rate mortgages. Caps limit how much the interest rate can increase during a specific period, such as annually or over the life of the loan. This prevents borrowers from facing drastic changes in their loan's interest rate. Meanwhile, floors set a minimum interest rate that the mortgage cannot go below.
This is advantageous to the lender, as it ensures that they will always receive a certain level of interest, regardless of how much market interest rates fall. Both caps and floors provide some control and predictability within an otherwise variable loan structure.
Key Features of Interest-Only Mortgages
An Interest-Only Mortgage is a specific type of loan where the borrower is only required to pay the interest that accrues on the principal for a set period. This initial period typically lasts for 5 to 10 years. Throughout this time, the monthly payments are significantly lower than with other types of mortgages, since the borrower is not reducing the principal balance. It makes it look more affordable at first glance, which could be attractive to certain borrowers. After the initial interest-only payment period ends, the loan balance remains unchanged and the mortgage payments increase significantly. This jump is usually quite substantial as the remaining mortgage now needs to be paid off in the remaining term left, which is significantly less than the usual 30 years.
For example, if an interest-only payment period was 10 years on a 30-year mortgage, the principal payment will be compacted into the remaining 20 years resulting in high monthly repayment amounts. Interest-Only Mortgages carry a higher level of risk compared to other mortgage types because of the potential for mounting debt if house prices fall. Borrowers may find themselves in negative equity, where their mortgage is higher than the value of their property.
If the borrower has not prepared for the end of the interest-only period and the ensuing rise in payments, they may struggle to keep up with the mortgage costs. Therefore, this type of mortgage requires careful financial planning and is typically suited to borrowers with irregular income, like bonuses and commissions, or those who expect their income to rise considerably over time.
Interest-Only Mortgages, while attractive for their initial lower payments, pose a higher risk due to potential debt increases if property values fall and the dramatic payment hike after the interest-only period.
Pros and Cons of Balloon Mortgages
Balloon mortgages are a unique type of home loan that features lower initial payments but requires a large lump-sum payment at the end of the loan term. One major benefit of balloon mortgages lies in their lower monthly payments, which allow borrowers to manage their cash flow better during the loan term.
As their monthly mortgage costs are lower than with traditional home loans, borrowers are more capable of investing, saving, or utilizing their additional disposable income for other financial commitments. The large payment due at the term's end is typically anticipated, offering a predictable repayment structure that borrowers can plan for. However, the attractiveness of balloon mortgages comes with substantial risks. The looming large payment at the term's end presents a significant financial burden to borrowers. Given that the nature of this payment is a major sum, it may not be feasible for borrowers who do not plan their finances.
The likelihood of failing to make this significant final payment may result in the need to refinance, sell the property, or in worst-case scenarios, foreclosure. Therefore, awareness and full understanding of this payment structure are imperative before opting for a balloon-type mortgage. Additionally, since most balloon mortgages come with an adjustable interest rate, the interest expenses tied to this loan type can be highly unpredictable, which could lead to financial stress for the borrower. The eventual fluctuation of rates might result in higher payments over time, which might negate the benefit of initially lower payments.
This type of mortgage may discourage long-term planning as the sizeable lump-sum payment towards the end of the term might require scrambling for financial resources, affecting the borrower's stability and financial peace.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Selective
Maximizing the value of your wealth is a complex task that requires expertise across a variety of disciplines. Schedule a free consultation with an advisor that provides comprehensive wealth management, which includes financial planning, investment management, tax strategies, estate planning, and insurance services. Schedule a free consultation today.
Final Thoughts
Mortgage types vary significantly, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. From fixed-rate mortgages that offer stability to adjustable-rate mortgages which adjust with the market situations, the choice largely depends on your financial circumstances and preferences. Understanding interest-only mortgages and their implications can prevent potential future financial pitfalls. Balloon mortgages, while potentially risky, can also offer benefits depending on your particular situation. Therefore, having in-depth knowledge about these different types of mortgages is crucial for making an informed decision when purchasing a home or investing in real estate.