Define Mortgage (various types) in Real Estate

"A Deep Dive for Real Estate Agents and Appraisers"

Here are some common types of mortgages and examples for each:

Fixed-Rate Mortgage: A mortgage where the interest rate stays the same throughout the entire term of the loan. This type of mortgage is popular because it offers predictable payments.

Example: A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate of 3.5%.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): A mortgage where the interest rate can change over time. The interest rate may be fixed for a certain period of time, but then it can go up or down based on market conditions.

Example: A 5/1 ARM with a starting interest rate of 3%. This means that the interest rate is fixed for the first 5 years, but after that, it can adjust up or down each year.

FHA Loan: A type of mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This type of loan is designed to help people with lower credit scores or smaller down payments qualify for a mortgage.

Example: A 30-year FHA loan with a down payment of 3.5% and an interest rate of 3.75%.

VA Loan: A type of mortgage that is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This type of loan is available to active-duty military members, veterans, and some surviving spouses.

Example: A 15-year VA loan with no down payment and an interest rate of 3.25%.

Jumbo Mortgage: A type of mortgage that is larger than the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Jumbo mortgages typically have higher interest rates and require larger down payments.

Example: A 30-year jumbo mortgage for $750,000 with a down payment of 20% and an interest rate of 4%.

Reverse Mortgage: A type of mortgage that allows homeowners age 62 and older to convert their home equity into cash. The loan is repaid when the homeowner dies, sells the home, or moves out.

Example: A reverse mortgage on a home worth $500,000 that pays the homeowner $1,000 per month for the rest of their life.

Closed-End Mortgage: A mortgage where the borrower receives a lump sum of money at closing and then pays back the loan over a set period of time. This type of mortgage is also known as a traditional mortgage or a conventional mortgage.

Example: A 30-year closed-end mortgage with a fixed interest rate of 4%.

Open-End Mortgage: A mortgage that allows the borrower to borrow additional funds against the home's equity without having to refinance the original mortgage. This type of mortgage is also known as a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Example: A home equity line of credit with a credit limit of $50,000 and an interest rate of 5%.

Balloon Mortgage: A mortgage where the borrower makes small monthly payments for a set period of time (usually 5-7 years) and then pays off the remaining balance in one lump sum payment.

Example: A 7-year balloon mortgage with a fixed interest rate of 3.5%.

Certificate Backed Mortgage: A mortgage that is secured by a certificate of deposit (CD). The borrower puts money into a CD, and then uses the CD as collateral for the mortgage.

Example: A $100,000 certificate backed mortgage with a 5-year term and an interest rate of 4%.

Chattel Mortgage: A mortgage that is secured by personal property, such as a mobile home or a boat.

Example: A $50,000 chattel mortgage for a mobile home with a 10-year term and an interest rate of 6%.

Biweekly Accelerated Mortgage: A mortgage where the borrower makes payments every two weeks instead of once a month, which results in 26 half-payments (or 13 full payments) per year instead of 12.

Example: A 15-year biweekly accelerated mortgage with a fixed interest rate of 3.75%.

Assumable Mortgage: A mortgage that can be transferred from the seller of a home to the buyer of a home, with the buyer taking over the remaining payments and terms of the original mortgage.

Example: A $200,000 assumable mortgage with a remaining term of 20 years and an interest rate of 4.5%.

Note: These are just a few examples of the many different types of mortgages that are available. It's important to talk to a mortgage lender or financial advisor to find the best mortgage for your individual needs.