Bettina M. Straight
City Life Realty
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Are you wondering what type of mortgage best fits your needs?
  There are a number of things to consider:

1) Not all mortgage companies offer the same programs, rates, or incentives.  Check with your personal bank or credit union, research on line, and ask friends and family.

2) While on line lenders are popular, you may find yourself working with someone unfamiliar with the specifics of MD Real Estate Laws.  If you like a particular company that you've found on line, find out if they have a local office you can work with, especially if the person on the phone is in a different time zone!

3) There are many incentives for buyers, you just have to ask.  If you are a first time home buyer, fall within certain income guidelines, work for a company who participates in the "Live Near Your Work" program, buy a historical propertie, or attend home buyer  education classes, you may be eligible for closing cost assistance and more!  Mortgage Lenders can help you find the best program for you.




Loan Program Guide 

Use the chart below to find out which loan program best suits your needs.

PROGRAMAppropriate for borrowers who:Loan Characteristics
30 YEAR
FIXED RATE
MORTGAGE
  • plan to live in property more than 10 years
  • like total payment stability
  • Interest rate &
    monthly payment
    remain the same for 30 years
10/1 YEAR
ADJUSTABLE RATE
MORTGAGE
  • plan to live in property more than 10 years
  • like initial payment stability, can accept later changes
OR
  • plan to move within 10 years
  • want loan to remain in force in case plans change
  • Interest rate &
    monthly payment remain
    the same for 10 years
  • Starting the 11th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of loan
7/23 (2-Step)
or '30 due in 7'
MORTGAGE
  • plan to live in property more than 10 years
  • can tolerate one payment adjustment
OR
  • plan to move within 7 years
  • want to remain in force in case plans change
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
  • Conversion option: On the 8th year, interest rate adjusted to reflect prevailing interest rates, resulting payment will remain the same for remainder of loan
7/1 YEAR
ADJUSTABLE RATE
MORTGAGE
  • plan to live in property more than 7 years
  • like initial payment stability, can accept later changes
OR
  • plan to move within 7 years
  • want loan to remain in force in case plans change
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
  • Starting the 8th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of the loan
7 YEAR
BALLOON
MORTGAGE
  • plan to live in property more than 7 years
  • are willing to refinance at prevailing market rates
OR
  • plan to move within 7 years
  • like payment stability
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
  • At the end of 7 years, loan is due in full. Borrower must refinance into new loan at prevailing interest rates
5/25 (2-Step)
or '30 due in 5'
MORTGAGE
  • plan to live in property more than 5 years
  • can tolerate one payment adjustment
OR
  • plan to move within 5 years
  • want loan to remain in force in case of plans change
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 5 years
  • Conversion option: On the 6th year, interest rate adjusted to reflect prevailing interest rates, resulting payment will remain the same for remainder of loan
5/5 & 5/1 YEAR
ADJUSTABLE RATE
MORTGAGES
  • plan to live in property more than 5 years
  • like initial payment stability, can accept later changes
OR
  • plan to move within 5 years
  • want loan to remain in force in case plans change
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 5 years
  • Starting the 6th year, interest rate adjusted every 5 years (for 5/5 ARM) and every year (for 5/1 ARM)
5 YEAR
BALLOON
MORTGAGE
  • plan to live in property more than 5 years
  • are willing to refinance at prevailing market rates
OR
  • plan to move within 5 years
  • like payment stability
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 5 years
  • At the end of 5 years, loan is due in full. Borrower must refinance into new loan at prevailing interest rates
3/3 & 3/1 YEAR
ADJUSTABLE RATE
MORTGAGES
  • plan to live in property more than 3 years
  • like initial payment stability, can accept later changes
OR
  • plan to move within 3 years
  • want loan to remain in force in case plans change
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 3 years
  • Starting 4th year, interest rate adjusted every 3 years (for 3/3 ARM) and every year (for 3/1 ARM)
1 YEAR
ADJUSTABLE RATE
MORTGA
GES
  • want to take advantage of lowest rate possible
  • are willing to accept yearly payment changes
OR
  • cannot qualify at higher rate programs
  • Interest rate adjusted every year, so monthly payment is subject to change every year for entire 30 year loan term