Mortgage Information

What is a Mortgage?
A mortgage represents a loan or lien on a property/house that has to be paid over a specified period of time. Think of it as your personal guarantee that you'll repay the money you've borrowed to buy your home. Mortgages come in many different shapes and sizes, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you select the mortgage that is right for you, your future plans, and your financial picture.

What is an amortization schedule?
The month-by-month allocation of your monthly payment to the loan's interest and principal is called an amortization schedule. With most loans you pay off the interest on the loan before you pay off the principal (or the actual amount you borrowed). Your lender will provide an amortization schedule to show you how the percentage of your principal paid off increases with every payment, while the percentage of interest decreases.

	Choosing the right mortgage.
	Once you decide on the mortgage you want, do your homework. Different lenders offer different rates, points, and fees. Ask around and compare.

Understanding the benefits of different mortgage offerings can be a complex process.
Fixed-rate mortgages
Are the most common mortgage for many homebuyers because the monthly payments are stable. The interest rate you lock-in will be the same interest rate you pay for the life of the loan - whether it's a 15-year or 30-year mortgage.

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)
Are popular because they usually start with a lower interest rate and a lower monthly payment. The lower rate (and lower monthly payments) may also allow a higher loan amount. However, the interest rate can change during the life of the loan, which would mean that your monthly payment would increase (or decrease).

Balloon/reset mortgages
Have monthly mortgage payments based on a 30-year amortization schedule, and you have a choice at the end of the 5- or 7-year term to either pay off the remaining balance or reset the mortgage. So you have the advantage of a low monthly payment, like someone with a 30-year loan, but you must pay off the loan at the end of the specified term.

Many balloon mortgages have a "reset" option. That means you can reset the interest rate of your mortgage to the current market rate for the remainder of the amortization period.