Your Complete Resource > Mortgage Center
Home
Find A Home
Your Complete Resource
The Siouxland Area
Moving
Contact Us!
Monthly Newsletter
Free Moving Van!

Finding the right loan for you may seem like an impossible task, but have no fear, there are many resources out there just waiting to help!

Click here to use our loan calculator to compare interest rates and amounts borrowed.

The most important question you need to ask yourself is:
How long do I plan on owning my home?

Years

Recommendation

1-3

3/1 ARM, 1 year ARM or 6 month ARM

3-5

5/1 ARM

5-7

7/1 ARM

7-10

10/1 ARM, 30 year fixed or 15 year fixed

10+

30 year fixed or 15 year fixed



Loan Programs

Pros

Cons

Fixed Rate Mortgages

>>
30 year fixed rate
>>15 year fixed rate


>>Monthly payments are fixed over the life of the loan

>>Interest rate doesn't change

>>Can refinance loan if rates go down

>>Rate is protected if rates go up



>>Higher mortgage payments

>>Higher interest rates

>>Rate does not go down if interest rates improve


Adjustable Rate Mortgages

>>
10/1 ARM
>>7/1 ARM
>>3/1 ARM
>>1 year ARM
>>6 month ARM
>>1 month ARM


>>Initially you will have lower monthly payment

>>Lower payments over a shorter period of time

>>Could qualify for larger loan amounts

>>Rates and payments may go down if rates improve



>>Riskier

>>Risk of higher payments if rates go up

>>Payments may change over time


Balloon Mortgages

>>7 year
>>5 year


>> Lower monthly payment, initially

>>Balloon mortgages offer the option to convert to a new loan after the initial term, most times

>>Lower payment over a shorter period of time



>>Potential of rates being higher at the end of the initial fixed period

>>Risk of foreclosure if balloon payment cannot be made, if you cannot refinance, or if you cannot use the conversion option


First Time Buyer Programs


>>Low down payment

>>It is possible to get lower rates

>>Easy to qualify



>>Some programs which have government subsidies could have a recapture tax if you sell the house early

>>Could be subject to property value & income limitations


Stated Income Programs


>>Doesn't need to verify your income

>>Quicker approvals



>>Higher rates

>>Larger down payments


No point, No fee Programs


>>No closing costs

>>Less money needed to close



>>Higher rates

>>Larger payments


Imperfect Credit Programs


>>Potential for re-establishing credit if you make your loan payments on time.

>>You may be able to reduce your monthly debt payment, when used for debt consolidation



>>Higher rates

>>Harder to get long term fixed loans

>>Loans may have penalties on prepayment


Home Equity Line of Credit


>>Pay interest only on what you borrow

>> You only borrow what you need

>>Interest may be tax deductible



>> Rates can change

>>Payment can change

>>Interest rates are typically high



Home Equity Fixed Loan

>>Fixed payments

>>Interest can possibly be tax deductible


>>Higher interest rates than on 1st mortgages

>>Can make it harder to refinance your first mortgage

Mortgage Center
Buying & Selling
Making An Offer
During A Showing
Preparing Your Home
Abbreviations