New York Real Estate

New York Real Estate Information: Mortgages
Balloon loans

Balloon loans offer lower interest rates for shorter term financing, usually five, seven, or 10 years. At the end of this term, they require refinancing or paying off the outstanding balance with a lump-sum payment. Balloon mortgages may be suitable if you plan to sell or refinance your home within a few years and want a fixed, low monthly payment.

The advantage they offer is an interest rate that is lower than that of a fully amortizing fixed-rate mortgage. For example, your initial interest rate may be 7.5%, and you would pay that for the first five, seven, or 10 years (depending on the term of your balloon loan). Then, your entire outstanding loan balance would be due to the lender or you might have to pay a fee to refinance your loan at the prevailing interest rate.

Be sure to ask about all the conditions for a refinance option at the end of the balloon term. With some balloon mortgages, the lender doesn't guarantee to extend the loan past the balloon date. If you don't feel you will be able to meet all the refinance conditions or think the balloon term may be up before you are ready to move, this type of loan may not be appropriate for you.

Further Information:
About Mortgages
Mortgage Amount and Term
Amortization
Fixed or Adjustable Interest Rates
Down Payment
Closing Costs
Discount Points
Conforming and Nonconforming Loans
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
30-Year Fixed-Rate
20-Year Fixed-Rate
15-Year Fixed-Rate
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) (page 1)
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) (page 2)
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: CD-Indexed ARMs
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Treasury-Indexed ARMs
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Cost of Funds-Indexed ARMs
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Initial Fixed-Period ARMs
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Two-Step Mortgage
Government Loans and Programs (General)
Government Loans and Programs: FHA Loans
Government Loans and Programs: VA Loans
Government Loans and Programs: RHS Loans
Government Loans and Programs: State and Local Loan Programs
Balloon Loans