Conventional Loan Types
Fixed Rate Mortgage
Fixed-rate loans have an interest rate that remains the same over the entire term of the loan, usually 15, 20, or 30 years. Best suited for buyers who plan on staying in their home for 5 years or longer.
Jumbo Loan
A home loan of an amount that exceeds conforming loan limits imposed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This limit is currently $417,000 in most parts of the United States.
Hybrid ARM (3/1 , 5/1 , 7/1 )
These increasingly popular ARMS—also called 3/1, 5/1 or 7/1—can offer the best of both worlds: lower interest rates (like ARMs) and a fixed payment for a longer period of time than most adjustable rate loans. For example, a “5/1 loan” has a fixed monthly payment and interest for the first five years and then turns into a traditional adjustable-rate loan, based on then-current rates for the remaining 25 years. It’s a good choice for people who expect to move (or refinance) before or shortly after the adjustment occurs.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM)
When it comes to ARMs there’s a basic rule to remember…the longer you ask the lender to charge you a specific rate, the more expensive the loan.