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Loan Comparison Chart

Types of Loans

Lending Tools

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Download a PDF version of our standard loan application.

Loan Comparison Chart

Which loan is right for me?
Years you plan to stay in the house Recommended program
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

Types of Loans

Loan Programs Advantages Disadvantages
Fixed Rate Mortgages
30 year fixed
15 year fixed



  • Monthly payments are fixed over the life of the loan
  • Interest rate does not change
  • Protected if rates go up
  • Can refinance if rates go down



  • Higher interest rate
  • Higher mortgage payments
  • Rate does not drop 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



  • Lower initial monthly payment
  • Lower payment over a shorter period of time
  • Rates and payments may go down if rates improve
  • May qualify for higher loan amounts



  • More risk
  • Payments may change over time
  • Potential for high payments if rates go up
Balloon Mortgages
7 year
5 year



  • Lower initial monthly payment
  • Lower payment over a shorter period of time
  • Many balloon mortgages offer the option to convert to a new loan after the initial term.



  • Risk of rates being higher at the end of the initial fixed period
  • Risk of foreclosure if you cannot make balloon payment or if you cannot refinance or if you cannot exercise the conversion option
First Time Buyer Programs
  • Lower down payment
  • Easier to qualify
  • Sometimes you may get lower rates
  • May be subject to income and property value limitations
  • Some programs which have government subsidies may have a recapture tax if you sell the house too early.
Stated Income Programs
  • Don’t need to verify income
  • Faster approval
  • Higher rates
  • Higher down payment
No point, No fee Programs
  • No closing costs
  • Less money required to close
  • Higher rates
  • Higher payments
Imperfect Credit Programs
  • Potential for reestablishing credit if you pay your mortgage on time.
  • When used for debt consolidation, you may be able to reduce your monthly debt payment
  • Higher rates
  • Terms may not be as favorable
  • Harder to get long term fixed loans
  • Loans may have prepayment penalties
Home Equity Line of Credit
  • You only borrow what you need
  • Pay interest only on what you borrow
  • Flexible access to funds
  • Interest may be tax deductible
  • Rates can change. The maximum interest rate is normally high.
  • Payments can change
  • Harder to refinance your first mortgage
Home Equity Fixed Loan
  • Fixed payments
  • Interest may be tax deductible
  • Higher interest rates than on 1st mortgages
  • Harder to refinance your first mortgage



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510.305.3863
Cathy Dimalanta
"For all your mortgage planning needs"
Direct: (510) 305-3863
Fax: (510) 245-7398
10 Commodore Drive
Emeryville, CA 94608

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Cathy Dimalanta     "For all your mortgage planning needs"     www.CathyD.net
Direct: (510) 305-3863  :::  Fax: (510) 245-7398  :::  10 Commodore Drive  :::  Emeryville, CA 94608
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