Purchasing a home is the single largest expenditure you will make. Therefore, the financing of your home should be managed with great consideration.
There are many different loan products available today and it is often difficult to pick the one best suited toward your financial goals. By answering the following questions, you’ll get a feel for the best loan for your financial situation.
How Long Do You Intend to Occupy This Property?
| Length Of Stay In Property |
Loan Programs To Consider |
| 1-3 Years |
1- or 3-Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) |
| 4-6 Years |
5- or 7-Year ARM;
5- or 7-Year Balloon |
| 7 Years |
10-Year ARM;
15-,20-, or 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage |
Would You Prefer a Lower Payment or More Rapid
Accumulation of Equity?
| Finiancial Goal |
Loan Programs To Consider |
| Equity Buildup |
15- or 20-Year Fixed |
| Minimized Payment |
1-, 3-, 5-, or 7-Year ARM;
30-Year Fixed |
What Do You Feel Interest Rates Will Do in the Future?
| Overall I Believe Interest Rates Will |
Loan Programs To Consider |
| Rise |
30-, 20-, or 15-Year Fixed;
7- or 10-Year ARM;
7-Year Balloon |
| Fall |
1-Year ARM |
| Stay About the Same |
1-, 3-, 5-, or 7-Year ARM |
How Well Do You Tolerate Risk?
| Risk Tolerance |
Loan Programs To Consider |
| Uncomfortable With Vulnerability To Interest Rate Fluctuations |
15- or 30-Year Fixed;
10-Year ARM |
| Comfortable With Market Changes |
1-, 3-, 5-, or 7-Year ARM;
5- or 7-Year Balloon |
Published on January 19, 2007