Conventional

Any mortgage loan other than a VA or a low down payment government loan. A conventional loan may be conforming (within Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines) or nonconforming (jumbo).

Jumbo (Nonconforming)

A loan amount that exceeds the limits permitted by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (current limit: $417,000). Jumbo Loans are purchased by investors other than Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and generally you will pay a higher interest rate for this type of loan than that of a conforming loan. The general rule of thumb is the higher the amount of the loan, the more down payment is required. These types of loans can also be a Fixed or Adjustable product.

Adjustable Rate (ARM)

This type of mortgage generally starts out with an interest rate lower than a fixed-rate loan. This saves you money early on and may help you qualify for a more expensive home. However, your rate is tied to a market index. As the index goes up or down, your payments will also change at each scheduled adjustment period. There are "rate caps” to limit the amount your mortgage can go up or down.

Fixed Rate

The most popular type of mortgage. The interest rate will remain the same for as long as you have your loan. If you expect to live in your home for many years, having the same interest rate may be your main concern. If you decide that you like the stable, predictable payments of a fixed rate loan, you may choose from several different terms. Typically, the longer the term of the loan, the more interest you pay over the life of your loan. However, a longer repayment term means your monthly mortgage payments will be less than they would be with a comparable shorter-term loan.

Low down payment government Loans

Low downpayment government loans are designed to help borrowers who might not qualify for conventional mortgages. FHA loans feature unique benefits such as a low down payment. There are no income limits for borrowers applying for FHA loans and no reserves are required either. Cash out refinance up to 95% is available. FHA Secure refinance program is available to assist home owners in difficult times to avoid foreclosure.

Streamlined 203k program

Allows you to finance up to $35,000.00 of home repairs or improvements into your mortgage whether you are buying or refinancing.

USDA Rural Housing program

United States Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Program is available for you if you plan to purchase a home located in a community of less than 20,000 of population or other USDA approved area. This loan program features fantastic benefits like competitive rates, no PMI (private mortgage insurance), option to include closing costs, title services, legal fees in the loan amount, loans may be up to 100% of property value. There is no maximum loan amount and no reserve requirement. You are eligible for this loan program if your adjusted gross income does not exceed the moderate income limit established for the area and you plan to purchase your primary residence only.

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Refinancing

The repayment of a debt from the proceeds of a new loan using the same property as security.

VA Lending

These loans are intended to encourage lenders to offer veterans mortgages with more favorable terms. VA mortgages can be used to buy, build, improve or refinance a home. These mortgages are often made without any down payment at all and frequently offer lower interest rates than are ordinarily available with other kinds of mortgages. Aside from the veteran's certificate of eligibility and the VA-assigned appraisal, the application process is not much different from any other type of mortgage.