Types of Loans
There are a lot of loan choices – so how do you figure out which is best?
If you’re looking to buy your first home, refinance or cash out some equity in your current home, determining the right loan can take some work.
Whatever your situation, understanding your options is important! Explore the differences between the two major loan types below – or download our Guide to Home Loans.
Fixed Rate Loan
A 15-year fixed rate mortgage can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan, but your monthly payments will be higher.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
An adjustable rate mortgage may get you started with a lower monthly payment than a fixed rate mortgage, but your payments could increase when the interest rate changes.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Mortgage
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a government entity that offers mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders.
USDA Rural Development (RD) Mortgage
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) manages a program whereby a buyer can borrow up to 102% of the home’s appraised value, thus eliminating a down payment. This program is only available in certain non-urban geographic locations, but these sites can include small towns and villages close to larger cities.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Mortgage
Veterans are eligible for VA (Veterans Affairs) mortgage loans with zero down payments. Credit requirements are similar to those associated with FHA loans. The program is also available to the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or because of a service-related disability.
HomeReady® Mortgage
Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) offers an enhanced, affordable lending product, the HomeReady Mortgage, designed to meet the diverse family and financial situations of credit worthy applicants, with down payments as low as 3%.
Refinancing
Refinancing your current loan can be very beneficial for many reasons including; shortening the length of a mortgage (i.e. refinancing a 30-year mortgage into a new 15-year mortgage), consolidating debt, or refinancing from an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed rate mortgage (or vice versa).
CHFA Mortgage
CHFA is Colorado’s trusted partner for affordable and responsible homeownership. CHFA home mortgage programs provide Coloradans with access to competitive fixed rate financing.
