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
	Advantages	Disadvantages
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) 10/1 ARM 7/1 ARM 5/1 ARM 3/1 ARM 1 year ARM 6 month ARM 1 month ARM	Lower initial monthly payment Rates and payments may go down if rates improve May qualify for higher loan amounts 30 year term, no balloon payment	More risk Payments may change over time Potential for higher payments if rates increase
	Advantages	Disadvantages
First Time Buyer Programs	Lower down payment Easier to qualify Lower rates may be available Downpayment assistance	May be subject to income and property value limitations Some government subsidized programs may generate a recapture tax if you sell the house too soon
	Advantages	Disadvantages
Interest Only Programs	You have several payment options Lower monthly payments Qualify for a higher loan amount Option to pay the full normal payment Interest only payments for up to ten years	Higher rates Principal loan balance will not decrease during the interest only payment period Payment will be higher for the remaining term
	Advantages	Disadvantages
No point, No fee Programs	No out-of-pocket loan costs at closing Closing costs are paid by lender Less money required to close Refinance without increasing your loan amount	Higher rates Higher payments
	Advantages	Disadvantages
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
	Advantages	Disadvantages
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)	You only borrow what you need Pay interest only on what you borrow Flexible access to funds Interest may be tax deductible A good source for an emergency fund, if set up in advance Can be used for debt consolidation and lower payments Rates are usually lower than consumer loan or credit card rates	Rates can change. The maximum interest rate can be relatively high Payments can change Harder to refinance your first mortgage
	Advantages	Disadvantages
Home Equity Fixed Loan	Fixed payments Interest may be tax deductible Get cash out for any purpose	Higher interest rates compared to first mortgage Harder to refinance your first mortgage Interest is paid on the entire loan amount, compared to an equity line of credit