Interest Only Mortgages and Loans
An "Interest Only" Mortgage loan is a very popular alternative
to traditional fixed rates. Gaining popularity at record speed these
home loans allow a consumer to make "Interest Only Payments"
during a defined period of time for the loan. These programs can offer
consumers greater purchasing power, increased cash flow and a number
of other benefits. For example, one of the most common programs a
is a 5 year interest only loan where the borrower has a fixed rate
for five years and is only obligated to pay the interest owed every
month. This could mean hundreds of dollars in monthly savings, increased
purchasing power (since you may qualify on the interest only payment)
and more. These loans are not for everybody however if you are self
disciplined, have a good understanding of the time frame you will
be in your home and understand the potential risks then these products
provide an extremely attractive option to many homeowners. Below is
a list of some of the most popular loan types:
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One Month Libor Loans
The interest rate on this loan is the sum of the LIBOR index plus
a margin rounded to the nearest one-eighth of one percentage point,
(0.125%). The margin will not change throughout the term of the loan
however the index value will be adjusted every month, which will cause
your interest rate to be adjusted accordingly.
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Six Month Libor Loans
The interest rate on this loan is the sum of the LIBOR index plus
a margin rounded to the nearest one-eighth of one percentage point,
(0.125%). The margin will not change throughout the term of the loan
however the index value will be adjusted every six months, which will
cause your interest rate to be adjusted accordingly.
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One Year Libor Loans
The interest rate on this loan is the sum of the LIBOR index plus
a margin rounded to the nearest one-eighth of one percentage point,
(0.125%). The margin will not change throughout the term of the loan
however the index value will be adjusted on an annual basis which
will cause your interest rate to be adjusted accordingly.
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3 Year Interest Only Arm
The interest rate is fixed for the first three (3) years of the loan
term and your only obligation are interest only payments. during years
4 thru 30 the interest rate is adjusted every year to the sum of the
LIBOR index plus a pre-defined margin rounded to the nearest one-eighth
of one percentage point - (0.125%). The margin will not change throughout
the term of the loan however after the initial period has passed (month
37) the unpaid balance is fully amortized over the remaining term
and the borrower is now obligated to make principal and interest payments
to the lender.
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5 Year Interest Only Arm
The interest rate is fixed for the first five (5) years of the loan
term and your only obligation are interest only payments. during years
6 thru 30 the interest rate is adjusted every year to the sum of the
LIBOR index plus a pre-defined margin rounded to the nearest one-eighth
of one percentage point - (0.125%). The margin will not change throughout
the term of the loan however after the initial period has passed (month
61) the unpaid balance is fully amortized over the remaining term
and the borrower is now obligated to make principal and interest payments
to the lender.
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7 Year Interest Only Arm
The interest rate is fixed for the first seven (7) years of the loan
term and your only obligation are interest only payments. during years
8 thru 30 the interest rate is adjusted every year to the sum of the
LIBOR index plus a pre-defined margin rounded to the nearest one-eighth
of one percentage point - (0.125%). The margin will not change throughout
the term of the loan however after the initial period has passed (month
85) the unpaid balance is fully amortized over the remaining term
and the borrower is now obligated to make principal and interest payments
to the lender.
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10 Year Interest Only Arm
The interest rate is fixed for the first ten (10) years of the loan
term and your only obligation are interest only payments. during years
11 thru 30 the interest rate is adjusted every year to the sum of
the LIBOR index plus a pre-defined margin rounded to the nearest one-eighth
of one percentage point - (0.125%). The margin will not change throughout
the term of the loan however after the initial period has passed (month
121) the unpaid balance is fully amortized over the remaining term
and the borrower is now obligated to make principal and interest payments
to the lender.
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10/30 Year Interest Only
A fixed rate for 30 years where the first 10 years are interest only
payments. After the initial period has passed (121st month) the unpaid
balance is fully amortized over the remaining term of the loan however
the interest does not change. Most lenders allow the borrower to make
voluntary principal payments during the interest only period.
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15/30 Year Interest Only
A fixed rate for 30 years where the first 15 years are interest only
payments. After the initial period has passed (121st month) the unpaid
balance is fully amortized over the remaining term of the loan however
the interest does not change. Most lenders allow the borrower to make
voluntary principal payments during the interest only period.
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It is important to note these are common descriptions of the popular
interest only loan programs available however it is imperative you
ask your lender for an explanation of any program before applying.
The mortgage market is subject to change with little notice at time
and products are continually being updated (for better or worse).
It is your responsibility to understand the program - If you do not
understand then do not sign - the golden rule!
More on Interest Only Mortages