Choosing a mortgage loan should seem like a straightforward process; you borrow money from a lender for a specified amount, for a set period of time, and pay it back. However, getting a loan you feel comfortable with, one that’s flexible during good times and bad, can be a challenge.Compare Mortgage Rates Mortgage loans basically fall into one of two categories: government or conventional. Government loans are normally insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Veteran’s Administration (VA). Some offer lower down payments and most offer favorable terms. Conventional loans can be either conforming or non-conforming. Conforming loans follow the guidelines set forth by The Federal National Mortgage Administration (Fannie Mae) and The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). These types of loans can be either fixed or adjustable. Each is tied into a specific rate, term and limit which can vary from lender to lender. Non-conforming loans, on the other hand, do not adhere to any strict guidelines. How do fixed-rate mortgages work? Fixed-rate mortgages retain the same APR throughout the life of the loan. However, the property tax and homeowner’s insurance, if built into the cost of the loan, may change over time. The most popular type of fixed loan is a 30-year term. For those who prefer a shorter timeframe, a 15-year fixed mortgage may be a better option. While the amount of time it takes to repay is shorter, you can usually secure a better interest rate (.25-.50% lower than a 30-year fixed). Besides a 15- and 30-year term, fixed loans are also available 40- and 20-year terms. How do adjustable rate mortgages work? Unlike fixed-rate mortgages, Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) are based on shorter term securities that fluctuate upward or downward based on today’s leading indexes (e.g., Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT), London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR), or Treasury Bill). A margin is added on top of the index rate by the lender to calculate the interest rate.| Mortgage Loan Because ARMs are adjustable, they go up and down at pre-set intervals during the duration of the loan. Some offer a low teaser rate to qualify potential buyers which accelerates to a higher rate thereafter. ARMs can adjust once a year, every month, or three to five years, and are typically amortized over a 30 year period. Some offer a lifetime cap which sets the maximum rate that can be charged during the life of the loan with some states having their own percentage limits.

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