Mortgage Comparison Chart

Loan Type Loan Features Best Suited For
Fixed Rate Mortgage
(30,10,15,10 years)
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for the entire term of the loan
  • Plan to live in property more than 10 years.
  • Like total payment stability
10/1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 10 years
  • Starting the 11th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of loan
  • Plan to live in property more than 10 years
  • Like initial payment stability, can accept later changes

OR

  • Plan to move within 10 years
  • Want loan to remain in force in case plans change
7/23 (2-Step) or
'30 due in 7' Mortgage
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
  • Conversion option: On the 8th year, interest rate adjusted to reflect prevailing interest rates, resulting payment will remain the same for remainder of loan
  • Plan to live in property more than 10 years
  • Can tolerate one payment adjustment

OR

  • Plan to move within 7 years
  • Want loan to remain in force in case plans change
7/1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
  • Starting the 8th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of the loan
  • Plan to live in property more than 7 years
  • Like initial payment stability, can accept later changes

OR

  • Plan to move within 7 years
  • Want loan to remain in force in case plans change
7 Year Balloon Mortgage
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
  • At the end of 7 years, loan is due in full. Borrower must refinance into new loan at prevailing interest rates
  • Plan to live in property more than 7 years
  • Are willing to refinance at prevailing market rates

OR

  • Plan to move within 7 years
  • Like payment stability
5/25 (2-Step) or
'30 due in 5' Mortgage
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 5 years
  • Conversion option: On the 6th year, interest rate adjusted to reflect prevailing interest rates, resulting payment will remain the same for remainder of loan
  • Plan to live in property more than 5 years
  • Can tolerate one payment adjustment

OR

  • Plan to move within 5 years
  • Want loan to remain in force in case of plans change
5/5 & 5/1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 5 years
  • Starting the 6th year, interest rate adjusted every 5 years (for 5/5 ARM) and every year (for 5/1 ARM)
  • Plan to live in property more than 5 years
  • Like initial payment stability, can accept later changes

OR

  • Plan to move within 5 years
  • Want loan to remain in force in case plans change
5 Year Balloon Mortgage
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 5 years
  • At the end of 5 years, loan is due in full. Borrower must refinance into new loan at prevailing interest rates
  • Plan to live in property more than 5 years
  • Are willing to refinance at prevailing market rates

OR

  • Plan to move within 5 years
  • Like payment stability
3/3 & 3/1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgages
  • Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 3 years
  • Starting 4th year, interest rate adjusted every 3 years (for 3/3 ARM) and every year (for 3/1 ARM)
  • Plan to live in property more than 3 years
  • Like initial payment stability, can accept later changes

OR

  • Plan to move within 3 years
  • Want loan to remain in force in case plans change
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgages
  • Interest rate adjusted every year, so monthly payment is subject to change every year for entire 30 year loan term
  • Want to take advantage of lowest rate possible
  • Are willing to accept yearly payment changes

OR

  • Cannot qualify for higher rate programs