Types of Mortgages

SubtitleZero and 3% Down Payment Loans
Through Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s Automated Underwriting, borrowers with excellent credit can get expanded loan amounts up to 100% of the value of the home.

Traditional Fixed-Rate Mortgages
These mortgages get their name from the fact that the interest rate will not move up or down, but is "fixed" throughout the life of the loan. Fixed-rate loans are especially popular when market interest rates are low.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
Just like the name implies, the interest rate on these loans adjusts, or moves up or down, according to an index. The interest rate on an ARM usually starts out lower than prevailing rates on fixed-rate loans. ARMs are great for borrowers who expect to remain in their homes just a few years before moving again.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Veterans Administration (VA) Loans
With an insured FHA loan, you can purchase your home with a low down payment. If you have served in the Armed Forces, a VA loan allows you to purchase a home with no down payment.

Community Home Buyers Programs
Popular program for first-time home buyers is sponsored by the Federal National Mortgage Association, or Fannie Mae, the government-related entity that designs mortgage guidelines. With Fannie Mae’s program, lenders are given more flexibility in deciding how much a borrower can afford in monthly payments and in the amount of down payment that is required.