Type of Loans
You can classify home loans in any number of ways, but here are the most common types of mortgages:
Fixed rate or adjustable rate
A fixed rate loan is a mortgage with an interest rate that is set when you take out the loan, and it will never change. An adjustable rate mortgage has an interest rate that may go up or down.
Conforming or Jumbo Loan
A conforming loan means that the mortgage is made under the auspices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government entities that guarantee loans for banks. In New York City and some other parts of our service area, conforming loans only go up to $726,525. You'll need a jumbo loan, which is not backed by the government, if you need a loan over this amount.
First or second mortgage
A first mortgage will always be the primary lien on your home, and it takes precedence over every other type of loan you might take out on your home. Usually, the loan used to purchase your home is secured by the first mortgage. Second mortgages also use your home as collateral, and it is paid out in one lump sum at the beginning of the loan. Many people use a combination of loans to achieve their financing goals.