New mortgage loan products offer a more complex selection of terms. Lenders now offer mortgages that are blends of short-term ARMs and 30-year fixed-rate loans with a lower fixed-rate of interest for a period of five, seven or ten years. Be sure that you understand what happens at the end of the initial term before you sign on the dotted line for such a loan.

Many of these loans revert to a 1-year adjustable rate loan at the end of the initial term and can be adjusted once a year based on an index tied to the cost of money. You should know how much over the index your rate will be set and the limit or cap on how much your payments can increase. A "balloon" note requires the entire balance to be paid to the lender after the initial period of the loan ends. Most of these loans require the lender to guarantee to refinance the note at that point if payments have been timely. The lender should spell out how the re-finance rate will be determined and what costs will be involved. These loans can help you buy a more expensive house than you could afford with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, but be sure that you understand the terms and the potential risks.

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The Sue Martin Team
Coldwell Banker Gundaker
516 Old Smizer Mill Road
Fenton, MO 63026
Cell: 636-795-3400
Office: 636-717-6000
Fax: 636-326-1000
Sue@SueMartinTeam.com

Sue Martin and her Home Selling Team is the Fenton area's #1 full-service Realtor whose business success is based on a results-oriented team approach. This dedication to service has resulted in The Sue Martin Team being ranked by St. Louis Business Journal and St. Louis Magazine as one of Metro St. Louis' top Realtors. Sue and her team of professional agents are focused on providing quality services to facilitate home buyers and sellers in achieving their real estate goals through exceptional customer service, track record and experience, and results-based systems. Referrals and recommendations from past clients and customers are a testimony to the team’s commitment, high performance standards and results. Call Sue Today ... and Start Packing!!