15, 20, 30 Year Fixed Loan
30 Year Fixed
A 30 year fixed conventional loan is a loan that has the same
mortgage payments for 360 months.
Conventional loans typically are harder to qualify for than FHA
loans and require a slightly higher down payment. However, in
some cases rates can be lower and have lower closing costs.
Also, monthly mortgage insurance is usually less or can be
nothing with 20% down payment.
20 Year Fixed
This type of loan is the same as the 30 year fixed rate loan
except the life of the loan is 240 months as opposed to 360
months. Since the loan is being paid slightly faster than
the 30 year fixed rate loan, monthly payments for this type of
loan are higher than the 30 year fixed rate loan. Some
Lenders allow for a lesser rate.
15 Year Fixed
This type of loan is the same as the 30 year fixed rate loan except the life of the loan is 180 months as opposed to 360 months. Since the loan is being paid faster than either the 30 year fixed rate loan or the 20 year fixed rate loan, monthly payments for this type loan are higher than the other two loans. Generally, the longer a lender agrees to keep the interest rate "fixed," the greater the risk to the lender, therefore, in most instances, interest rates on 15 year fixed rate loans are slightly lower than on 20 or 30 year fixed rate loans.
1% minimum down payment with 720 credit score
3% minimum down payment with 620 credit score
Minimum credit score - usually 620
Post- bankruptcy: can qualify after 4 years
Post-foreclosure: can qualify after 7 years
Post-short-sale: Can Qualify after 2 years (LTV restrictions may apply)