What is a Balloon Mortgage and How to Choose the Right Lender?

A balloon mortgage is a short term loan, which unlike a regular mortgage, isn't paid off completely in regular payments. Instead, you are left with a portion of the principal amount, which then has to be paid off in a lump sum. This outstanding amount is also sometimes known as a balloon payment. Most balloon mortgages, sometimes called bullet loans have a term of between five and seven years, although 15 year terms have also become more popular in the last few years. Suppose you buy a $100,000 home and take out a five year balloon mortgage. Because the loan is amortized over the normal 30 year period, your monthly payments will still be based on that timeframe. They will consist of mainly the interest, somewhere between $700 and $850 per month. At the end of the five year period; the actual term of the loan, you will have to come up with the balance. This balance is going to be close to the purchase amount, all you have been paying so far has been mainly the interest. Just like most other financial transactions, there are advantages and disadvantages of taking out a balloon mortgage. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a balloon mortgage is that you generally do not need to come up with a substantial down payment. The monthly payment amounts are generally lower than they are with other types of mortgage. Balloon mortgages usually also come with lower interest rates. Just as with a conventional mortgage, you also have the option of making an extra payment every month. And as the interest rate is fixed, monthly payment amounts will not increase even if interest rates in general do increase. Qualifying for a balloon mortgage may be easier than qualifying for all other types of mortgages, making it easier for many people to be homeowners. In addition, many buyers can qualify for a larger home due to the fact that the interest rate and the monthly payments are lower. The application process for a balloon mortgage is much the same as for any other type of mortgage. You will still need to qualify as far as credit and income are concerned. Make sure you understand the options for refinancing at the end of the loan and make sure you verify with your lender that there is no possibility of losing that option. A balloon mortgage does however have several disadvantages. The most obvious disadvantage is the fact that you will have to pay a substantial lump sum at the end of the loan period. A balloon mortgage can also potentially cost you more money during its term, if interest rates increase to more than five percent above your existing balloon interest rate, you will have to go through the process of requalifying all over again. Apart from the potential extra cost, it can also be time consuming to refinance the loan; however some balloon mortgages come with a built-in refinancing option. Many people take out a balloon mortgage assuming that they are going to sell the house before the loan comes due. This makes the balloon mortgage an ideal option for those looking to buy and sell quickly in order make a quick profit, or to "flip the house" as it is commonly known. The obvious disadvantage with this method is that the house may not sell as quickly as you had intended or for the price you desired. You may end up having to sell at a lower price just to eliminate the substantial lump sum payment that comes with the balloon mortgage. Choosing the right lender is almost as important as choosing the right loan. You will want a lender who is reliable and helpful, remember, they will be part of your financial life for the next few years. It's especially important when it comes to a balloon mortgage, a somewhat specialized product which the lender is experienced in selling. It is a good idea to try to get recommendations from friends, family or work colleagues who have already taken out a balloon mortgage. Regardless of which lender you choose, a balloon mortgage can be complicated and confusing. Just make sure that your lender explains everything and that there are no hidden charges or fees. They are required to give you an estimate of the closing costs. Clearly, a balloon mortgage is not for everyone. Many buyers only take out a balloon mortgage if they intend on selling the property before the term of the loan is up. Many private investors also benefit from balloon mortgages when loaning money. They don't want their money tied up for a 30 year period. As with any financial transaction, especially one of this magnitude, you should always seek professional advice before signing the papers.


About the Author
Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer who writes about topics and financial products pertaining to the mortgage industry such an adjustable rate mortgage available from a mortgage lender