Monthly payments are fixed over the life of the loan

Interest rate does not change

Protected if rates go up

Can refinance if rates go down

Higher interest rate

Higher mortgage payments

Rate does not drop if interest rates improve

Lower initial monthly payment

Lower payment over a shorter period of time

Rates and payments may go down if rates improve

May qualify for higher loan amounts

More risk

Payments may change over time

Potential for high payments if rates go up

Lower initial monthly payment

Lower payment over a shorter period of time

Many balloon mortgages offer the option to convert to a new loan after the initial term

Risk of rates being higher at the end of the initial fixed period

Risk of foreclosure if you cannot make balloon payment or if you cannot refinance or if you cannot exercise the conversion option

Lower down payment

Easier to qualify

Sometimes you may get lower rate

May be subject to income and property value limitations

Some programs which have government subsidies may have a recapture tax if you sell the house too early

Don't need to verify income

Faster approval

Higher rates

Higher down payment

No closing costs

Less money required to close

Slightly higher rates

Slightly higher payments

Potential for reestablishing credit if you pay your mortgage on time

When used for debt consolidation, you may be able to reduce your monthly debt payment

Higher rates

Terms may not be as favorable

Harder to get long term fixed loans

Loans may have prepayment penalties