Interest only loan programs provide the same features as fixed
and variable rate programs, and they additionally offer a lower
payment option. With an interest only loan payment option, you pay
only the interest portion of the payment but no principal.
Loan Program
Advantages
Disadvantages
Interest Only Programs
Several payment options
Lower monthly payments
Qualify for a higher loan amount
Qualify at the interest only payment
Option to pay the full principal and interest payment
Interest only payments for up to ten years
Higher rates
Principal loan balance will not decrease during the interest only payment period
Payment will be higher for the remaining term
An interest only loan can be more expensive compared to a fully amortized loan. Many lenders add a fee of one-quarter point for the interest only option.
Interest only payment options allow you to qualify at the starting interest only payment. This gives you more buying power and a lower monthly payment compared to an amortized loan.
You pay interest based on your principal balance. On an interest only loan, your principal balance does not decrease, therefore, you pay more interest with this option.
