Such lump sum payment are called “balloon payments” in the industry and if secured with a Deed of Trust, California law imposes strict requirements on the lender who plans to receive a balloon payment on a California note and enforce lack of payment by foreclosure on the Deed of Trust.
The most significant risk of a balloon mortgage is foreclosure if the borrower can't make the balloon payment at the end of the term. Foreclosure can result in the loss of the home, emotional distress, and impact the borrower's credit negatively, generally for seven years.
Potential Downsides of Balloon Mortgages for Homebuyers Foreclosure can result in the loss of the home, emotional distress, and impact the borrower's credit negatively, generally for seven years. The first balloon mortgage payments primarily cover the interest rather than the principal.
The downside of balloon payments Although a balloon-payment option can make your monthly payments more affordable, you're taking on extra debt to buy an asset that is depreciating – the value of your vehicle may end up less than the amount still owed.
The Bottom Line Chattel mortgages are a little-known but potentially good option if you're looking to finance a manufactured home or heavy equipment. These loans are smaller than conventional loans and tend to have higher rates, but they have shorter terms and quicker payoffs.
The best chattel mortgage rates generally start from around 7.50% p.a. but can range up to 15% p.a. or higher for some borrowers. To get the best rate — i.e. the lowest rate — a borrower will want to present as little risk to the lender as possible.
Disadvantages of a Balloon Payment Usage Restrictions. Car finance with a final balloon payment typically requires usage restrictions. Not Ideal for Those With Lower Credit Scores. Not Optional for Lease Agreements. Expensive Final Payment.
Balloon mortgages are short-term loans that begin with a series of fixed payments and end with a final, lump-sum payment. That one-time payment is called a balloon payment because it's often at least twice as much as the previous ones, leaving many borrowers with a final bill for tens of thousands of dollars (or more).
The most significant risk of a balloon mortgage is foreclosure if the borrower can't make the balloon payment at the end of the term. Foreclosure can result in the loss of the home, emotional distress, and impact the borrower's credit negatively, generally for seven years.
The term of a balloon mortgage is usually short (e.g., 5 years), but the payment amount is amortized over a longer term (e.g., 30 years). An advantage of these loans is that they often have a lower interest rate, but the final balloon payment is substantial.