A balloon mortgage is usually rather short, with a term of 5 years to 7 years, but the payment is based on a term of 30 years. They often have a lower interest rate, and it can be easier to qualify for than a traditional 30-year-fixed mortgage.
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.
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).
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 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 purpose of a chattel mortgage is to secure financing for moveable property or chattel. Chattel mortgages can be used to finance vehicles, mobile homes, and even heavy equipment like tractors.