A balloon mortgage allows you to enjoy low monthly payments for several years — with a big catch. A balloon mortgage is one of many loan types you can get to buy a home.Balloon loans are short-term loans that provide the benefit of low monthly payments. A balloon note is a type of mortgage which does not fully amortize over the life the loan. Thus, there is a balance at the end of the balloon note. A balloon loan operates much like a standard mortgage payment.