Are 40-year mortgages a good idea?

Smaller monthly payments are the primary advantage of adding 10 years to the traditional 30-year mortgage, but real estate experts say the shorter-term loan usually is more beneficial for the home buyer. The drawback becomes apparent simply by calculating the cost of additional interest payments, which can total thousands for a few dollars difference in mortgage payments.

What about a 15-year vs. 30 year loan?

The difference in payments and overall savings between a 15-year fixed-rate loan and a 30-year fixed-rate loan depends on the interest rate and the loan amount. Using a $100,000 loan and 7.25% interest rate as an example, monthly payments on the 15-year note would be $912.86. Monthly payments on a $100,000 loan at 7.25% fixed for 30 years would be $682.18.

Where do I get information on VA loans?

For information on VA loans, call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs directly at (800) 827-1000. Also refer to:
* "To the Home-Buying Veteran," Department of Veterans Affairs; 810 Vermont Ave., N.W.; Washington, DC 20420.
* "VA Home Loans," Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20420.

How does someone qualify for VA loans?

After issuing a certificate of eligibility to a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees the loan to the lender up to a certain amount. VA loans frequently offer lower interest rates than ordinarily available with other kinds of loans. The Veteran's Benefits Improvements Act of 1994 gives men and women who have completed six years in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserves or the Army National Guard or Air National Guard eligibility for VA home loans, including no-down payment programs.
To qualify for a loan, the first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (complete Form 26-1880). Call (800) 827-1000 for more information.