What is Balloon Mortgage and How Does It Work?

The Balloon mortgage is another type of loannew loan.
program available to real estate buyers, which hasBalloon mortgages are not uncommon, and they allow
contract features that can be attractive toborrowers to obtain mortgages with lower monthly
borrowers, but also dangerous. The combined totalpayments because of the significant lump sum they
of all monthly bills paid on a Balloon loan will not equalhave agreed to pay later. For those borrowers who
the total amount due on the loan by the end of theappropriately plan for such situations, the balloon loan
term, a scenario called Negative Amortization.can be a good advantage. For those borrowers who
Because there will still be accrued interest at the enddo not plan for the balloon payment, or whose credit
of the loan term, this past due amount is consideredbecomes bad enough to prevent them from
"capitalized", and therefore added to the outstandingobtaining new financing, there could be significant risk
principle balance. When a buyer reaches the end ofwith this type of loan.
his mortgage loan term, the remaining principle is dueSo, a balloon mortgage needs to be considered with
immediately and in one lump sum. If the borrowercaution. It can be very risky. Only consider this type
does not have enough cash on hand to cover theof mortgage if you are absolutely positive that you
amount of the balloon payment, then he must obtainwill be able to refinance, sell your home or pay off
another loan for the balloon amount, or refinance thethe mortgage well before the deadline.
mortgage to include the balloon payment into the