A major aspect of financing a home is choosing the “term” of a mortgage. But what exactly are mortgage terms? While terms vary by mortgage lender, many are shared across the board. The more you know about the terms of a mortgage, the better prepared you’ll be to pay it back.
In a mortgage, you can consider the term to be the lifetime of a loan. A term is defined as the period of time your mortgage contract lasts. This also means the amount of time you have to pay back the entirety of the loan.
What are some common mortgage terms?
Every mortgage is a bit different, but there are some common terms many mortgage lenders share. One key factor is the type of mortgage: either fixed rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages. These different types of mortgages typically have different terms.
A fixed rate mortgage is the most common type of home loan in the United States. These mortgages are long-lasting, often with a term of 30 years. Some fixed rate mortgages have terms as low as 10 years, but come with much higher monthly payments.
Adjustable rate mortgages, or ARMs, also typically last 30 years. However, due to the nature of the fluctuations in interest rates, many ARMs may list their terms as short as six months. This is because they offer low interest rates at the beginning of the loan that gradually increase over set time periods (for example, after three years).
Many things combine to determine your monthly mortgage payment. In addition to the terms of the mortgage loan, your financial situation and the property itself can also affect your payments. The five most important factors in a mortgage application are:
A mortgage lender uses all of this information to calculate and present a loan offer. Certain loan terms might change depending on how you meet specific criteria - a lower interest rate for a higher down payment, for example.
When shopping for a mortgage, compare terms and details carefully. The more information you have, the better decisions you can make for your financial future.
Lori David Boone is a highly skilled Associate Broker with advanced real estate designations, including GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), MRP (Military Relocation Professional), SRS (Seller Representative Specialist), and RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert). Lori leverages her extensive legal background and market knowledge to provide high-quality representation for clients buying or selling real estate in the River Region. Her approach is built on strong negotiation skills, marketing expertise, and a commitment to smooth transactions. Currently affiliated with eXp Realty, Lori specializes in the River Region real estate market (Montgomery, Pike Road, Prattville and Wetumpka) , providing comprehensive services from initial consultation to closing.
Lori’s real estate career is distinguished by her dedication to market research and staying updated on the latest industry trends and best practices. Her expertise extends beyond traditional real estate roles, as she is skilled in property listing, market analysis, and creating effective promotional strategies that drive results. She takes pride in building lasting relationships with clients, listening closely to their needs, and delivering personalized solutions that make the buying or selling process as stress-free as possible.
In addition to her real estate credentials, Lori holds a Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Mass Communication, which further strengthens her communication and negotiation skills. These qualities, combined with her commitment to excellent service, make her a trusted advisor for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors.
With a passion for helping her clients achieve their real estate goals, Lori continues to be a top choice in the River Region for anyone seeking professional, reliable, and results-driven real estate services.
Reach out to Lori for personalized real estate services backed by a comprehensive understanding of the market and the highest professional standards.