Why Would You Get a Balloon Mortgage

The balloon mortgage is used often by businesses in the construction industry as a way to obtain short-term financing for construction projects without offering collateral. In this case, they are generally short-term loans that have higher interest rates than conventional collateralized business loans.

Who would benefit from a balloon mortgage?

Those consumers who plan to live in a home for only a short period of time, might do well to take out a balloon mortgage. Say they plan to move in three years. They can take out a five-year balloon mortgage at a lower interest rate and then sell their home long before that massive balloon payment becomes due.

What are the disadvantages of a balloon mortgage?

Drawbacks. Balloon mortgages carry with them a strong risk. Because they do not pay down much of the principal, mortgage holders are still faced with a significant financial obligation at the end of the loan’s life. If they cannot pay off the principal in one lump sum, they must attempt to refinance.