Alternative Mortgage Instrument

What Does Alternative Mortgage Instrument Mean?
A broad category of mortgages that vary from fixed-rate, fully amortizing mortgages in terms of amortization schedules, interest rate structure and payment options. These mortgages often make it easier for individuals to purchase real estate by reducing monthly payment amounts and increasing the amount the borrowers are able to finance.

Investopedia explains Alternative Mortgage Instrument
Adjustable-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages with initial fixed interest rates, mortgages with temporary buydowns and mortgages with negative amortization features all fall under the alternative mortgage instrument category. Alternative mortgage instruments are popular in high-cost areas. Because most alternative mortgage instruments are indexed to short-term interest rates, they also thrive during economic conditions under which short-term interest rates are meaningfully lower than long-term interest rates.