Balloon Loan

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Balloon Loan'

A type of loan which does not fully amortize over its term. Since it is not fully amortized, a balloon payment is required at the end of the term to repay the remaining principal balance of the loan.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Balloon Loan'

Balloon loans can be attractive to short-term borrowers because they typically carry a lower interest rate than a loan with a longer term. However, the borrower must be aware of refinancing risk and/or the risk that the loan will reset at a higher interest rate.

Some balloon loans, such as a five-year balloon mortgages, have a reset option at the end of the five-year term that allows for a resetting of the interest rate (based on current interest rates) and a recalculation of the amortization schedule based on a remaining term. If a balloon loan does not have a reset option, or frequently even when it does, it is expected that the borrower will sell the property or refinance the loan before the end of the original loan term.

Sign Up For Term of the Day!

Try Our Stock Simulator!

Test your trading skills!

Related Definitions

  1. Mortgage

    A debt ...
  2. Interest Rate

    The amount ...
  3. Term

    1. The lifespan ...
  4. Refinance

    1. When a ...
  5. Refinancing Risk

    1. The risk that ...
  6. Balloon Maturity

    1. A repayment ...
  7. Balloon Option

    An option ...
  8. Interest Due

    The portion of a ...
  9. Delinquent

    The failure to ...
  10. Interest Rate Ceiling

    The maximum ...

Articles Of Interest

  1. This ARM Has Teeth

    Find out how to avoid getting bitten when your mortgage rate resets.
  2. Understanding The Mortgage Payment Structure

    We explain the calculation and payment process as well as the amortization schedule of home loans.
  3. Find The Best Mortgage Rates

    Search and compare the best fixed and adjustable mortgage rates in your area with Bankrate.com.
  4. Understanding Your Mortgage

    We walk through the steps needed to secure the best loan to finance the purchase of your home.
  5. Mortgages: How Much Can You Afford?

    Answering this means number-crunching as well as factoring in other considerations and expenses.
  6. Common Liabilities That Hurt Your Net Worth

    Every penny that you keep out of the liability side of the net worth equation essentially ends up on the asset side.
  7. Profit From Mortgage Debt With MBS

    Mortgage-backed securities can offer monthly income, a fixed interest rate and even government backing.
  8. How Lender Overlays Prevent Mortgages

    Loan applications are increasingly being rejected because of lender overlays.
  9. Protect Your Personal Assets

    A family limited partnership (FLP) can go a long way toward securing your family's property.
  10. What You Should Know About Home Appraisals

    Home appraisals are an unbiased way to determine a home's value. Here is what you need to know about obtaining one.

comments powered by Disqus
Recommended
Loading, please wait...
Trading Center