(For 1st mortgage only)

Monthly principal and interest payments do not change over the term of the loan, which means your mortgage expenses are easily anticipated. If you believe interest rates are going to increase, this may be the best option for you.

The interest rate on this loan will be fixed for a stated period of time and will then become adjustable for the remainder of the loan. For example, a 5-year fixed (30-year) loan would have a fixed interest rate for the first five years and then convert to an adjustable rate for the remaining 25 years.

This adjustment is based on changes in a pre-selected index, and will take place according to a pre-defined schedule (generally every six months or every year). Your interest rate and monthly payment will fluctuate based on changes in your index. The most common indices are the Treasury Bill, Certificate of Deposit (CD), LIBOR and COFI.

Adjustable rate loans have more risk due to the possibility that the interest rate could increase. However, because you are assuming additional risk the lender will generally reward you with a lower interest rate and monthly payment during the initial fixed interest period. These loans are of particular benefit to borrowers that plan to either sell the property or refinance before reaching the adjustable period.

In qualifying for these products, the lender will not require you to provide standard explanations of your income, such as tax returns. This means that there is no verification of your income, but you must state the source of your income. Individuals likely to be interested in a stated income loan are typically self-employed or individuals who write-off a large portion of their income such as contractors, waiters & waitresses.

A home equity line of credit is a form of revolving credit in which your home serves as collateral. Think of it as a credit card that is secured by the equity in your home. Many homeowners use these credit lines for major items such as debt consolidation, travel expenses and home improvements.

Watkins Home Loans offers the following home equity lines of credit:

(Also known as a "second")

A home equity loan enables you to borrow money in a lump sum against the equity (the value of your home minus what you owe) you have built up in your home. This loan is subordinate to the existing first mortgage. Buyers commonly use a second mortgage to keep their first mortgage in the conforming loan range (which keeps the rate lower) and to avoid PMI. Home equity loans are often used to pay off credit card debt, buy a car or to make major renovations to a home.

Watkins Home Loans offers the following home equity loans: