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Mortgage Options

15/15 “RateBuster”

The adjustable rate loan that only adjusts one time!

For many homebuyers, lower monthly payments offer the opportunity to afford a bigger home. Adjustable rate mortgages like the 15/15 ARM RateBuster Loan typically offer a lower initial interest rate than other 30-year fixed rate loans. This lower interest rate results in lower monthly payments.

What does this mean?

The same house financed with a 15/15 ARM results in lower monthly payments within the first 15 years than the same home financed with a 30 year jumbo fixed mortgage. If you are planning to move within the next 15 years, this might be the best product for you.

Once you know how much money you’re qualified to borrow, it’s worth it to look at the difference a 15/15 ARM RateBuster Loan could make. You could be able to afford a much bigger home.

About the 15/15 ARM

As with any ARM, the rate will remain the same for the first period (15 years) and then adjust, unless you have paid off or refinanced the loan by the time the initial payment period ends. And as with any ARM, there is always the risk that interest rates will have gone up by the time the period ends. But with careful planning, you can afford a bigger home and still end up staying within your budget.

Amortized over 30 years

Starting rate lower than a 30 year fixed rate (based on a 15 year fixed rate + margin)

One adjustment after 15 years

4% cap at adjustment

Fixed rate for remaining 15 years

5/5 ARM Mortgage helps you stay flexible and mobile!

A 5/5 ARM with Democracy FCU helps you lock in a monthly payment and interest rate that will not change for 5 years; every 5 years with a 5/5 ARM, the interest rate is adjusted. Adjustments fall in years 6, 11, 16, 21 and 26.

  • Lower initial, fixed-rate monthly payment
  • Low down payment
  • Available on primary and secondary homes  
  • Only adjusts every 5 years
  • Provides more rate stability
  • 30-year term

New! 90% Loan-to-Value (LTV) with No PMI Mortgage

  • PMI = Private Mortgage Insurance
  • Only 10% down to avoid mortgage insurance
  • Priced 0.25% above market

New! First Time Home Buyer

3% down payment; 10/1, 7/1 or 5/1 ARM

Once you have an idea of how much home you can afford and what you are looking for, the home buying process begins! Democracy FCU is here to answer all of your home buying questions and guide you along the way until you have your keys in hand!

Less Costly than an FHA Loan

No pre-payment penalty

5/2/5 Caps
5 = Rate can adjust no more than 5% over the initial rate; 2 = each year from that point, the rate cannot adjust more than 2% either up or down; 5 = the rate has a lifetime cap of 5% over the initial rate

100% gift allowed with a 5% down payment

Democracy FCU will help you organize all of the necessary paperwork that you need to apply for your mortgage. We’ll help you sort through the mortgage terminology so you understand every step in the process. Once you have found your dream home, we will help you decide what mortgage best suits your needs, by comparing rates and features.

Democracy FCU’s First Time Home Buying Program offers several mortgage types. Choose from: 


  • Conventional Fixed Rate Options – Buyers wanting a down payment of 5% or more
  • Low Down Payment Options – Buyers wanting a down payment as low as 3%
  • VA Loan Options – VA qualified buyers wanting a down payment as low as 0%
  • Adjustable Rate Options – Buyers planning to move within the next seven years

New! Reverse Mortgages

For homeowners who are 62 years or older, let your home start working for you! With a Reverse Mortgage, homeowners can convert part of the equity in your home to cash with no restriction on how you use the funds. The borrower retains title/ownership of the home and the lender will never own the home.

Reverse Mortgages allow the homeowner with limited income to use the accumulated equity in their home to cover monthly living expenses, medical bills, etc. The borrower is not required to pay back the loan until the home is either sold or vacated. As long as the borrower occupies the home, they are not obligated to make monthly payments towards the loan balance. The borrower must remain current on property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeowner association dues, etc.