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What Is a Subprime Mortgage?

Updated
Christy Bieber
Robin Hartill, CFP
By: Christy Bieber and Robin Hartill, CFP

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Eric McWhinnie
Check IconFact Checked Eric McWhinnie
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If you're trying to borrow money for a home with poor credit, a subprime mortgage may be your only option. But, what is a subprime mortgage? We'll discuss how subprime loans work, as well as some of the risks and alternatives.

What is a subprime mortgage?

A subprime mortgage is a home loan that's geared toward borrowers with bad credit who can't qualify for a prime mortgage at the best rates. If you have a credit score below 620, you may not be able to qualify for a prime mortgage, but you might get a subprime mortgage.

Prime loans usually offer competitive interest rates to well-qualified borrowers. A subprime mortgage is similar to a conventional mortgage, except it has a higher interest rate. Lenders take a bigger risk with subprime loans, so they charge substantially higher rates due to the borrower's poor credit history.

The 2008 financial crisis was in large part triggered by subprime lending. In the years leading up to the meltdown, many high-risk borrowers were allowed to take out loans to buy homes they couldn't afford, fueling a housing bubble. When demand for housing slowed and mortgage rates rose, home prices fell and these borrowers were unable to refinance and make their payments, which led to a broader financial crisis.

Types of subprime mortgages

There are multiple types of subprime mortgage loans. However, one particular type of loan -- an adjustable-rate mortgage -- is especially common for subprime mortgages.

Adjustable-rate mortgages

Many subprime mortgages are adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs. The introductory rate on an ARM is fixed for a limited time. For example, a 5/1 ARM provides a fixed rate for five years. After that, the rate adjusts based on a financial index.

That means your interest rate may go down -- but it could go up, too. ARMs carry more risk than fixed-rate loans. If interest rates rise, monthly payments could increase.

Fixed-rate mortgages

With fixed-rate subprime mortgages, the interest rate remains the same for the entire repayment period. Since the rate doesn't change, payments don't change unless you refinance. These mortgages often have longer terms. Instead of a 30-year fixed mortgage, you may find terms of 40 or even 50 years -- which can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars' in additional interest over the life of the loan.

Interest-only mortgages

Interest-only mortgages allow you to pay only interest for a limited time, such as the first five years. This makes monthly payments more affordable, but you don't make progress in reducing your loan principal.

At the end of the initial period, you'll begin paying both principal and interest. Your payments may rise substantially because you'll have a shorter timeline to pay your loan off. If you took a 30-year mortgage and only paid interest for the first 10 years, you'd have just 20 years to pay off your entire principal balance.

Most interest-only loans are also structured as ARMs, so you take the added risk of rates going up and payments rising.

Dignity mortgages

Dignity mortgages are a specific type of subprime loan offered by some lenders. With this type of mortgage, you'll initially have a high interest rate. But if you make on-time payments for a period of time, your interest rate will eventually be reduced to the prime rate.

Subprime mortgage risks

It's important to also consider if you're willing to take on the risk of this type of loan. Some of the biggest risks include:

  • Interest costs will be high: You will pay significantly more mortgage interest over time than if you took out a conventional mortgage.
  • Finding a lender may be difficult: Not all mortgage lenders offer loans to subprime borrowers. You could be limiting your potential loan options.
  • Payments could increase: If you choose an ARM, you face the risk of interest rates going up and payments rising.
  • Foreclosure is possible: If you don't pay your subprime mortgage loan, your lender will foreclose. Your credit could be severely damaged.

Lenders are required under Dodd-Frank financial reform laws to conduct an "ability-to-repay" assessment. This ensures borrowers are capable of paying back their loans. These mandates can reduce the risk for borrowers. But the bottom line is buying a house with bad credit can create a host of complications.

Alternatives to subprime mortgages

You may be wondering if there are other options. The good news is that there are multiple solutions for borrowers with bad credit. Some of the best options include these government-backed loans:

  • FHA loans: FHA lenders often work with borrowers with lower credit. FHA loans are available to borrowers with credit as low as 500 as long as they make a 10% down payment. Borrowers with scores of 580 or higher can get approved with a 3.5% down payment.
  • VA loans: A VA mortgage loan is available to eligible service members and veterans regardless of their poor credit history. The VA doesn't set a minimum score; instead lenders set their own minimums. Many VA lenders require at least a 620 credit score.
  • USDA loans: A USDA loan allows you to purchase eligible homes in rural areas. These loans generally require a 640 credit score. Borrowers with lower credit scores may still qualify, though more stringent underwriting is required
  • Alternative financing: Subprime borrowers who don't qualify for a mortgage from a bank sometimes turn to alternative financing methods, like rent-to-own financing or seller-backed mortgages. However, these options are extremely risky for borrowers because they lack the consumer protections you get with a third-party lender.

Should you consider a subprime mortgage?

Before you take out a subprime mortgage, consider whether it's possible to wait a year or two to rebuild your credit before buying a home. By making on-time payments and paying down debt, your score should gradually improve. If you have a loved one, you could also qualify for better terms if they're willing to cosign a mortgage.

If you decide to buy a house with a subprime mortgage, here are some tips to follow:

  • If you take out an adjustable loan, find out how high your payment could go. Don't assume you'll always be able to refinance or sell your home before it adjusts.
  • Shop and compare rates from multiple mortgage lenders for poor credit to find the best subprime loan rates.
  • Use a mortgage calculator to see how much your monthly payment would be for any loan you're considering. Make sure you budget for maintenance and repairs, in addition to your mortgage payment.

In limited circumstances, a subprime home loan could make sense. For example, if you can easily afford your monthly mortgage payments and you'd pay significantly more to rent, you might consider a mortgage with less-than-ideal terms. But proceed with extreme caution. Most buyers will be best-served by improving their credit so they can qualify for a prime loan.

Still have questions?

Here are some other questions we've answered:

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FAQs

  • A subprime mortgage is a home loan for borrowers who don't qualify for a prime loan, often because they have poor credit. Subprime mortgages have less favorable terms than conventional mortgages, including higher interest rates and longer repayment terms.

  • Lenders' definition of subprime vs. prime vary somewhat, but generally, borrowers with credit scores between 580 and 619 are considered subprime. Those whose credit scores fall below 580 are usually classified as "deep subprime."

  • A nonprime mortgage is the same as a subprime mortgage. It's a mortgage offered to borrowers with low credit who can't qualify for a mortgage at the most competitive interest rates.

  • Subprime mortgages tend to be expensive due to the high interest rate lenders charge borrowers with bad credit. Some subprime mortgages are also structured as interest-only or adjustable-rate mortgages. This can lead to serious financial problems later if payments become unaffordable when rates go up or principal payments are due.

    Not all lenders offer subprime mortgages. And some that do are unscrupulous and don't entirely play by rules requiring they assess whether payments are affordable, which can put you, your home, and your credit at risk.

  • No, subprime mortgages aren't illegal, but lenders who underwrite them are subject to more regulations than they faced prior to the 2008 financial crisis. For example, under Dodd-Frank, lenders must consider a subprime borrower's ability to repay the loan, which is known as the ability-to-repay provision. Subprime borrowers must also meet with a housing counselor approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

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