How to Get a Convertible Mortgage

What it is

A convertible mortgage is a short term fixed rate mortgage which offers the same security as a closed mortgage, because it can be converted to a longer, closed mortgage at any time without penalty. Many homebuyers are interested in convertible mortgages because they offer the stability of an adjustable rate mortgage with the security of a longer term fixed rate mortgage. Convertible mortgages are also easy to qualify for and come with very low rates. They start with a low variable rate and then can be converted to a longer term fixed rate. This enables homebuyers who know their income will increase over the next few years to purchase better homes in better locations.

The convertible mortgage has a minimum loan amount of $10,000. The interest quoted at the time of application is guaranteed for up to 60 days. Also, these mortgages are convertible to many different types of closed term mortgages ranging from one to 10 years without prepayment costs.

Who it's for

The low interest rate of convertible mortgages is attractive to many first time homebuyers who are tired of renting and anxious to start building equity. Those who can apply include applicants whose mortgage will be 50 to 70 percent of the home's value. Typical applicants want to minimize the risk of varying payment amounts while keeping options open and believe that interest rates will decrease gradually within the next six months. Also, applicants will want time to think about the different closed-term mortgages to select.

What you need to do to apply

In order to obtain a convertible loan, interested borrowers should contact a lending institution and inquire about this specific type of mortgage. Banks will need confidence of repayment, a credit report, and other personal and financial information, as well as information about what the cash may be used for. A property appraisal may also be required.

Apply for a Convertible Mortgage

Popular Credit Cards

Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

Apply for Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.
  • Extra Cash from Citi: enjoy discounts on gift cards, travel, merchandise and more
  • Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
  • Secure, free online account management
  • No annual fee*
  • Read our review or apply online now at Citibank's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
0% Intro APR* 11.99% - 21.99%* (Variable) Very Good $0*

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Apply for Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

  • Starpoints® Bonus: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5k within 6 months - enough for up to 6 free nights at a Category 1 or 2 hotel
  • Free nights, free flights: Redeem Starpoints with over 350 airlines through SPG Flights and more than 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. No blackout dates
  • 2011 SmarterTravel® Award for "Best Travel Rewards Card"
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
  • Read our review or apply online now at American Express's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
No Introductory Rate Available 15.24% - 19.24% variable None $65*

IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

Apply for IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

  • No Annual Membership Fee
  • Low variable rate of 7.25%, 10.25%, or 13.25% (Prime + 4.00%, Prime + 7.00%, or Prime + 10.00%) as of 4/1/10 based on the creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. (If there is an interest charge, the charge will be no less than $1.00).
  • Low Introductory APR on balance transfers of 1.99% for your first 6 billing cycles, this rate will not change during the introductory period. Applies to balance transfers processed within three months of your account open date. After that, your APR will be the same as your assigned purchase rate, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Online Access to Credit Card Account Information
  • Apply online now at the card issuer's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
1.99% APR for 6 Months 7.25%, 10.25%, or 13.25%* None $0

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Apply for American Express® Gold Card

  • Earn 10K Membership Rewards® points, redeemable for select gift cards valued at $100, when you spend $1,000 in your first 3 months of Card membership
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Events - select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more
  • Purchase Protection covers loss, theft, and damage of eligible items within 90 days of purchase
  • Redeem Membership Rewards® points for an exclusive array of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Get approved in 60-seconds.
  • Read our review or apply online now at American Express's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
No Introductory Rate Available No APR Good $125