Navigating through the mortgages maze can be difficult for many potential homebuyers, particularly in this age of exotic mortgage products. While alternative loans are not intrinsically risky, bankers widely agree that these mortgages must be carefully managed, sensibly underwritten, and properly explained to customers through disclosures if they are to serve the needs of both consumers and banks. Nontraditional personal loans are moving up the list in terms of popularity. While they are economically affordable for many looking to purchase a home, potential homebuyers still need an explanation of their later costs, which could lead to loan defaults or late payments. But while the nontraditional products are becoming more popular due to affordability, they may start losing steam if the federal regulators begin curtailing their use.
