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    1. Loans
    2. Conventional
    3. Interest-Only Options
    Conventional

    Interest-Only Options

    "Lower payments now. Flexibility later."

    Pay only interest for the first 5-10 years, then convert to principal + interest. Significantly lower initial payments. Available on many Non-QM products.

    20%+

    Min Down

    680+

    Min Credit

    $3M

    Max Loan

    Check My EligibilityTalk to a Specialist
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Is This Loan Right for You?

    This Loan is Perfect If You...

    • Investor wanting maximum cash flow
    • Variable income, want low required payment
    • Plan to sell/refinance before I/O period ends
    • Want early-year payment flexibility
    • 680+ credit score

    This Might NOT Be Right If...

    • Want to build equity steadily from day one
    • Concerned about payment increase after I/O period
    • Forever home, long-term hold strategy
    • Prefer predictable fixed payments

    Interest-Only Options Benefits

    Everything you need to know about your benefits

    Lower Initial Payments

    Pay only interest for 5-10 years, significantly reducing monthly costs

    Cash Flow Flexibility

    More money available for investments, repairs, or other expenses

    Convert When Ready

    Transition to P&I when your income increases

    5 or 10 Year Options

    Choose the interest-only period that fits your plan

    Investor Friendly

    Maximize rental property cash flow

    Strategic Financing

    Perfect for short-term holds or income growth expectations

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    Choose Your I/O Period

    Select 5 or 10 years of interest-only payments

    Lower Payments During I/O

    Pay only interest, keeping more cash in your pocket

    Optional Principal Payments

    Pay down principal anytime you choose

    Convert to P&I

    After I/O period, loan becomes fully amortizing for remaining term

    Choose Your I/O Period

    Select 5 or 10 years of interest-only payments

    Lower Payments During I/O

    Pay only interest, keeping more cash in your pocket

    Optional Principal Payments

    Pay down principal anytime you choose

    Convert to P&I

    After I/O period, loan becomes fully amortizing for remaining term

    Payment Comparison

    See the Difference

    Compare monthly payments on a $500,000 loan at 7%

    Recommended

    Interest-Only

    Years 1-10

    Monthly Payment

    $2,917/month

    • Pay only interest
    • 5-10 year flexibility

    Principal + Interest

    Full 30-year term

    Monthly Payment

    $3,327/month

    • Pay principal + interest
    • Fixed payments from day 1
    Loan Amount

    $500,000

    Rate

    7%

    Monthly Savings

    $410/month

    Payment Timeline

    Interest-Only

    Years 1-10

    Principal + Interest

    Years 11-30

    Considerations

    Weighing Your Options

    Understand the tradeoffs before deciding

    Advantages

    • Lower initial monthly payments
    • More cash flow flexibility
    • Good for investors
    • Can pay principal when you want

    Tradeoffs

    • Payment increases after I/O period
    • Don't build equity during I/O
    • Higher rate than fully amortizing

    💡 Tip: Interest-only loans work best when you have a clear exit strategy or expect your income to grow.

    0

    Interest-Only vs Traditional Loans

    FeatureInterest-Only(This loan)Traditional
    Income DocumentationVaries by programFull docs
    Min Credit Score680+620+
    Down Payment20%+3-5%+
    Initial PaymentsLower (I/O)Higher (P&I)
    Equity BuildingDelayedImmediate
    Rate PricingSlightly higherMarket rates
    Best ForCash flow focusLong-term ownership

    * Rates and terms subject to change. Contact us for current offers.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Interest-Only Options

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    What is an interest-only loan?

    An interest-only loan allows you to pay only the interest portion for a set period (typically 5-10 years). After that, the loan converts to a standard principal + interest payment for the remaining term.

    How much can I save with interest-only payments?

    Savings vary based on loan amount and rate. On a $500,000 loan at 7%, you could save approximately $410/month during the I/O period compared to a fully amortizing payment.

    What happens when the I/O period ends?

    Your loan converts to a fully amortizing payment structure. The remaining balance is spread over the remaining term (e.g., 20 years if you had a 10-year I/O period on a 30-year loan).

    Yes! The I/O payment is the minimum required. You can pay additional principal anytime, which reduces your balance and future payments.
    Real estate investors seeking cash flow, borrowers with variable income, those planning to sell/refinance within the I/O period, or borrowers expecting significant income growth.
    Typically yes, interest-only loans carry a slightly higher rate than fully amortizing loans. The tradeoff is significantly lower required payments during the I/O period.
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how Interest-Only Options stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop Interest-Only Options next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

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    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with Interest-Only Options See Today's Rates
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    © 2026 CMS Mortgage. All rights reserved. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.