Included in this category would be all interest-only loans as well as the "option arm" which allows for minimum monthly payments even less than the interest due. This is the popular mortgage commonly falsely advertised as the 1 percent mortgage. Please don't misunderstand. I strongly advocate the use of these products in specific situations with astute borrowers. The problem is that the ambitious salesmen, armed with these low, low payment options can originate large volumes of loans to borrowers who have no idea what they're getting into. We get countless inquiries at our offices asking if we can beat a 1 percent interest rate. We always respond by asking, "did the last lender you spoke to leave you with the understanding that your rate would be 1 percent?" The answer is usually yes, and this blatant technique of misrepresentation is running rampant. With the surge in home prices over recent years, borrowers are looking to move up but keep their payments affordable, and are attracted to the lure of these "exotic" mortgage products. Again, these products are not inherently dangerous, but the borrower should be educated to understand the risks involved. Specifically, at some point, you must begin to pay toward principal at a rate that is often not predetermined. If you want to avoid the payment shock of fully amortized payments you may have to regularly "go back Jack, and do it again" and repeatedly refinance into interest-only or deferred- interest mortgages to maintain affordability. If that's the case, you'll be subject to closing costs, real estate market risks (property values) and a potentially volatile interest rate environment. What should you do? Be relatively certain of a timeframe for your occupancy of the property. Understand the risks and your capacity to manage them. Integrate your mortgage planning into your financial planning. Work with professionals qualified to properly and completely explain all the mortgage products available. There's another menu of products being introduced by select mortgage lenders that helps alleviate the pain of payment shock and may help you avoid the necessity to refinance. Interest-only and deferred-interest loans with 40 year terms can offer low payments initially as well as during the "payback" period. If you would like to enjoy the confidence of knowing that the best mortgage specialists in the business are serving your best interests, call (561) 745-5575 in Jupiter or (772) 335-5556 in Port St. Lucie and make an appointment for a free mortgage planning session. Also, please visit us at www.elitelending.biz. Daniel J. Poulos is the president of Elite Lending, at 1232 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter in the Shoppes of Jupiter Creek.