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Purchasing a home represents a major financial milestone—and for most buyers, the choice of mortgage will be just as consequential as the choice of property. The structure and terms of your loan will influence not only your monthly expenses but also your long-term financial flexibility and the total cost of your home.
At Alpine Bank, we work with Colorado borrowers every day to help them navigate these decisions. While the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remains our most frequently selected product, we offer a range of loan options tailored to meet a variety of financial circumstances and long-term goals. The following guide outlines the most common mortgage types and provides a framework for choosing the right loan structure based on your specific needs.
Before evaluating which loan may be most appropriate, it’s important to understand the principal categories available. These are the most widely used mortgage types in the U.S.:
A fixed-rate mortgage offers stability. Your interest rate—and, consequently, your principal and interest payment—remains unchanged for the duration of the loan. This predictability is especially valuable for borrowers who intend to remain in their home for many years and prefer to lock in a consistent payment.
At Alpine Bank, the 30-year fixed mortgage remains the most common option among our customers, offering long-term security and a straightforward repayment structure.
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), by contrast, may begin with a lower introductory rate that remains fixed for an initial period—typically 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. Once that period concludes, the interest rate adjusts annually. ARMs may be appropriate for buyers who anticipate selling or refinancing before the end of the fixed term and who are comfortable managing the possibility of future rate increases.
Both options are available through Alpine Bank. The decision ultimately hinges on your financial goals and anticipated time in the home.
Conventional loans follow guidelines established by government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans are not insured by the federal government and are typically a good fit for borrowers with:
Alpine Bank participates in a range of Freddie Mac-supported programs that aim to make homeownership more accessible:
Buyers purchasing high-value properties that exceed conforming loan limits—set at $806,500 in most areas—will need to consider a jumbo mortgage. These loans may come with more stringent credit, income, and down payment requirements, but allow borrowers to finance more expensive homes.
Jumbo loans are often used to fund the purchase of luxury homes, second homes, vacation properties, or real estate investments. At Alpine Bank, we offer loan options for each of these scenarios. Our team can help assess whether a jumbo structure is warranted based on your property value and financial profile.
There is no universal “best” loan—only the loan that best matches your financial situation, lifestyle, and future plans. Here are a few practical guidelines:
If you’re unsure, Alpine Bank’s mortgage professionals are available to help you assess your options and make an informed decision.
Since 1973, Alpine Bank has served Colorado communities with a commitment to personalized service and local expertise. As an employee-owned bank with more than 40 branches statewide, we provide borrowers with direct access to experienced lenders who understand the nuances of Colorado’s housing market.
When you apply for a mortgage with Alpine Bank, you can expect:
Our goal is to help you find a mortgage that not only supports your home purchase—but also aligns with your broader financial plans.
Ready to begin? Speak with an Alpine Bank mortgage lender or start your pre-qualification today. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, or refinancing, we’re here to help.
