Balloon mortgages are short-term loans that begin with a series of fixed payments and end with a final, lump-sum payment. That one-time payment is called a balloon payment because it's often at least twice as much as the previous ones, leaving many borrowers with a final bill for tens of thousands of dollars (or more).
The downside of balloon payments Although a balloon-payment option can make your monthly payments more affordable, you're taking on extra debt to buy an asset that is depreciating – the value of your vehicle may end up less than the amount still owed.
A balloon payment mortgage is a mortgage that does not fully amortize over the term of the note, thus leaving a balance due at maturity. The final payment is called a balloon payment because of its large size.
The traditional mortgage is only for stationary property. It's suited for long-term real estate investments. Chattel loans are for property that can be easily moved. They're also an option for borrowers who want their loans approved faster and with shorter repayment times.