With so many mortgage features, it's difficult to know which ones offer the most to borrowers. Here's a breakdown of typical mortgage features and which ones favor the borrower or the lender.
| FAVOR THE BORROWER | FAVOR THE LENDER |
| Interest calculated semi-annually | Interest calculated monthly |
| Allows prepayment of the principal | Forbids or restricts prepayment of principal |
| Payments made weekly | Payments made monthly |
| Shorter amortization period | Longer amortization period |
| Lower interest rate | Higher interest rate |
| Does not include property taxes | Includes property taxes |