What’s too short. What's too long. Do you wait till a market correction. Longer terms means you have way more flexibility and more options for exit strategies. So it depends upon your Seller and your exit strategy. For owner occupants you want 3 yrs to give them ample time to repair their credit. If you are holding it as a rental, always determine the principal pay down you want to achieve at the end of term. And rather or not you can refi the property at 80% loan to value. Ultimately the term has to work for the seller and that is what you have to work around.