|
Mortgage Rates A fixed mortgage rate is generally considered the most desirable because it remains constant throughout the term of the loan and gives a measure of financial security. Fixed mortgage rates make financial planning more reliable as the home owner knows the exact amount of his or her monthly payment from the first day of the loan to the last. Whether interest rates rise or fall in the future, a borrower with a fixed rate will not be affected. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Imperfect Credit The federal government offers many programs for low income or those with blemished credit and special loans for those of you who are teachers or police officers. To find out more about these programs, visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website at www.hud.gov, or the Veterans Administration at www.homeloans.va.gov. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Home Construction Loans Home construction loans are unique because they are often considered two loans, one for construction and one for permanent financing. However, a Construction-to-Permanent loan or a One-Time-Close loan combines the two, making the loan process simpler and less expensive for the borrower. Combining the construction financing and loan amount reduces the cost to the borrower by eliminating a second set of closing costs, as well as the requalifying process. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Rates It can be very helpful to understand interest rates and indexes if you are interested in finding a loan, especially if you are looking in to adjustable rate loans. Apply online today and contact a lender about current interest rates and the effect they will have on your loan. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Mortgage Calc A mortgage calc can also show you the difference that the term of your loan makes on your repayment schedule. A $997 monthly payment on a $150,000 loan at 7% over the period of 30 years with $209,263 in total interest may sound acceptable, but using the calculator you can compare this monthly payment to what would be paid on a shorter term loan. The same loan with a 15 year term would have higher monthly payment of 1,348, which is $351 more. However, the 15 year term would cut the total interest in half to the amount of 92,683. In this case, cutting your loan term in half and paying $351 more a month could save you over $100,000. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Mortgage Refiancing Mortgage refinancing is the repayment of a current mortgage using a new mortgage. This new mortgage should have an interest rate at least 2% lower than the original rate or else it may not be worthwhile for the homeowner. By obtaining a loan with a lower interest rate, you should be able to save hundreds, if not thousands the time your loan is paid off. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Refinancing Your Home Also, if you are refinancing to change terms or to take cash out to cover a major purchase and are not as concerned about your rate, money down can be exchanged for an increased interest rate. Generally this is when a homeowner pays, or does not pay, the points that can affect the loan’s interest rate. One point is the same as one percent of the loan. On $100,000 loan, one point would be $1,000. Usually, each point unpaid adds 1/8 to ¼ of one percent to the interest rate. Depending on the borrower’s priorities, points may be paid or a higher interest rate may be taken. Borrowers should be careful of lenders offering refinancing that includes no points. This often means that higher interest rates are built in. 1 2 3 4 5 6
More Links...
|