How To Choose The Best Types Of Mortgage Loans
How To Choose The Best Types Of Mortgage Loans
If you are looking to purchase a new home, there are many types of mortgage loans that you may be interested in which could serve this purpose Buying a property is a serious matter and it’s important to learn which one suits your needs best . .Fixed-Rate Mortgage . . .This is one of the most popular types of mortgage loans as about 70 percent of home purchasers choose this option As the name implies, the interest rate of this type of loan is a fixed rate at the inception date and applies for the life or tenor of the mortgage loan The obvious advantage of having a fixed rate allows home buyers to manage their expenses better since the monthly repayment of principal and interest is constant throughout the mortgage loan . .Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) . .This is another popular type of loan with the interest rate fixed to an index This index is not fixed and it fluctuates with the market rates Whenever the market rate rises the loan repayment rate rises accordingly Similarly, when it reduces, you will also get the benefit of paying your payment at a lower rate To prevent too much fluctuation if and when the financial market behaves erratically, a cap will be placed on such mortgage loans so as to limit these abnormal rate variations . .In an extension of ARM loans there is another type of loan called flexible payment ARMs There is no cap placed on them but these loans’ interest rates vary monthly, allowing borrowers some flexibility The mortgage payments usually start low at the beginning but slowly rise to sometimes exceedingly high rates over a period It may be beneficial for homeowners who are just starting out in their careers and expect job stability in later years . .Balloon Mortgages . .Similar to the fixed rate mortgage loans, balloon mortgages have a fixed and structured repayment schedule The only difference between the two is that this type of loans follows a much shorter loan term usually in the time duration of five to seven years Once this period is completed it leaves with an outstanding balance of the loan called the balloon payment . .Interest-only-Mortgages . .Interest-only mortgages are types of mortgage loans that allow borrowers more flexibility on their repayment schedule They simply pay the loan interest for an agreed period of time without including the loan principal This means the homeowner gets to enjoy paying lower monthly payment over a short-term duration However once this interest-only time period is over, payments are expected to increase quite significantly as it now includes the principal sum of the mortgage loan . .As you can see, understanding what options you have on the various types of mortgage loans is important so that you can make a good decision After all it’s going to be a long-term commitment for you and doing some homework now helps to make owning your dream home hassle free .
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ARM vs Fixed-rate Mortgages
The mortgage market is constantly changing, and smart consumers keep a close eye on those changes to determine the most strategic time to apply for a mortgage. At this point, the difference in interest rates between an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and a fixed-rate loan has narrowed significantly. Therefore, more applicants are opting for a fixed-rate mortgage when purchasing a home. And an increasing number of homeowners are refinancing their existing ARM with a new fixed-rate mortgage. The most recent economic indicators show that inflation is, indeed, being held in check, said Freddie Mac s Frank Nothaft. That news allowed long-term mortgage rates to drift a little lower in recent weeks. Shorter-term rates, however, rose in reaction to comments by Chairman Bernanke, of the Federal Reserve Board, that hinted at continuing rate hikes this year. The housing industry remains fundamentally fit as we continue to progress into the spring home buying season, Nothaft said. Fortunately, mortgage interest rates are still at historic low levels, while home prices continue to rise. An increasing number of applicants are applying for 35 and 40 year term mortgages as a means of reducing their monthly payments while staying with a fixed-rate loan. This also makes it easier to qualify for a needed mortgage. The concern about an ARM loan s increasing interest rates and payments in future months and years is understandable. Many recent applicants are seeking more peace of mind by applying for a fixed-rate loan when purchasing a home or refinancing their mortgage.Copyright 2006 TheLow Quote.com Syndicated real estate columnist and feature writer Mortgage / Real Estate Update Report www.TheLowQuote.com
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