home mortgage loans

Alan Lim asked:


 

When you are in the process of obtaining a home mortgage loan, there are undoubtedly many aspects of the process that are new to you.  The language that applies to loans, for instance can be different from the meaning applied to the same term in everyday life.  It is far better to review each clause of the prospective loan document as soon as you have access to it and make certain that you understand the terms that are used and how they apply to your own financial situation. Here are some concepts regarding your loan that will be important in ensuring your loan package is acceptable in the long run.

 

Overall cost of the loan

 

There are many aspects that go into determining the loan cost on your home mortgage loan.  The interest rate, mortgage type, loan fees, and term of the loan are just a few of these.  You may understand the words, but it is important to take a look at what the words will cost you in dollars and cents.  Even a few dollars less in the early stages of a loan can save you thousands of dollars over the entire loan period. It’s important to take advantage of such savings.

 

Mortgage type

 

The basic mortgage types that are common when you apply for a home mortgage loan include the fixed rate mortgage, the adjustable rate mortgage, reverse or negative equity mortgages and interest only mortgages.  Each of these has advantages and disadvantages and you are the best equipped to determine whether the type of mortgage will work for you. The important factor is that you review the documents and proposals so that you know precisely which type of loan you are getting.  Being surprised in a few months by a two to five hundred dollar increase in your monthly payment due to an adjustable rate mortgage can result in the loss of your home.

 

Interest rate

 

When reviewing the loan documents for a home mortgage loan, one of the important factors that you should check and understand is that of interest rate on the loan. Mortgage interest rates can vary from low to high, depending upon such other factors as the type of loan, applicable usury laws, credit rating, term of the loan and others.  Review the stated rate and make certain it is what was agreed upon.  If you are expecting a fixed interest rate  and the documents provide for an adjustment in 24 months, chances are good that the mortgage has been prepared with a variable interest rate.

 

Broker’s reputation

 

Actually, checking the broker’s reputation should come well before preparing or reviewing the documents for your home mortgage loan.  Sometimes though, you won’t see a problem until you actually get the documents in writing before you.  If there is anything that is unclear or incorrect, the time to get the problem corrected is before signing.  A reputable broker should be willing to work with you to correct problems or clear up any communication issues.

 



TERRANCE

Alan Lim asked:


 

A home mortgage loan is usually the largest financial transaction that most individuals will accomplish during their lifetime.  Yet, it is often true that the details are not seen as part of the larger picture, but only as a matter of how much the monthly payment will be and how large the down payment must be to get the house that is desired. An understanding of exactly what a home mortgage loan is and how it works is helpful in making the up front decisions that will have such an enormous impact on the financial health during the next few years or even for a lifetime.

 

Definitions

 

The borrower should understand terms that will describe the type of loan, the fees that apply and the cost of the money use when obtaining a home mortgage loan.  A good start for understanding definitions is to review the length of the loan, or its term; the rate of interest; and the type of loan such as adjustable rate mortgage or fixed rate mortgage.  In addition, a basic understanding of the type of fees and costs that can be included in the cost of the loan is helpful.  These can be referred to as closing costs.

 

Terms

 

The term that you choose when applying for a home mortgage loan is the length of time that you must make payments before the principal on the loan is paid off. The most common terms are 30 years–360 months–and 15 years, although loans of 12 years, 20 years, 25 years, 40 years and even 50 years are somewhat available. It is important to remember that even if you choose a 30 year term so that your monthly payment will be less, you can add extra payments to the principal each month and save yourself thousands of dollars over the term of the loan.

 

Rates

 

Interest rates are the largest single component of any home mortgage loan–in most cases, even greater than the principal of the loan.  The interest rate you will be charged depends on many factors such as the credit score, the size of the loan, the type of mortgage such as fixed rate or adjustable rate, and the term of the mortgage loan. Sometimes loan brokers will charge different rates even when all other factors are equal. This is due to the costs incurred that apply only to the lender or brokers’ fees

 

Closing costs

 

A final important feature of a home mortgage loan is that of the closing costs. The closing costs can be made up of various costs, including, but not limited to, points, loan origination fees, document preparation fees, title search, title insurance, and appraisal fees.  Review these various closing costs to make sure you understand them and question any that seem excessive or frivolous.  Closing costs that are rolled into the loan balance can result in huge increases in the cost of the loan itself. If at all possible, cover such expenses with cash, rather than having interest charges accruing to them over the term of the loan.  

 



SAMMIE

Lesley Lyon asked:


Mortgage is a loan that is obtained to close the gap between the cash in hand for a down payment and the purchase price of the home. While opting for a home mortgage loan, choosing the type of loan can clear half of the hurdle. There are various types of loans like fixed rate mortgage loans and adjustable rate.

In a fixed rate mortgage loan, the interest rate remains the same irrespective of the economy. Therefore the monthly mortgage payment is the same throughout in effect. The main advantage of this type of fixed rate mortgage is the certainty but the negative aspect is that the amount of the monthly installment for repayment of the loan will be a little higher in the form of a higher interest rate. When the period of fixed rate loan is longer there is a certain amount of risk for the lender because the difference in the increase of interest rate is borne by the lender and hence the higher interest rate.

On the contrary, adjustable rate mortgage rates of interest adjust periodically during the loan term. And for this type of loans the overall interest rate is low. The main disadvantage in this type is the uncertainty of the adjustment phase. During this period the monthly payments will go up and down with the changes in interest rates and it is highly unpredictable.

The third type of loan is the balloon loans or a reset mortgage which starts with the fixed interest rate for a certain number of years, usually seven to ten years which will be as low as adjustable market rates, after which period the balance should be paid in full which is a large sum of money to be paid in one lump sum. Balloon mortgages have interest rates lower than a traditional home loan.

Fixed rate mortgage can be for a term of 30 year fixed rate, which has the greatest interest reduction and easiest type to qualify for. The 20 year fixed rate offers a lower interest rate and 15 year fixed rate, which is the same as 20 years term but increases the monthly amount to be paid.

In addition there are other loans like FHA loans, VA loans and RHS loans. FHA loan is offered by the Federal Housing administration to qualified homebuyers for moderately priced homes with a low down payment, usually three to five percent VA loan is offered by the department of veteran affairs, which has the added benefit of zero down payments. This type of loan is available only to military veterans RHS loans are available to households with low or moderate income located in rural areas or small towns.

To get a fair deal in home mortgage, it is advisable to set a budget, pick the right type of mortgage, choose a suitable locale, compare the cost of loans with similar ones and most importantly inspect the home to be bought. If these things are taken care of, a home mortgage loan can be worth taking.



CARL

Matthew Sanz asked:


It can be both exciting and perplexing when it comes to buying your first home. Get yourself to know the basics of home mortgage loans and be on your way to finding the perfect place.

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan you pull out to pay off your home. If you are a first time home mortgage loan borrower, you may be asked to deposit a down payment and pay for the rest (i.e. monthly) through a mortgage loan. Establishments that can offer mortgages are mortgage specialists, building societies and banks.

What are the types of mortgage?

- Repayment mortgage - monthly payments are made within an agreed term until loan and interest are paid off.

- Interest-only mortgage - monthly payments are made for a period of time as agreed in the contract, except payments cover only the loan’s interest within the initial term. Afterwards, you are asked to make interest payments in full every month.

- Fixed-rate mortgage - requires you to pay for a fixed interest rate over the whole term. Interest rates do not change and therefore offers a feeling of certainty for most borrowers.

- Adjustable Rate Mortgage - has rates that adjust after an initial term containing a fixed rate. Rates could adjust depending on the rise and fall of other economic rates. This could sound daunting for first time home mortgage loan borrowers, but those who want a lower initial rate can benefit from this type of mortgage.

What are the requirements?

1. Good credit report:

Your credit report will let lenders determine whether or not they will approve your application and whether or not to increase interests rates for your loan. Lenders especially want to make sure that a first time home mortgage loan borrower has the ability and willingness to make his or her payments.

2. Insurance:

Insurance can be used to pay off your mortgage if you have just been in an accident, lost your job or become sick. You might be required to use life insurance to pay off your mortgage should death occur. What are some tips I can use before purchasing property?

- Improve your credit report - Avoid applying for more credit and pay on time. - Review and correct credit information - Contact the credit bureau to correct inaccuracies - Get the best program - Choose a plan that is most suitable for your situation. - Research - Jot down your price range and find out how much you can borrow. - Do it online - Using the Internet could save you more time and money. Lenders now offer mortgage calculators online that you can use to predict which mortgage program is most suitable for you. - Choose the best mortgage specialist - Determine if the specialist works in a company that is likely to stay in business whenever rates fluctuate. - Ask for advice - Look for recommendations so you are familiar with what kind of mortgage plan you are getting into.

This is only a guide and should not be used in legal matters.



JOHNNY

Alan Lim asked:


The Loan

This is a type of loan wherein the equity of the borrower’s home is the collateral. Many a times, such loans are taken to finance various things like medical bills, or a college education amongst others.

You must have an excellent credit history if you are thinking of taking a home mortgage loan. Also, the ratio of the loan to value must be reasonable enough. This loan is secured against the value of the borrower’s property and is also called a second mortgage. A second mortgage is usually of a shorter term than a first mortgage.

The Types of Mortgage Loans on Offer



The Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan: A fixed rate mortgage loan has a fixed rate of interest. The fluctuating interest rates won’t have any bearing on your loan and you can repay your loan amount at a fixed rate through a fixed period of time.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan: The opposite end of a fixed rate mortgage loan. Herein, the interest rate of your home mortgage rate will fluctuate and be dictated by the various economic indices. In most cases, at the beginning of the loan period, you usually have to pay a low interest rate.

The Closed End Loan

A closed end home mortgage loan gives a lump sum to the borrower at the time of closing. No other amount is further given to the borrower. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is dependant on factors like the appraisal value of the home, income, and credit history of the borrower.

If there are no liens on the property, most often, a borrower can borrow an amount equal to the appraised value of the home. However, various states have different laws that determine the amount that can be borrowed on equity.

The Open End Loan

This offers its borrowers revolving credit. This essentially means that you as a borrower can determine when and how often will you borrow against the equity of your home. However, the initial limit of the credit line is fixed by the lender, and are available for up to 30 years, very much like closed end loans.

In most cases, the open end home mortgage loan is available at a variable interest rate.

Credibility and Choice

We have mentioned the point that your credit history would be an important factor in determining the interest rates offered to you. However, don’t just take this as a one way mode. As a borrower, you must also check the credibility of the lender. You can do so through various banking sources, consultants, etc.

Also your choice of the lender must take into consideration the comparison of offers, negotiations on the rate of interest, and other conditions. Conduct an intensive study of the market and only then choose the perfect home mortgage loan that will suit your needs.

These are just a few home mortgage loan pointers that might just be able to guide you in the right direction. So take due cognizance of what we have mentioned, and make the right choice.



KENNETH

Alan Lim asked:


A home mortgage loan refinance is a viable solution for many homeowners in a variety of different circumstances. Not only can you save money by refinancing your mortgage, but you may also be able to find your way out of a difficult financial slump as well.

Lower interest rates are one of the most popular reasons for refinancing a home loan. In fact, many people still consider lower interest rates to be the biggest advantage of a home loan refinance. There are two reasons why you might wish to refinance your home mortgage loan for a lower interest rate. First, you have a fixed rate mortgage but the rate on your mortgage is higher than current interest rates. Second, you have an adjustable rate mortgage and you are tired of living with interest rate changes on your mortgage loan. In either case, a home mortgage loan refinance can help to solve your problems.

A home refinance also offers you the opportunity to obtain additional funds that can be used for a variety of expenses. Perhaps you want to make some improvements to your property in order to raise its value. Maybe your child is about to head off to college and you need to cover his or her tuition and expenses. It could be that you simply need some extra cash for some other purchase. Taking advantage of a home mortgage loan refinance gives you the tools and the funds you need to pay for those items at a lower interest rate than you would be able to obtain through any other method, especially credit cards.

Another benefit of refinancing your mortgage is the ability to pay off high interest bills. More and more homeowners are taking advantage of the opportunity to consolidate their higher interest credit card bills and other debts with a low interest home refinance loan. This allows you to pay off your bills faster and you may also even be able to take advantage of tax deductions as well.

Of course, it must be pointed out that it is also possible to refinance your home loan for a shorter period of time in order to pay it off sooner. It is not uncommon for many home buyers to need a lower monthly mortgage payment when they first purchase their home. A few years later circumstances may have changed and you may be in a better financial situation. In this case, you may wish to begin making larger monthly mortgage payments. Refinancing to a shorter mortgage term with a lower interest rate will help you to pay off your mortgage in record time and save money while you are doing it.

A home mortgage loan refinance presents numerous benefits and advantages to homeowners who want to put the power of the equity in their home to work for them. Whether you want to pay off bills, make a purchase, save money or pay off your mortgage sooner, refinancing your home gives you the ability to do so.



KIRBY

Diannelogan asked:


With an extremely large crowd of lenders ready to provide you with a mortgage loan for your house, getting a mortgage nowadays proves to be hardly a problem for anyone. But getting a low interest rate, affordable mortgage with flexible repayment terms is still a major problem. Considering the fact that you can end up paying thousands of dollars extra if you land with a bad mortgage deal, here is a list of a few things that you need to know in order to negotiate the best mortgage loan deal:

1. There Are Two Main Types Of Mortgage Loans: Mortgage loans are broadly divided into two main types: fixed-rate mortgages (FRM) and adjustable rate mortgages (ARM). While you will find that the conditions for applying for an ARM loan are easier and they come with lower initial rates, a fixed rate mortgage is generally advised for people who are planning long term periods. This is because a fixed rate mortgage loan, which may cost more than an ARM initially, requires the payment of the same rate of interest starting from today onwards till a period of twenty to thirty years. On the other hand, an adjustable rate mortgage’s payments will vary every month based on a number of indices. However, an ARM will provide you with a lower rate of interest initially which might go up later on.

2. Your Credit History Matters: Your credit score is a major determinant nowadays of the kinds of interest, terms and conditions that you will get on your mortgage loan. If you have already taken out a number of loans which you have paid or are paying back on time, you have a higher chance of getting a low rate mortgage than someone who has never taken credit for a car or a house. Secondly, having a high credit score and a clean credit history can often slash back a number of points off your mortgage loan’s interest. Therefore, it is advised that you clean up your credit report as much as possible and get your highest possible score before you apply for a mortgage loan.

3. The Best Mortgage Loans Are Available Online: Not only are most reputable banks and lending institutions now providing loans over the internet, there are a number of new but reliable companies that are also dispensing mortgages online. Online loan companies get the advantage of garnering an extremely large market for a very small cost when compared to brick and mortar lenders. But the competition on the web is also higher than that in real space. As a result, most online lenders will not only provide you with lower interest rates, they will also charge you lower processing and other fees. So make sure that you do your research well and get quotes from online mortgage providers before you sign on the dotted line. While you compare interest rates and term periods, do not forget to compare all the fees that different lenders charge you for the same loan.



HECTOR

Rony Walker asked:


So you want a finger in that refinance mortgage loan. After all, it’s fast becoming the talk of the town. The problem is, you’re daunted by the process that comes with it. Now you’re wondering, what are the easiest deals to come by so far?

You might want to consider the following types of refinance mortgage loan. They are by far the simplest and easiest to process.

Fixed Rate Refinance Mortgage Loan

As opposed to the specialty type of refinance mortgage loans (like adjustable rate mortgage), this type of loan is much easier to come by. To qualify for an adjustable rate mortgage, you will have to meet up with generally higher standards. You will have to have a higher income, better credit reports, and a more valuable home equity.

A fixed rate mortgage loan may be just what you need. With this type of refinance loan, you deal with a fixed interest rate for the whole credit term, as opposed to an adjustable mortgage interest rate wherein you are subject to the inconsistencies of the mortgage market. If the economy is not in good shape, then you’ll have to prepare yourself for burgeoning interest rates. So basically, you get peace of mind and stability with your fixed rate mortgage loan as bonus.

Closed Refinance Mortgage Loan

Another type of refinance mortgage loan that is easy to qualify for is the closed refinance mortgage loan. Now what is this? It’s the type of loan wherein you are not allowed to make prepayments or to pay off your loan in advance. You may want to do prepayments if you suddenly find yourself with a lot of extra cash and with the desire to pay out your loan to avoid interest fees. With a closed mortgage loan, your lender will only allow you to do this for a fee.

It’s much easier to close this kind of deal, though, as opposed to an open refinance mortgage. The latter allows you to pay out without fees, but it’s not easy to qualify for them. You will have to have a more inviting income, credit report, and home equity.

Long Term Refinance Mortgage Loan

Another refinance mortgage loan that is easier to qualify for is the long-term refinance mortgage loan. Now what would make for a long-term loan? It’s the type of loan that lasts for 6 years or more. It usually lasts for up to 10 years, though there are those that reach until 25 years.

Short-term mortgages are more advantageous in that they offer lower rates. But then again, they are not easy to come by. Yet again, you will have to have better income, better credit reports, and better home equity.

But the qualification process may be the least of your worries. Getting a deal closed and getting just the right deal are two different things. You may have gotten your refinance mortgage without much sweat, only to encounter serious problems when you are already in it. Do not go for a deal only for its expediency. Be very scrutinizing.



LINDSEY

Wife4Life asked:


I inheirtied a house with an adjustable rate mortgage. The loan when I took it over was $80,000 when I took it over 3 years ago. The rate right now is somewhere near 6%, I want to pay it off asap so the rate doesn’t go up and so I can use the extra money that would have been a loan payment for a baby instead.

I have been paying an extra $1000 a month on top of the loan amount due.

I recently sent $14,000 (from my savings) towards my balance and now the mortgage is at $33,000 and I am going to be sending payments of about $2700 a month to pay it off in a year.

A friend of mine is telling me not to pay it off and just keep making payments since its the best solution.

I am paying like $150 in interest every month that will be staying in my pocket once its paid off, I don’t get what my solution isn’t the best.

The tax write off isn’t really worth it, is it?

RANDY

Anthony Pace asked:


Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans are loans that have an interest rate that will fluctuate periodically. Unlike fixed rate loans where the interest rate remains constant through the life of the loan, adjustable rate mortgage loans will fluctuate based on the several indices of loan forecasting. Approximately 80 percent of all adjustable rate mortgage loans are based on one of these three indexes: 1) Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) Indexes, 2) 11th District Cost of Funds Index (COFI) and 3) London Inter Bank Offering Rates (LIBOR).

Adjustable rate mortgage loans, compared to fixed rate loans, have a lower initial interest rate. They are a good option to consider if you’re only planning to own your home for a few years, you expect your future earnings to increase or the current interest rate for a fixed rate mortgage is too high. There is inherent risk with adjustable rate mortgage loans because often people are captivated by the low initial interest rate but never really budget for a period when the interest rates climb. Sometimes they get caught unable to meet the higher monthly payments when interest rates do rise and end up in default, losing everything.

Adjustable rate mortgage loans have four components to their structure: 1) an index, 2) a margin, 3) an interest rate cap structure, and 4) an initial interest rate period. After the initial interest rate period has ended, a new calculated interest rate becomes effective by adding a margin to the index. Since margins vary among lenders, it’s best to shop around for the lowest margin you can find. As the index moves up and down, as previously mentioned by the forecasting indices, your interest rate will rise or fall accordingly. Also, the rise and fall of your interest rate will be constrained by the interest rate cap structure of your loan.

The interest rate cap structure of your loan can provide you protection from wildly large interest rate swings. Adjustable rate mortgage loans have two types of caps: 1) annual, and 2) life-of-the-loan. The annual cap will restrict the interest rate change from going too far up or down in any given year. The life-of-the-loan cap will restrict the interest rate change from going too far up or down for as long as you have the mortgage.

As long as you are aware that adjustable rate mortgage loans can increase from their initial low rate they can be a good mortgage to have. However, if at the lowest interest rate you are paying as much as you can possibly ever pay for your mortgage, you are treading in dangerous waters. Many people are duped into this type of loan in predatory loan schemes where there is not full disclosure of the terms. When the initial interest rate period has ended and interest rates are high the mortgage loan payments become out of reach for some folks and they end up in foreclosure. Don’t let this happen to you.

Did you know that a recent survey found that 80% of all mortgage loan applicants are confused about the type of loans available? Visit Home Mortgage Loans to learn more about FHA Mortgage Loan and find out how you can become one of the 20% of informed consumers.



MITCH