home loans – mortgage refinance second mortage

April 9, 2009

Mortgage Loans

Martin Lukac asked:


With the real estate prices sky rocketing, mortgage loans are a boon when it comes to purchasing your dream home. You can opt for a mortgage loan as a first time home buyer, or to move up, or to refinance an old mortgage, or to access the equity blocked in the house. Whatever may be the reason, it is important to have a basic knowledge about mortgage loans and its types.

Mortgage loan refers to a loan that is secured by a mortgage on real property. Since these loans are secured, the value of the property reduces the risk factor involved. Thus mortgage loans may be available at lower interest rates as compared to other types of borrowing.

Mortgage loans are structured as long-term loans and the periodic payments for them are calculated according to time value of money. The payment is generally through Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) paid over the term of the loan. Over the period, the principal amount borrowed, would be slowly paid off through amortization.

It is very important to choose the right type of mortgage loan, like it is important to choose the right lender. Doing a little bit of homework will help you understand what the loan officer speaks, who most of the time otherwise seems to be speaking in an alien language.

There are two basic types of amortized mortgage loans viz.

1.Fixed Rate Mortgage Loans: In fixed rate mortgages, the interest rate remains fixed for the entire term of loan. Thus they are more predictable than other types of mortgage loans. Fixed rate loans are generally up to 30, 20, 15 and 10 years. The longer the term of loan, larger is the amount of interest paid than the principle, this means larger tax deductions.

Since the interest rate remains fixed, you are saved from paying higher rates as per market fluctuations. At the same time you might loose the opportunity of borrowing at lower rates if market rates fall. If the fall in interest rate is 2 points or more, and you plan to reside in the same house for at least 18 months more, you can opt for mortgage refinancing.

2.Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans: Also called floating rate or variable rate mortgage, these loans are popular because of the lower interest rates at the beginning. Adjustable rates are a little easier to obtain since some risk is transferred from the lender to borrower. Also lower interest rates may qualify the borrower for a larger loan amount.

In Floating rate mortgage loans interest rate is generally fixed for a period of time, after which it periodically adjusts to certain market indices. The most common market indices used are Prime Rate, London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and Treasury Index (T-bill). There is a cap on the margin that restricts the lender from charging interest rates higher than a certain point. This safeguards the interest of the borrower to a certain extent.

If you want to borrow money for your business purposes; you can opt for commercial mortgage loan. Commercial mortgage is similar to a residential mortgage, except that the collateral security given will be a commercial building or other business property and not a residential property.

All types of mortgage loans are generally non-recourse. This means that in case of default in payment, the lender can only seize the collateral security to recover the loan amount. Even if the collateral is insufficient to reimburse the loan in full, the lender has no further claim against the borrower.



RANDOLPH

April 5, 2009

Which Refinance Mortgage Loan Deals Are Easy To Process?

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

March 26, 2009

Refinancing Your Mortgage Loan to Save Money

melinamenny asked:


 

Most people refinance their mortgage loan when it is up for renewal from its term. Mortgage loans come in a variety of terms, anywhere from six months to 10 years at a time, amortized over 25 to 50 years. Each term of a mortgage loan is its own mortgage loan – meaning that you can change the mortgage loan type you have as well as the term when your mortgage loan renews. If your mortgage loan is up for renewal, it’s a good time to see if you can get a better interest rate on your new mortgage loan by shopping around. However, there are other times when refinancing your mortgage loan makes sense.

 

Renewal Time

 

Term renewal on mortgage loans is, obviously, the time when most mortgage loans are renewed. It is a time when you can search for a different lender for your mortgage loan or stay with the same lender. However, refinancing your mortgage loan is similar to taking out a new one to begin with, except that you’re not required to have a down payment.

 

Refinancing your mortgage loan means having a new mortgage loan – you can use this opportunity to change the type of mortgage loan you have, such as going from an adjustable rate mortgage loan to a fixed rate mortgage loan, or vice versa. You can also change the term of your mortgage loan, make it longer or shorter, depending upon your wants and needs.

 

If you’re term mortgage loan is up for renewal and the interest rates are low, it’s a good time to lock in the good interest rate for a longer period of time with a fixed rate, long term mortgage loan. However if your renewal comes up and the interest rates are high, it’s a good time to go with either a short term fixed rate or an adjustable rate mortgage loan. Adjustable rate mortgage loans’ interest rate changes at various points in the term, which means you could end up with a much lower interest rate, and therefore lower payments when the rate changes.

 

Need extra money?

 

Mortgage loan refinancing is also a good time to take out some of the equity you’ve been saving. You can refinance your mortgage loan for higher than is owed to the previous mortgage loan and get cash from your equity to spend as you see fit. The most common uses for equity cash is home improvements, consolidating high-interest debts (such as loans and credit cards), and paying for college tuition for children.

 

Other times it’s a good idea to refinance

There are other times throughout the term of your mortgage loan that you may want to consider refinancing. If the interest rates plummet, it’s a consideration to refinance your mortgage loan with a longer term, fixed rate mortgage loan. Locking in a low interest rate on your refinanced mortgage loan could mean that you save tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments to your lender.

A word of caution about refinancing mid- mortgage loan term – prepayment penalties come with some mortgage loans and if you have a prepayment penalty on your mortgage loan, talk with your loan officer before you begin the refinancing process.

 

There’s an easy way to figure out if it’s worth refinancing your mortgage loan mid term and paying the prepayment penalties – find out what your yearly interest payments will be with a new mortgage and compare them to what they are with your current mortgage. Subtract the new mortgage interest from the old mortgage interest – this is how much interest you’re saving in a year. Compare this number with the amount you’ll pay in prepayment penalties. If it is less than half (which means it would take two years to “pay” for the refinancing), then it’s not worth refinancing your mortgage loan. However if you can “pay” for the refinancing within two years on a five year term or more mortgage loan, then it may be worth paying the prepayment penalty.

 

You can ask your mortgage loan lender if they will waive the prepayment penalty if you refinance your mortgage loan with the same company. Prepayment penalties are in place from some lenders because they’re losing your business and thusly the thousands of dollars of interest payments you were to make to them for the remaining term on your mortgage loan. Most prepayment penalties are six months interest on 80 per cent of the total of your mortgage loan. However, some lenders may be willing to waive the prepayment penalty if you’re staying with them for the longer term mortgage you want to lock in with lower interest rates. While the interest they’re receiving is lower, it can add up to much more than the prepayment penalty amount they will receive if you refinance early.

 

In order to make paying a prepayment penalty worth it to refinance your mortgage loan, you shouldn’t take any longer than two years in saved money to make up the amount you pay out to the old mortgage loan company in penalties. Be sure that if you do make the payment that your new mortgage doesn’t have prepayment penalties attached to it.

 

Refinancing your mortgage loan is a good opportunity to seek out better interest rates and terms. Many people choose to use a mortgage broker to find a new lender to refinance their mortgage loan. The reason for this is because mortgage brokers work with several lenders and can submit the single application you fill out to many lenders at the same time. They then enter a ‘bartering stage’ with the lenders who are willing to refinance your mortgage loan. By using a mortgage broker, you can get great interest rates from lenders vying for your business.

 

Don’t underestimate some of the mortgage loan refinancing companies as well – because they are online and don’t have as much overhead as standard lenders, they can sometimes offer even better deals on interest rates and terms.



DWIGHT

February 15, 2009

Tips for Finding the Best Mortgage Loans

Brigitta Schwulst asked:


plying for mortgage loans is made a lot easier and more efficient by using the internet. You have access to far more companies and far more information on mortgage loans than you had in the past.

Mortgage loans brokers also make finding the best mortgage loans much easier. A mortgage loan broker is a person or company who applies for the mortgage loans on you behalf by contacting the various banks.

Using a mortgage loans broker also means you can ask someone questions with regards to the mortgage loans you’re applying for. Some tips to find the best mortgage loans include the following:

1. Check out your credit

Your credit will not only determine the amount of the loan that you can apply for, but it could also determine the mortgage rate you are offered for your mortgage loan. It can also vary the amount you need as a deposit, and even the insurance premium rate. It’s worth trying to improve your credit rating as much as possible before you apply for mortgage.

2. Shop around

Use a mortgage broker or approach various companies before you choose your loans. You’ll be amazed at how different the quotes can be from different companies and how much money you can save in the long run by shopping around before you take out mortgage loans.

3. Plan your budget

Remember to work out how much you can afford to repay on your mortgage , and include a little extra in your budget for emergencies. Remember, your home is normally collateral for the mortgage loans, so you could loose your house if you can repay the loan.

4. Research and choose the type of loan best for you

There are plenty of different mortgage loans types of loans available nowadays, so make sure you have a basic idea of the various loan types and how they can impact your budget and then choose the loan type that’s best for you. Mortgage loans types include fixed rate loans, variable rates loans and reverse mortgages to name a few.

But whether you’re looking for fixed rate mortgage loans or variable rate mortgage loans, be sure to shop around for the lowest mortgage loans rates. The lowest mortgage rates could save you thousands in the long run.

To find the lowest mortgage loans rates search for a mortgage loans broker in your area.



RODGER

February 7, 2009

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans – More House for Your Buck?

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

January 27, 2009

Many Other Mortgage Loan Types

Herald Gumpsten asked:


There are different banks and intermediaries offering mortgage loans and so they vary according to different features such as the amount of loan, the period for which the loan is taken and also the amount of interest and principle to be paid. Apart from the fixed rate, mortgage loans and the adjustable rate mortgage loans there are other loans, which are not commonly in use.

Biweekly mortgage loan is a type of mortgage loan under which the rate of interest is paid every week instead of being paid every month. This is for the convenience of the borrowers who prefer paying weekly.

Jumbo mortgage is a mortgage loan, which exceeds the loan limit set by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. This is sometimes called as conventional or confirming mortgage. This type of mortgage has a slightly higher rate of interest to be paid every month when compared to the other mortgage loans.

Balloon mortgage loans are under which the borrowers are allowed to pay low rate of interest every month for a period of time with a huge sum of amount to be paid when the principle amount is to be paid to the lender.

Construction mortgages are loans, which are offered to the borrowers who are to build their house instead of buying a built house.

The 2-step mortgage loan is a combination of both fixed rate mortgage as well as the adjustable mortgage loans. Under this, the interest rate is fixed may be for 3 years or 5 years or 7 years and after that the rate of interest varies. The lender has the option to call the loan due with a 30 days prior notice.

Assumable mortgage loans are which permits the house owners to hand off the loan to the buyers instead of paying at the time of selling.



LEWIS

December 31, 2008

Selecting the Right Seattle Mortgage Loan for Your Needs

Connie Boling asked:


e rapid growth of population in Seattle, both temporary and permanent, Seattle real estate prices are soaring up. In the last five years, the cost of Seattle real estate has increased 12 percent. Thankfully along with the increase of property prices and cost of Seattle homes, Seattle Mortgage plans have also expanded offering many flexible and customer friendly options to choose from.

There are many Seattle mortgage loan plans to choose from. There are fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages, second mortgages, and reverse mortgages. Before choosing any mortgage loan plan, you should always keep in mind the amount of the down payment you can afford to pay out. There are more loan options available if you can pay about 20 percent on your down payment. Although there are mortgage options available even if you do not have the full 20 percent to pay down on your mortgage loan.

A fixed rate mortgage loan is a loan plan in which the interest remains fixed throughout the tenure of the signed loan agreement, and is available for 10, 15, 20 or thirty year mortgage plans. The main advantage of a fixed rate mortgage is that it protects you from economical depressions and interest rate fluctuations. The rate of interest remains fixed so you don’t have to think about paying more than you have planned. However it has one disadvantage, as you will not be able to take advantage of the situation if the interest rates substantially fall down. It is also not suitable for repeat home buyers and investors who generally tend to flip properties. For these types of buyers adjustable rate mortgages and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages are perfect.

Generally you have to pay a higher rate of interest for a long term loan. The current rate for a 30 year mortgage is just over 6 percent. However those who are looking for a 20 year mortgage loan, you will find that the interest rates are very similar to the 15 year loan term. Although your monthly mortgage payments may be higher on the shorter term loans, in the long run you may save thousands on what you are paying out in interest.

If you are buying real estate for business purposes then you can apply for a fixed rate commercial mortgage which generally ranges from five to twenty years in term length. Large industries with a proper business plan can apply for a fixed rate super jumbo loan.

If a fixed mortgage loan is not your cup of tea then you can choose an adjustable rate mortgage. They generally have a period of 30 years. The basic advantage of the adjustable rate Seattle mortgage plan is that the rate of interest is not fixed and goes up and down with the current economic scenario of the country. They are less expensive than the fixed rate mortgages as the lenders provide teaser rates to the party. However, adjustable rate mortgage loans are not suitable if the current economical condition points towards an increase in mortgage loan interest rates.

If you fail to get the loan amount required to purchase your property, you may apply for a Seattle second mortgage option. Many people in the last year have applied successfully to buy a Seattle home with the help of a second mortgage. However there are certain things to consider. If the market rates are lower than your first mortgage rate, then it will be better to refinance your mortgage, but if it is higher then its better to go for the second mortgage option.

The rates of the adjustable mortgage plan also remain generally lower. Where as the 30 year fixed mortgage rate is 6.44 % and 15 year fixed mortgage scheme is 5.96 % the 5 year ARM is 5.90%. You can also take advantage of the fixed rate reverse mortgage loan. They are also available in fixed and adjustable interest rates.

You can also take advantage of the balloon payment. It is particularly helpful if you don’t have enough cash and want the interest rates to remain low. It becomes 100 percent due after a specified time has elapsed. You have to pay off the loan in cash or refinance when it matures. It is suitable for you if you do not want to hold on to the property for a long time and can easily sell it off at the time when the loan matures to pay off the amount.

Before applying for any loan check out the background necessities and choose your home loan plan wisely. There are numerous options and the rates change every day, as well as the loan options that are available.



ALBERTO

December 22, 2008

The Bare Bones of a Mortgage Loan

Matt Peters asked:


With the numerous mortgage options being offered by mortgage lenders today, newcomers to the arena may find the scenery just plain confusing. If you’re planning to get a mortgage loan, and you don’t know where to start, here is a list of the basics that you need to know about.

Mortgage Defined

A lot of people tend to use mortgage to mean a mortgage loan. A mortgage refers to the document that you, as a borrower, sign and entrust to a mortgage lender in return for a mortgage loan. If you default on your mortgage payments, the mortgage lender, through the document called mortgage, has the right to take possession of your property. The borrower, the one who applies for a mortgage loan, is referred to as the mortgagor since it is the borrower who hands the mortgage over to the mortgage lender.

Mortgage Loan

The basic premise of a mortgage loan is that it is a type of loan used to pay the difference between the purchase price and the cash available for a down payment. When mortgage lenders let you use their money, they will charge you a fee for it. The biggest fee is called the interest, which is expressed as an annual percentage of the loan. Usually, it is in the range of a low 5% and a high 12%. When you apply for a mortgage loan at one of these financial institutions, they will also charge you with an origination fee, which may include application fees, credit report fees and appraisal fees. The annual percentage rate (APR) consists of the base interest rate with points and other fees.

Mortgage Loan Rates

The mortgage loan comes in a fixed rate and adjustable rate. A fixed rate mortgage loan refers to a loan that features a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments for the entire life of a loan. Mortgage lenders typically offer 15- and 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans. An adjustable rate mortgage loan features lower initial rates, which may change as frequently as every six months. Borrowers who prefer going the least expensive way can opt for the 15-year mortgage loan. However, this type of loan is suitable for those who can afford the higher monthly mortgage payments. For people who plan on moving to another home in less than eight years, may find it more appropriate to settle for a 30-year mortgage loan, with its lower monthly mortgage payments.

Mortgage Loan and Down Payment

The down payment made on a house is usually in the range of five to 20 percent. The down payment precedes the mortgage loan, or the amount borrowed on the residual cost of the house. Thus a house that’s worth $450,000, you will require a down payment of $90,000 and a mortgage of $360,000.

Basic Mortgage Interest



Interest rates are prone to fluctuations, which make them highly unpredictable. There are two popular indices of short-term interest rates. The first one is the rate banks offer for six-month certificates of deposits (CDs). The second one is the interest on Treasury Bills, or T-bills. Mortgage lenders operate by charging around 2.5% over the publicly quoted interest rate. Compared to short-term rates, long-term rates are higher since they expose lenders to greater risk when lending money for a long time.



JAVIER
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