Types of Mortgages and How to Choose the Right One For You
When purchasing or refinancing your home, there are various mortgages to choose from. Each one is tailored for specific situations and objectives, so make sure you pick the right one for you!
Loan types available include conventional loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, VA loans, Jumbo loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Each offers its own advantages to buyers.
Fixed Rate Mortgages
If you’re a homebuyer who needs the assurance that their mortgage payments will remain constant, a fixed-rate mortgage is an ideal solution. These mortgages provide an established interest rate for the duration of the loan – either 10 years, 15 years or 30 years.
A fixed-rate mortgage offers the greatest security, as you always know your monthly payment regardless of changes in interest rates or other costs associated with homeownership. This level of certainty cannot be replicated with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), which allows for adjustments based on market fluctuations.
Another advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is that it typically offers lower interest rates than other loan types. This could save you money over time, especially if you plan to make substantial down payments for your home.
Comparing rates is important, but don’t just take the first one that comes your way. It’s best to shop around and get prequalified with multiple lenders so you can determine what rates are available in your particular situation.
It’s wise to inquire if you can pay off your loan early if your financial circumstances change. A variable-rate mortgage may allow this, but be aware that it carries more risk than a fixed-rate mortgage and could prove more costly in the long run.
Many borrowers opt for a fixed-rate mortgage to provide security and certainty that their loan will remain fixed over time. Furthermore, those with higher credit scores tend to fare better financially in the long run.
The most common term for a fixed rate mortgage is 30 years. However, if you can afford to pay more each month but are uncertain how long you plan to live in your new home, consider opting for a 15-year mortgage instead – it has lower monthly payments and could save thousands of dollars in interest over its life.
If you’re searching for a low fixed-rate mortgage, take the time to shop around and compare rates on lenders’ websites. Some lenders even provide customized lender matches based on individual needs.
You can also contact or visit your local lender to learn more about fixed-rate mortgage options and other ways to save on your mortgage. A loan officer will answer any queries you might have and provide a tailored solution that fits within your financial constraints.
Many lenders also provide no-cost loans, which are similar to fixed rate mortgages but don’t include closing costs in their amount. These loans may be ideal for people who don’t have much savings set aside and need to keep their budgets tight.
Many people are aware that they can purchase a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, but may not know how to choose the best type for them. This is especially true if they lack much experience buying and owning property.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
For many first-time home buyers in today’s market, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) have emerged as a viable solution. ARMs often feature low introductory interest rates and can provide significant savings compared to fixed-rate mortgages; however, these low rates may not last forever so borrowers should take into account how long they plan on living in their homes before selecting an ARM.
An ARM is a type of home loan that typically begins with a fixed interest rate for a specified period, then fluctuates according to the benchmark index. Common terms have an initial fixed-rate period of three, five, seven or 10 years; then the rate adjusts periodically according to changes in the index until its term ends (usually 30 years).
Adjustable-rate mortgages often feature a cap that restricts how much the interest rate can fluctuate at launch, during each adjustment period and overall over the life of the loan. This limit could be as high as two percentage points depending on who provides it and which ARM product you select.
A borrower’s credit score plays an important role in deciding the type of loan best suited for them. Good or excellent credit can result in lower interest rates and smaller monthly payments, but if your history is spotty or disreputable, an ARM loan may not be the best option since defaulting on it could put your home at risk.
No matter if you opt for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) or fixed rate mortgage (FRM), be sure to shop around and get preapproved with at least three lenders so you can compare offers. No matter which mortgage type you pick, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from a knowledgeable mortgage professional.
Are you in the market for a new home soon? An ARM may be your best bet since there’s no risk of your interest rate increasing soon. Plus, if you decide to sell your property before the ARM’s initial fixed-rate period ends, you can refinance to a fixed rate mortgage.
For homeowners looking to stay put for an extended period, fixed-rate mortgages are the best choice. Refinancing an ARM requires waiting until after its introductory rate period has ended; thus, planning ahead is key if you plan on selling your house soon.
If you have a family, an interest-only adjustable-rate mortgage could be the ideal solution. This option requires that you pay only the interest accrued during a specific period and then make payments on your principal balance. Young families often choose this route because it allows them to build equity quickly and save money on interest over the life of their loan.
Interest-Only Mortgages
If you’re looking to save money on mortgage payments, an interest-only mortgage could be the perfect solution for you. These types of loans allow for monthly payments that go solely toward paying off the interest on your loan for a certain number of years (usually five or 10). Once that period ends, however, you must start repaying the principal balance on your loan.
Interest-only mortgages come with several advantages and drawbacks, so it is essential to comprehend their workings before taking out one. They’re typically used by first-time homebuyers or those in financial positions which allow them to pay down the principal quickly – such as those who earn high incomes and can fund their mortgage with bonuses or other savings.
An interest-only mortgage may offer the potential to purchase a larger house than what would be possible with traditional principal and interest loans. However, this advantage is only temporary as full principal and interest payments must be made once your initial payments on an interest-only mortgage begin.
Another disadvantage of interest-only loans is that they typically feature adjustable rates, meaning your payment could increase or decrease depending on changes to market indexes or prevailing interest rates. Depending on which type of ARM you have, this could result in a substantial increase in your payment amount.
Interest-only mortgages come with strict eligibility criteria, so you must demonstrate that you can repay the loan in full before its interest-only period ends. Furthermore, you need sufficient assets such as investments or retirement savings to cover the full amount of the loan.
Other potential drawbacks of an interest-only mortgage include not building equity in your home and potential difficulty refinancing once the term ends. To reduce these issues, it may be beneficial to sell your house before the end of your interest-only period or switch over to a conventional mortgage.
Are you uncertain whether an interest-only mortgage is right for you? Speak with a Home Lending Advisor to gain more knowledge about this option and determine if it makes financial sense in your situation.
Many mortgage lenders provide interest-only loans on standard fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, but the qualifications for an interest-only loan vary between lenders. Your qualification status will depend on factors like debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and down payment amount so it’s wise to shop around and get personalized rates from multiple lenders.
An interest-only mortgage can be a great choice for first-time homeowners who want to save money on their mortgage payments, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Furthermore, keep in mind that these loans do have their drawbacks and could potentially pose financial risks.