Navigating the Different Types of Mortgages – Which One is Right for You?
Finding a mortgage to purchase your dream home can seem like an endless journey. There are various types of mortgages, each with their own advantages and drawbacks.
For some people, a fixed-rate mortgage is the ideal solution. With this loan type, your payments will remain consistent throughout its entirety.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
If you need to pay off your home quickly, a fixed-rate mortgage may be the ideal solution for you. These loans are the most common in America and their interest rate remains fixed throughout the entire term of the loan.
Fixed-rate mortgages are a popular choice among homebuyers due to their predictability in both principal and interest payments. Typically, this loan has a 30-year term; however, you may find 20-year and 15-year options as well.
What’s important to know about fixed-rate mortgages is that they remain fixed throughout their term, so you won’t be exposed to market rates when selecting this type of financing. This type of arrangement may be especially advantageous if you’re purchasing your “forever home,” intending to live there longterm, or have a tight monthly budget.
Another advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is its amortization feature. This means most of your monthly payments go toward repaying both interest and principal on the loan; during early years of repayment, more money goes toward interest; as payments mature, they become principal repayment.
Before making your final decision on a fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage, be sure to shop around for the best rates available and take into account all of your financial circumstances. It would also be beneficial to use a free mortgage calculator to estimate how different interest rates and terms could impact your payments.
If you’re uncertain which mortgage type is ideal for you, reach out to a local lending professional. They can assist in understanding your options and providing an objective view of the advantages and drawbacks associated with each loan type.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
Adjustable-rate mortgages are a popular choice among many homeowners due to their typically lower interest rates than fixed rate loans. However, they come with certain risks attached.
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a loan that periodically changes its interest rate based on a benchmark index agreed upon at signing. Your loan paperwork will indicate which index an ARM follows and lenders must disclose how much margin (or additional interest) they add to that figure in setting the final interest rate for that particular mortgage.
Arms are typically associated with an introductory or teaser rate that lasts for the initial few years of the loan’s term. The most popular ARM is the 5/1 ARM, which features a fixed interest rate of 5% for five years and then adjusts annually after that. Other popular options include 3/1 ARM, 7/1 ARM and 10/1 ARM.
Another distinction between an ARM and fixed-rate mortgage is that the former typically comes with caps on how much their interest rate and monthly payments can change over the loan term, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. These safeguards help borrowers avoid large increases in payments that might leave them struggling financially.
When considering an ARM, consider how long you plan to live in the home. If only a few years, an ARM could be more suitable. Conversely, if selling before the introductory period ends and more volatile adjustable phases begin, a fixed-rate mortgage may be better suited.
If you’re in the market for a home that will remain in your family for decades, a fixed-rate mortgage is likely your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re willing to take on some risk, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) could be suitable for your next move.
Jumbo Loans
If your home is priced beyond the government-backed mortgage limits, jumbo loans could be an option for you. Since these loans aren’t insured by the federal government, lenders have more latitude to set their own requirements and qualifications.
To be eligible for a jumbo loan, you’ll typically need an excellent credit score and evidence of high income or liquid assets.
According to David Koors from Rocket Mortgage, the average minimum credit score for a jumbo loan is 700; however, this number may go higher if your financial situation allows it. With higher credit scores, however, you have more options and are likely to receive the best rates possible.
Jumbo mortgages typically require more documentation than conventional loans, such as two years worth of tax returns and financial statements. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you possess enough cash reserves or liquid assets to cover six months’ worth of mortgage payments.
Lenders typically demand a low debt-to-income ratio, which accounts for how much of your monthly expenses are related to debt and how much income you make. A DTI ratio of 40% or lower is typical for conforming jumbo loans; however, some lenders will go up to 43%.
Additionally, you’ll have to make a larger down payment and pay more closing costs than on a conforming loan. Many jumbo lenders require at least 20% as part of your down payment.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, it is recommended that you consult with a mortgage broker or bank that specializes in jumbo financing. These experts can assist you with finding the ideal loan for your requirements and guide you through every step of the process.
FHA Loans
Mortgages offer home buyers a range of advantages and drawbacks, so the best loan for you depends on your individual circumstances. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the perfect loan – find one that meets all your needs for purchasing your dream home!
FHA loans are government-insured mortgages that offer several advantages to buyers, such as a relaxed credit requirement and low down payments. This financing option is especially popular with first-time homebuyers or those without enough funds for conventional means of purchasing a home.
For buyers with credit scores lower than the typical 620 required by most mortgages, the FHA is often a viable option. FHA lenders tend to be more relaxed regarding credit requirements than other types of lenders and may provide down payments as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price for applicants with scores in the 500-610 range.
FHA financing often comes with the additional expense of mortgage insurance, which could account for as much as 1.75% of the loan’s value. This can be paid upfront as a lump sum or financed into the mortgage.
Even with higher costs, borrowers may still qualify for an FHA loan if their debt-to-income ratio falls below 50% and they don’t have other credit issues. Furthermore, they must be able to afford a down payment of at least 3.5%; however, this depends on the borrower’s credit score.
If you’re thinking of applying for an FHA loan, take the time to compare rates from multiple lenders. This can be done either through an online rate comparison tool or by calling the lender directly. After gathering all necessary information, fill out an application and let your lender verify your credit.
VA Loans
If you or a family member has served in the military, you may qualify for a VA loan. These mortgages are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and carry less risk for lenders than traditional loans. VA loans offer numerous advantages to homebuyers such as lower interest rates, relaxed credit requirements and no down payment required.
However, VA mortgage loans come with their own set of requirements. These include higher debt-to-income limits than other mortgages and stricter guidelines regarding disposable income – making it harder for borrowers to get the most out of their money.
Additionally, a VA-backed mortgage loan is typically designed for owner-occupants and cannot be used for investment purposes like renting out the property. It’s essential that you thoroughly research all loan rules prior to signing on with one.
When applying for a VA loan, the initial step is obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You can do this either online or by post using the eBenefits portal. Your COE confirms your service-based eligibility to receive a VA loan and grants you access to government services like homebuyer assistance programs.
The next step in finding the ideal mortgage deal requires comparing quotes from various lenders. This can be done through various online resources, including companies that rank lenders nationwide or in your vicinity, as well as mortgage brokers who specialize in helping veteran homeowners.
Comparing a VA mortgage to a conventional loan requires speaking with a home loan specialist who will assist you in understanding your individual homebuying journey and finding a loan that meets your requirements. A comprehensive analysis should take into account all relevant details regarding credit, income and financial status.