Few people invest the full time and effort into researching and securing the most effective deal for a mortgage to buy our home.
For the majority of us, the house may be the single most important and expensive purchase we ever make!
We invest a lot of time and effort into finding an ideal property in the most effective location and with as many of the features from our wish list as possible Refinance Coconut Creek, yet, when it comes to finding the most effective deal for a mortgage, we take what is offered rather than researching and securing the most effective mortgage for the situation.
Considering that the common homeowner will spend more in interest over the duration of their mortgage compared to the home originally cost, you can see why getting yourself the most effective deal for a mortgage now, could save countless amounts of dollars in interest over the 20 30 year term of your property loan.
Your research to find the best mortgages or loans and repayment options currently available could be carried out on the net, thus making the complete process that much far more convenient and time efficient for you.
Mortgages are not a “One Size Fits All!”
Mortgages can be found in numerous forms and you’ll need to be aware of the different forms in order to determine which is the greatest deal for a mortgage to your unique circumstances.
Basically, mortgages fall into one of the following categories. Lenders may have variations of the basic categories, but armed with this information, you will have a way to sort through your choices for the ideal package.
Fixed Rate Mortgages:
Loan having an interest rate that remains at a certain rate for your term of the mortgage/loan. Approximately 75 per cent of home mortgages are this type. A fixed rate mortgage is usually considered the most effective deal for a mortgage for very first time buyers as you are able to establish a regular relatively fixed budget of household operating expenses.
ARM’s or Adjustable Rate Mortgages or Variable Rate Mortgages:
A mortgage/loan having an interest rate that adjusts or varies with the changes in rates paid on Treasury Bills or bank Certificates of Deposit. In Canada, the rates vary based on the posted weekly Bank of Canada rates.
To offset the risk associated having an adjustable rate mortgage, some lenders offer various ‘capping’ options. Often, they fix or limit the maximum level to which the interest rate you’re at the mercy of can rise for confirmed period of time. Sometimes they fix the cap each year and sometimes for the duration of the mortgage.
Adjustable or variable rate mortgages can be quite attractive as usually the rates are considerably less than for fixed rate mortgages. They are an excellent vehicle for borrowers who are attentive to the rate fluctuations and prepared to ‘lock in’ their mortgage when interest rates start climbing. If you’re constantly watching the money markets, this may be the most effective deal for a mortgage for you.
Balloon Mortgages:
A mortgage in which the monthly payment isn’t intended to repay the entire loan. The last payment is a large lump sum of the rest of the principal. Balloon mortgages tend to be only partially amortized and requiring a lump sum repayment at maturity.
It’s popular mortgage in the US for homeowners who aren’t planning in which to stay their new home for over 5 or 7 years. The benefit is that the interest rate is less than a fixed rate mortgage however, the disadvantage is that should you remain in the house beyond the 5 to 7 year term, you will have to secure a brand new loan or mortgage to pay off the balloon mortgage.
Jumbo Mortgages or ‘Non-Conforming’ Mortgages:
In the US, Congress has legislated a conforming limit to the total amount a mortgage is allowable for funding by Federal National Mortgage Association (a.k.a: Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (a.k.a: Freddie Mac). The 2009 limit is $417,000; $625,500 in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Any loan or mortgage above that conforming limit is known as a Jumbo Mortgage. A Jumbo mortgage/loan enables you to borrow over the conforming limit, but for that privilege, you’ll incur higher interest rates. You will find variations to the Jumbo Mortgage including the Super Jumbo Mortgage, but I’m sure you get the basic picture.
Canadians have an equivalent called a “High Ratio Mortgage” guaranteed/funded through Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Given that you’ve identified which type of mortgage might suit you best, you’ll need to think about repayment methods and you basically have two options:
Interest Only:
A pastime only payment method could be coupled with almost any traditional mortgage. Interest only payment periods almost never run for your term of the loan, so prepare to possess your payment rise to incorporate both principal and interest once the interest only period ends.
Principal and Interest or Capital & Interest:
Your monthly repayments are divided into a pursuit payment and a principal or capital repayment. In the first years of the mortgage period a lot of the monthly payment is swallowed up in interest but as time passes the balance reverses and you start to pay off more of the capital or principal borrowed.
So Many Mortgage Lenders… So Many Choices!
You will find so many mortgage lenders offering such many different loan options that initially it may seem a daunting task trying to ascertain which lender most suits you and your circumstances and which Lender is offering you the most effective deal on a mortgage!
It is essential to notice that as you shop for a mortgage, each lender will perform a credit check prior to committing to the mortgage or loan. Each credit check remains on your own credit record and may potentially reduce your credit score and eligibility for a mortgage or loan.