Posts Tagged “Adjustable Rate Mortgages”


   

Owning a home is one of the main ingredients of achieving the “American Dream.” You’re probably reading and hearing about the mortgage crisis in America right now. It’s real, but the main thing to remember is that, like all crises, it will pass – eventually.

The mortgage crisis that we’re facing right now is the direct result of predatory lending practices by lending institutions. People were “qualified” for a mortgage for which they weren’t actually qualified. The subprime mortgage rate combined with adjustable rate mortgages and unadulterated greed was like a balloon filled with too much air. It burst! Lots of people got hurt, and the end isn’t yet in sight.

Nevertheless, owning a home is still part of the American dream, and people are still buying homes. If you are one of those that dream of owning your own home, there are some facts about mortgages that you do need to be aware of. Mortgages are not all created equally.

The Fixed Rate Mortgage: A fixed rate mortgage means that the interest rate will not change for the duration of the loan. If the mortgage is for 30 or even 40 years, the rate that you agree to when you buy the home is the rate that you will still be paying when you make the final mortgage payment. The interest of a fixed rate mortgage isn’t tied to market fluctuations – good or bad.

The Adjustable Rate Mortgage: Unlike a fixed rate mortgage, the interest charged on an adjustable rate mortgage is tied directly to market fluctuations. If you get the mortgage when the interest rate is low, when the interest rate rises, your monthly payment will increase. On the other hand, if the interest rate decreases, your mortgage payment will decrease.

There are other types of mortgages available; the balloon mortgage and the jumbo mortgage are two examples. The main thing is that you investigate your options before you sign on the dotted line.

By: Milos Pesic

Comments No Comments »

For many homeowners out there, the term “mortgage” is known all too well; this can either be a good thing or a bad thing. A mortgage is basically loan that is taken out to secure a particular house or property, but within the confines of a mortgage lays the promise by the borrower to pay back the mortgage. A mortgage has been a huge cause of financial problems for many individuals, especially if they do not pay it back on time. Considering that a mortgage is most likely the largest loan that an individual will ever take out, it would probably be best to follow the lender’s guidelines as best as possible.

When one applies for a mortgage, he or she does not merely apply for a mortgage as there are a few different types of mortgages. The four main types of Home Loans are: Fixed-rate mortgages, Adjustable-rate mortgages, Balloon/reset mortgages and reset mortgages.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages:

First time homebuyers will find comfort in a fixed-rate mortgage because one of the main advantages that come with a fixed-rate mortgage is the fact that it is stable. Regardless how long the term of your fixed-rate mortgage is, the monthly payments will most likely remain the same. This adds in an element of predictability, allowing you to figure out all of your expenses pretty easily. Other distinct advantages that can associate themselves with a fixed-rate mortgage are the aspects of low risk, long-term planning and even protection against inflation.

Adjustable-Home Loans:

A lot of people find adjustable-rate mortgages appealing because they usually start out with really low monthly payments coupled with low interest rates. However, it is important to remember that the monthly payments as well as the interest rates can change throughout the lifespan of an adjustable-rate mortgage. All adjustable-rate mortgages have adjustment periods that help lenders determine when the interest rates can change on a particular adjustable-rate mortgage.

Balloon/Reset Home Loans:

Balloon/reset mortgages are popularized by the fact that they have low monthly payments. However, while these types of mortgages do offer extremely low monthly payments, the entire amount of the mortgage must be paid off in full after the term is over. If the loan is not paid off in full by the end of the term, the there is usually a reset option that literally resets your interest rates back to what they were in the beginning of the term. A lot of people will sometimes call this type of mortgage a two-step mortgage because of the way they are laid out.

Reverse Mortgages:

A reverse Home Loans is essentially a baby because it was created not too long ago. A reverse Home Loans is basically a mortgage that does not have to be paid back until the home or property that the mortgage is securing is sold, the owner of the home dies or the owner of the home no longer resides there. This is why a reverse mortgage is particular appealing to homeowners who are a bit on the older side. Reverse mortgages also pose distinct tax advantages as well as supplemental retirement income for individuals.

With every Home Loans comes responsibility; it is of extreme importance that you do take a mortgage lightly as it could very well be the biggest loan you ever take out. Not paying off a mortgage can have extreme consequences financially that could potentially devastate. Make sure you do some in-depth research on mortgages before getting involved with them.

By: Sumit Dadhich

Comments No Comments »

California jumbo mortgage loans are very large commercial or residential mortgage loans offered by many financial institutions in California. Generally, they are issued for an amount in excess of $200,000. Also called a non-conforming mortgage, a jumbo mortgage does not obey the rules set by Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) or Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation).

Like a conventional mortgage loan, California jumbo mortgage loans are available as fixed rate mortgages (FRM) and adjustable rate mortgages (ARM). The formalities followed for obtaining California jumbo mortgage loans are similar to those of traditional mortgage loans. To get details about the loans, such as application forms, loan terms and interest rates, you can seek the help of a licensed mortgage broker.

Since jumbo mortgage loans do not conform to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac terms, you can expect several associated risks. A California jumbo mortgage usually has a higher interest rate than conforming fixed rate mortgages do. To solve the problem of high interest rate, the lenders usually divide a jumbo mortgage into two separate mortgages. The new California conforming mortgage limits are determined in the month of January of every year. The amounts for California jumbo loan are calculated based on these limits.

The procedure for securing a jumbo loan online is similar to getting approved for a traditional mortgage when you use a mortgage broker. The benefit of California jumbo mortgage loans is that these allow a buyer to finance a highly priced primary residence, vacation home or investment property. At the same time, its higher interest rate may be a major drawback.

The customer must go through the legal terminology and understand what the action actually involves before entering into an agreement with a California jumbo mortgage lender. Just like a traditional mortgage, it is wise to compare rates and fees to find the best choice. Demand quotes from a mortgage broker before choosing a mortgage lender. Also, ask for information on the fees included in the mortgage, which must be disclosed according to the federal law.

By: Peter Emerson

Comments No Comments »