Thursday, December 20, 2012

12 DAYS OF MASTERING CREDIT - DAY 7

DAY 7

MORTGAGES

Find the types of mortgage loans that fit your lifestyle

Whether you’re buying your first house or your fifth, there are many different types of mortgages to choose from. When it comes to financing your new home, it’s important to understand the differences between each type of mortgage so that you can choose the right offering for your budget, but also feel confident in your decision. Most banks offers several types of mortgage loans to fit your needs, whatever they may be, and help you pay less on what you borrow. Find below the most common types of loans offered to consumers.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Considered a traditional type of mortgage, a fixed mortgage offers borrowers a fixed interest rate over the term of the loan, whether it is 10, 15, 20 or 30 years, with monthly payments that remain the same. In the beginning of the loan period, the majority of monthly payments will serve the purpose of paying off the loan’s interest. During the latter part, you will be paying more toward the loan’s principal.

 Why a fixed mortgage may be right for you:

Why a fixed mortgage may be the right choice:

You are planning to stay in the house for several years

You want the security of knowing your interest rate will not change

You like having a predictable monthly payment so you can better budget for other expenses

Why a fixed mortgage may not be the right choice:

You are locked into the same interest rate for the term of your loan and cannot take advantage of lower rates unless you refinance, in which case you could have to pay additional closing costs, appraisal and title fees

Interest rates are usually higher for this type of mortgage

Adjustable-rate (ARM) or variable-rate mortgage

An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is a type of mortgage with set adjustment periods in which the interest rate may increase or decrease, depending on current market conditions. Rate caps are put in place so that the interest rate can never increase or decrease by more than the determined percentage over a predisclosed period of time

Why an adjustable rate mortgage may be right for you:

You expect to live in a home for a short time period, respective to the term of your ARM

Interest rates are usually lower than other types of mortgages for the first few months to first few years, depending on the terms

Why an adjustable rate mortgage may not be the right choice:

Your payments may increase once the loan’s introductory period ends

Monthly payments will be harder to predict, making it more difficult to budget for other expenses

FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan

Why a FHA loan may be right for you:

Allows buyers who may not qualify for a home loan to obtain one Low down payment.

Why a FHA loan may not be right for you:

The size of your loan may be limited.

VA (Veterans Administration) loan

Why a VA loan may be right for you:

Guaranteed loans for eligible veterans, active duty personnel and surviving spouses Offers competitive rates, low or no down payments.

Why a VA loan may not be right for you:

The size of your loan may be limited.

Balloon mortgage

Why a Balloon mortgage loan may be right for you:

Usually a fixed rate loan with relatively low payments for a fixed period.

Why a Balloon mortgage loan may not be right for you:

After an initial period, the entire balance of the loan is due immediately This type of loan may be risky for some borrowers.

Interest-only

Why an Interest-only loan may be right for you:

Borrower pays only the interest on the loan, in monthly payments, for a fixed term.

Why an Interest-only loan may not be right for you:

After an initial period, the balance of the loan is due. This could mean much higher payments, paying a lump sum or refinancing.

Reverse mortgage

Why a Reverse mortgage loan may be right for you:

Allows seniors to convert equity in their homes to cash; you don't have to pay back the loan and interest as long as you live in the house.

Why a Reverse mortgage loan may not be right for you:

Subject to aggressive lending practices and false advertising promises, particularly by lenders that prey on seniors. Check to make sure the loan is federally insured.

Remember there are different loans for different people for different circumstances. The best thing to do is to find a qualified mortgage broker, research your options and then make the best decision for you. Coming up on Day 10 we will go into more details of interest rates associated with various loans and the credit scores required to qualify for them. Feel free to contact us at 1-888-824-7622 or The Credit Genius.

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