Not all loans are created equal!
When
shopping for alone do not make the mistake of looking
only at interest
rates. The cost of a mortgage can vary based on the
length of the loan, interest rate, amortization schedule,
points, and fees - just to name a few variables.
Make sure to get a "Good Faith Estimate" which
will include the cost and terms of the loan.
When comparing rates, make sure you compare the APR (annual
percentage rate) which adds the costs of the loan into
the rate giving a true picture of the actual rate.
What's Your Goal?
Choosing the right mortgage for
your lifestyle could have a substantial impact on your
retirement, your net worth, and your family's future
lifestyle. It is critical that you choose a loan program
that fits your needs as well as you future goals. Here
are a few choices you may want to consider.
If you plan to move or refinance within the next 5
to 7 years...
Hybrid ARM (3/1 ARM, 5/1 ARM, 7/1 ARM) These increasingly
popular ARMS -- also called 3/1, 5/1 or 7/1 -- can
offer the best of both worlds: lower interest rates
(like ARMs) and a fixed payment for a longer period
of time than most adjustable rate loans. For example,
a "5/1 loan" has a fixed monthly payment
and interest for the first five years and then turns
into a traditional adjustable-rate loan, based on then-current
rates for the remaining 25 years. It's a good choice
for people who expect to move (or refinance) before
or shortly after the adjustment occurs.
If you plan to stay in your home for at least 7 years...
Thirty-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage The traditional 30-year
fixed-rate mortgage has a constant interest rate
and monthly payments that never change. This may
be a good choice if you plan to stay in your home
for seven years or longer. If you plan to move within
seven years, then adjustable-rate loans are usually
cheaper. As a rule of thumb, it may be harder to
qualify for fixed-rate loans than for than adjustable
rate loans. When interest rates are low, fixed-rate
loans are generally not that much more expensive
than adjustable-rate mortgages and may be a better
deal in the long run, because you can lock in the
rate for the life of your loan.
Fifteen-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage
This loan is fully
amortized over a 15-year period and features constant
monthly payments. It offers all the advantages of the
30-year loan, plus a lower interest rate -- and you'll
own your home twice as fast. The disadvantage is that,
with a 15-year loan, you commit to a higher monthly
payment. Many borrowers opt for a 30-year fixed-rate
loan and voluntarily make larger payments that will
pay off their loan in 15 years. This approach is often
a safer than committing to a higher monthly payment,
since the difference in interest rates isn't that great.
See extra payments.
If your income varies throughout the year...
Negative Amortization (Neg. Am) Loan This is a deferred-interest
loan which is very powerful -- and the most misunderstood
mortgage program because of its many options. Basically,
the lender allows the borrower to make monthly payments
that are less than the accruing interest. Therefore,
if the borrower chooses to make the minimum monthly
payment, the loan balance will increase by the amount
of interest not paid on the loan. The power of this
loan lies in the borrower's ability to choose between
making the full loan payment, or the minimum payment,
or any amount in between. If a borrower's income
varies throughout the year (due to commissions, bonuses,
etc.), the borrower can make a lower payment during
the "lean times", and then make higher
payments when funds are readily available.
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