 |
 |
 |
           |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Home Loans -- The Hot New Product? The 30-year, Fixed-rate Mortgage
In recent years, the mortgage industry has introduced dozens of new types of loans. The needs of every borrower are different, so the mortgage companies have tried to come up with an answer for every problem. They've introduced 40-year mortgages, promoted 15-year mortgages, and introduced the wildest array of variable-rate mortgages imaginable. There are mortgages that have interest rates that adjust every few months, every few years, or just once. A recently popular product that thrives on the East and West coasts is the interest-only mortgage, which reduces payments by not requiring payment on the loan's principal for the first few years of the loan. The prospective homebuyer could have as many as one hundred possible types of loans to choose from when searching for a mortgage. Amidst this huge array of loan types, one type is growing in popularity faster than all the rest, and it may surprise you. The fastest-growing type of mortgage in America right now is the traditional 30-year, fixed-rate loan. Last year, only about 35% of all borrowers took out a 30 year, fixed-rate loan, but so far this year, the rate has increased to nearly 50%. This may seem odd, as most everyone has been opting for adjustable-rate mortgages for the last few years. Adjustable rate mortgages tend to offer lower interest rates, and lower interest rates mean lower payments. These loans have been popular with buyers who move often, have lower incomes or buyers who simply want to invest their money elsewhere. So why is the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage back in style? Because interest rates have dropped to their lowest point in fourteen months, and they are nearly as low as they were in the summer of 2003, when they reached the lowest point on record. In short, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is not only seen as competitive with other types of loans, but it is actually seen as safer. Borrowers who have adjustable-rate mortgages enjoy their biggest advantage when rates are high, knowing that their interest rate is lower than a fixed-rate mortgage. But when interest rates for the market as a whole reach historic lows, the borrower with an adjustable-rate mortgage knows that their rate can only go up. At times like the present, when rates are only likely to go up, converting an adjustable rate loan to a fixed-rate loan is a smart move. First-time buyers can safely take on a 30-year fixed-rate loan and be comfortable in the fact that their rate will stay fairly low for the duration of their loan. Sometimes, the way things have always been done turns out to be the best. While there are still some buyers who will benefit from adjustable-rate loans, most borrowers would do well to lock in their loan at a fixed rate now. Historically, fixed-rate mortgages have rarely been under six percent, so obtaining such a loan while they are available is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make. ©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a Website devoted to debt consolidation information and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information on home equity loans.
MORE RESOURCES:
Mortgage-Refinance - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Homes, To B(uy) or Not to B(uy) Whether you are just moving out on your own for the first time, or you've moved ten times before, there is always a big choice to make. Do you rent or buy your home? There are valid arguments on both sides, and in different scenarios either one could be the right choice. Rates May Be Rising: Mortgage And Refinancing Preparation Made Simple For You Buying a home is probably the single largest investment most people make in a lifetime. By preparing yourself and your credit before a home purchase or refinance, you can ensure a smooth finance process and can potentially save thousands on your loan. Life of an Escrow Escrow is one of the last stages in the purchase or sale of a real property. When someone says that they are in escrow, it means that they have either accepted an offer on the sale of their property, or their offer to purchase has been accepted. Uk House Price Increases Take A Summer Holiday Property website Rightmove has released its latest house price index announcing a "Summer sale" for house buyers. The report shows that on average, house prices fell by 1% over the four weeks leading up to 9th July, indicating that the "affordability gap" between house prices and buyers ability to purchase, is at last starting to close. How to Get Your Home Mortgage Loan If you are thinking of purchasing a new home soon you will need to know how to qualify for a new home mortgage. If you have a good credit history you will find it much easier to get approved for your home loan. Sound Financial Standing Entails Capital Raising Remortgage Raising capital is integral for growth and expansion of an individual in more than one way. Every project and venture is meant to contribute in some way to the augmentation of human beings. Avoiding Foreclosure Scams If your mortgage company is threatening foreclosure, there are things you can do to avoid it (see my article titled "How to Avoid Foreclosure"). However, you should be aware of scams. Buying A Home After Bankruptcy - Get A Mortgage Loan After Bankruptcy If you have a recent bankruptcy on your credit and are looking to get financing for a home, there is hope. Buying a home with bad credit will just put more emphasis on the other two factors needed to get a mortgage loan, which are; income verification and a down payment. How Good a Deal Is Your Banks Mortgage Insurance Plan? When you go to the bank to get a mortgage, you'll inevitably be asked to take out mortgage insurance. The idea behind mortgage insurance is simply that if something happens to you or your spouse then your loan will be paid off which is good news for your family and the bank. Choosing a Real Estate Agent Before you go looking at houses, you'll need to find a real estate agent. Hiring a real estate agent takes a little bit of time to do. Home Mortgages: Think Before You Borrow In today's overheated housing market, lenders are making it easier and easier to get a mortgage. For example, some lenders have lowered the credit score needed to qualify for a mortgage. Cash Out Refinance Mortgage Loans - Home Equity, 2nd Mortgage or Cash Out Refinance Loan There are some definite benefits to doing a cash out refinance. Just make sure that overall you are not going to be spending more money in fees and interest doing a cash out refinance as opposed to a home equity loan. Home Equity Loans - A Big Benefit Or A Big Mistake? When the bills are piling up and there doesn't seem to be any way out, a home equity loan can seem like the answer to your prayers. Home equity loans can also be a great way to jumpstart a business or investment portfolio. Get the Best Rate on Your Home Mortgage Loan Home mortgage interest rates hit record lows in 2004 and have remained at record lows as we go through 2005. It is possible today to get a thirty-year fixed rate home mortgage loan for under five percent, and an adjustable rate mortgage can be found for under four percent if you look hard enough!However, record low mortgage rates do not mean that you should take the first mortgage offer made to you, even if it sounds low. Bad Credit? Qualify Yourself For A Zero Down Mortgage Loan I decided to write this article today after closing a home purchase loan for a couple that had some major credit issues. They got into the house with ZERO down payment, and only had to bring $600 for the closing costs. How to Find the Lowest Rate Possible! The quest is on! You're in the market for a new home loan, a refinance, or a consolidation and you absolutely insist on finding the lowest rate possible! So what better place to do your research, then here on the internet, late at night, with your coffee in hand, and your family fast to sleep!We'd like to help you on your quest, so here are 3 free tips that we think will speed up your journey, and move you to success:1. Benchmarks 2. Home Mortgage Lenders - How to Find A Good Mortgage Broker Online Mortgage lenders have set up shop online, but they aren't all reputable mortgage brokers. To find a good mortgage lender you need to compare rates and research to find reputable companies. Buying a Home With Bad Credit - Tips on Finding the Right Broker or Lender You can buy a home with a bad credit record; you just need to find the right mortgage financing package. Before you sign up with the first company that offers you a loan, remember to research offers to be assured you are getting a fair deal. Reverse Mortgage - Be Sure You Need It Before Applying For One Reverse mortgages used to be considered the last resort of desperate retirees who needed to borrow against their home equity in order to pay for medical expenses. With home prices across the country rising at astonishing rates, more and more retirees, aged 62 and over, are taking out reverse mortgages to fund better retirement living. How to Avoid Paying Mortgage Insurance In today's world, a borrower should not be paying mortgage insurance (PMI) on their home mortgage with a few exceptions such as an FHA loan. Mortgage Insurance is a thing of the past.
|
 |