Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Understanding Mortgage Terms and Choosing One That is Best For You

Real estate experts would tell you to look for a mortgage term that suits you best. However, how are you going to know if the term suits your needs? In order to have a better understanding at this, you should learn about the different items used in mortgage. Understanding them will allow you to choose the best arrangement for you.

To understand this better, you should learn about the different factors considered in getting a loan. These are the following:

1. The loan size is among most important factors. This is very important because it will significantly affect everything in your mortgage term. You can apply for a certain amount but the lender will decide how much he will loan you. You can consult a broker and find out how much you can borrow. The broker will need to check your income, your credit score as well as your savings.

2. The interest rate is another important factor. There are two types of rates. One is the fixed rate and the other is the variable rate. As the name suggests, the fixed rate will remain the same all throughout the life of the mortgage. The variable rate on the other hand will change, depending on the state of the economy and other influencing factors.

3. Another important aspect of mortgage is its maturity. Thirty years is the standard maturity for the U.S. However, lenders have developed different plans to provide choices for their borrowers. Here, the borrower can have more control. If he wishes to pay the mortgage faster, he can choose a shorter maturity. The monthly payment is more expensive though.

4. Mortgage insurance is also essential. This is normally required from borrowers whose down payment
is less than 20% of the size of the loan. You may also have issues with your credit score or current monthly income.

5. You should also be aware of the fees and penalties that will be charged to you. You can avoid penalties by looking for lenders that do not charge this. You should also familiarize the different fees when applying for a loan. There is the appraisal fee, origination fee and others. Bear in mind that there are charges that you cannot negotiate. However, there are also those that you can. Familiarize the fees you can negotiate like the operating fees. You may ask the lender for the details of this and try to lower the charges.

The above mentioned items are among the most important considerations you should make when choosing a mortgage term. Always consider your future financial plans as well. How long do you plan to stay in the house? Will you be able to afford it? It is very important that you compare this with your monthly income and expenses. Will you still be able to live comfortably even with the additional monthly obligation?

The most important thing is to get a loan that will suit your lifestyle and resources. Do not go beyond what you can afford as it will lead to problems in the future. Remember, one missed payment could be your ticket to foreclosure.
Look for quality homes to invest in. Check out Paradise Valley Realty and Scottsdale New Homes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roby_V._Pagong

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