Must-Ask Questions When You Get Your Mortgage
Whether you're buying a house or refinancing, there is more to a mortgage than the rate. Here are eight questions to ask while mortgage shopping. You'll have to ask yourself some of these questions; others can only be answered by mortgage professionals and insurers.
How long do I plan to stay in the house?
That's often a hard question to answer. Try anyway because a lot of your decisions depend on the answer.
The answer affects whether you would be better off paying points to lower your rate, whether you should get a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan, whether you should accept a prepayment penalty. If you're thinking of refinancing, the answer helps you decide whether you should refinance at all.
If you have no idea how long you'll live in the house, keep in mind that homeowners stay in one residence for a median duration of 8.2 years, according to census data. In other words, half of homeowners move within 8.2 years. The other half, naturally, stay in their homes longer. Do you feel "average"? If so, maybe it means you'll stay home for about eight years or so. (FYI, with renters, the median stay in one residence is 2.1 years.)
How much are the costs of getting the loan?
When you apply for a loan, you'll get a federally mandated document called the 'Good Faith Estimate' of closing costs. It estimates how much the lender will charge you for origination and discount fees, an appraisal, a credit report, document preparation, title insurance, a pest inspection and a myriad of other costs. Compare good faith estimates and especially take note of the line that reads "Estimated cash at closing." That's an educated guess of how much you'll have to pay out of your checkbook to get the loan.
How long will it take to break even?
If you're buying a home, how long will it take to break even if you pay discount points to get a lower rate? If you're refinancing, how long will it take to recoup the closing costs from your monthly savings?
In either case, all you have to do is divide the upfront cost (of discount points if you're buying a house and of all the closing costs if you're refinancing) by the monthly savings you would get. That tells you how many months it will take to break even. If it's going to take five years to break even but you expect to stay in the house four more years, it's probably not worth it.
What makes me feel comfortable?
Bitton says some of her clients insist on paying zero discount points, while others want to pay a lot of points to get absolutely the lowest interest rate, "even if it takes four or five years to break even."
As far as Bitton is concerned, there often is no right or wrong answer when people ask whether they should pay discount points or choose a 15-year or 30-year mortgage. "There's not just an objective, pounds-and-cents number," Bitton says. "There's also the psychological factor: What are you going to feel comfortable with?"
She has clients in their 70s and 80s who get 30-year mortgages because that's what makes them feel comfortable. Some homeowners would rather refinance once and never have to bother with refinancing again, so they pay a lot of points for a rock-bottom rate. As a bonus, they have something to boast about at cocktail parties. Other clients simply want the lowest possible payments, so they snag an interest-only, five-year ARM. All understand what they're getting into and have found their comfort zones.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Will Your Bank Give You The Best Mortgage?
Many of us tend to form a relationship with our bank even in these times of big banks. This does not mean, however, you should look to your personal bank for a mortgage.
Will Your Bank Give You The Best Mortgage?
It is a common misconception for people to assume that their bank will give them the best mortgage. It is a natural thing to assume, especially since people have often been banking with the same institution for many years and they feel comfortable with them. However, the fact is that if you limit yourself to going directly to your bank and getting a mortgage from them without looking elsewhere you are most likely shooting yourself in the foot. You are restricting the possibility of other options that might be better for you and this is never a good thing.
There is no doubt that your own bank might give you the plan you want. There is a chance that they will give you a good offer that would be tough to beat by any considerable margin elsewhere. However, this is just a chance. You will only know if it’s anything more than a chance by actually looking elsewhere. Sure, the comfortable and trust factors weigh in, and these can be major factors since you want to trust the institution that is giving you such a large amount of money for such an important thing, but there are many other trustworthy lenders out there that may have a better offer for you. Keep in mind that your bank will probably sell your mortgage to another lender within the first year.
The first place to go is to other major banks and lending companies which you know of. By going to these first, you are going to major companies which are trustworthy. Most major banks offer fairly similar rates, but it is still worth it to check around. In fact, you would be crazy not to check around. You may get yourself a quarter or half a percentage point off, which might seem small but can actually turn out to saving you thousands of pounds in interest payments. These other banks might also have other incentives or better options that you will want to consider. If you own a business, they may even offer you a better deal in an attempt to pick up that business.
There are plenty of other lending companies you can check with, both major and minor, online and offline. It is to your benefit to check as many as possible and not settle with your own bank just because they are the first place you check. Getting a mortgage is a huge thing and it is important to get the right mortgage plan for you, and this will only be done properly if you evaluate your options.
Will Your Bank Give You The Best Mortgage?
It is a common misconception for people to assume that their bank will give them the best mortgage. It is a natural thing to assume, especially since people have often been banking with the same institution for many years and they feel comfortable with them. However, the fact is that if you limit yourself to going directly to your bank and getting a mortgage from them without looking elsewhere you are most likely shooting yourself in the foot. You are restricting the possibility of other options that might be better for you and this is never a good thing.
There is no doubt that your own bank might give you the plan you want. There is a chance that they will give you a good offer that would be tough to beat by any considerable margin elsewhere. However, this is just a chance. You will only know if it’s anything more than a chance by actually looking elsewhere. Sure, the comfortable and trust factors weigh in, and these can be major factors since you want to trust the institution that is giving you such a large amount of money for such an important thing, but there are many other trustworthy lenders out there that may have a better offer for you. Keep in mind that your bank will probably sell your mortgage to another lender within the first year.
The first place to go is to other major banks and lending companies which you know of. By going to these first, you are going to major companies which are trustworthy. Most major banks offer fairly similar rates, but it is still worth it to check around. In fact, you would be crazy not to check around. You may get yourself a quarter or half a percentage point off, which might seem small but can actually turn out to saving you thousands of pounds in interest payments. These other banks might also have other incentives or better options that you will want to consider. If you own a business, they may even offer you a better deal in an attempt to pick up that business.
There are plenty of other lending companies you can check with, both major and minor, online and offline. It is to your benefit to check as many as possible and not settle with your own bank just because they are the first place you check. Getting a mortgage is a huge thing and it is important to get the right mortgage plan for you, and this will only be done properly if you evaluate your options.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
How to Find the Best California Mortgage
Compared to other homeowners, Californians pay one of the highest premiums in the country for their warm, sunny climate. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price for a single-family home in California topped out at an eye-popping £542,000 in fourth-quarter 2005. While finding the best possible mortgage loan rate is important wherever you live, prices like these underscore the importance of doing your mortgage homework if you live in California.
According to “Looking for the Best Mortgage”, an article published by the Federal Reserve, getting a good rate on your California mortgage is basically a three-step process. The Fed’s strategy, which it calls “Shop, Compare and Negotiate”, says a mortgage is essentially a product like a car. Just like the price of a new Caddy, the price and terms for a home loan are often negotiable. So, says the Fed, it pays to shop, compare and negotiate.
The first step in the process — shopping for the best home purchase loan, home equity loan or refinance loan — is easier than ever. That’s because of the dramatic increase in the number and popularity of online lenders. Nationally recognized lenders like Home 123 or Ameriquest now offer a wide variety of mortgage products in many states, including California. Besides offering mortgage products that combine convenience and flexibility, online lenders are also available 247 to give you a free mortgage quote — something that can’t be said of traditional brick-and-mortar lenders like banks or credit unions.
Shopping around for your California mortgage is just the first step. After that, you’ll want to compare the offers you’ve received. Make a checklist that contains all the key information about rates, points, fees, the down payment, and the cost of private mortgage insurance. Set up the worksheet in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel and give each lender a column of its own. That way it’s easy to compare lenders — and the bottom line — side-by-side.
Finally, says the Federal Reserve, don’t assume a lender’s offer is the last word in your search for the best California mortgage. That’s because mortgage lenders frequently offer different terms and rates to different customers, even if those customers are equally qualified for a mortgage loan. It pays to negotiate, so now is the time to show a prospective lender that you’re a savvy consumer shopping for the best possible deal. Don’t be afraid to ask for lower fees, a lower rate or fewer points!
In conclusion, when buying a home or negotiating a home equity loan or refinance loan, don’t forget to shop around, compare offers and flex your negotiating muscles. That way you’ll get the best possible deal on your California mortgage!
According to “Looking for the Best Mortgage”, an article published by the Federal Reserve, getting a good rate on your California mortgage is basically a three-step process. The Fed’s strategy, which it calls “Shop, Compare and Negotiate”, says a mortgage is essentially a product like a car. Just like the price of a new Caddy, the price and terms for a home loan are often negotiable. So, says the Fed, it pays to shop, compare and negotiate.
The first step in the process — shopping for the best home purchase loan, home equity loan or refinance loan — is easier than ever. That’s because of the dramatic increase in the number and popularity of online lenders. Nationally recognized lenders like Home 123 or Ameriquest now offer a wide variety of mortgage products in many states, including California. Besides offering mortgage products that combine convenience and flexibility, online lenders are also available 247 to give you a free mortgage quote — something that can’t be said of traditional brick-and-mortar lenders like banks or credit unions.
Shopping around for your California mortgage is just the first step. After that, you’ll want to compare the offers you’ve received. Make a checklist that contains all the key information about rates, points, fees, the down payment, and the cost of private mortgage insurance. Set up the worksheet in a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel and give each lender a column of its own. That way it’s easy to compare lenders — and the bottom line — side-by-side.
Finally, says the Federal Reserve, don’t assume a lender’s offer is the last word in your search for the best California mortgage. That’s because mortgage lenders frequently offer different terms and rates to different customers, even if those customers are equally qualified for a mortgage loan. It pays to negotiate, so now is the time to show a prospective lender that you’re a savvy consumer shopping for the best possible deal. Don’t be afraid to ask for lower fees, a lower rate or fewer points!
In conclusion, when buying a home or negotiating a home equity loan or refinance loan, don’t forget to shop around, compare offers and flex your negotiating muscles. That way you’ll get the best possible deal on your California mortgage!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Choosing the Best among Home Mortgage Finance Options
There are many options when it comes to home mortgage finance. The mortgage lender will explain in detail about the working of each and every program and get it in writing.
Some of them are listed under:
Conventional fixed rate 30 year home mortgage program:
This finance option is a very old one, but it is still popular among home mortgage finance options. The borrower is able to purchase the home and repay the loan with interest over a period of 30 years’ time. The interest rate of this loan is fixed and it remains the same from the commencement of the agreed period of time of the mortgage till the last repayment.
Conventional fixed interest rate home mortgage for 15 years:
This also works the same way as the 30-year fixed interest rate home mortgage, but the entire amount is to be repaid within 15 years’ time. This option can save significant amount as the bank usually gives a deduction of the interest rate by ¼ or ½ point.
Adjustable interest rate home mortgages:
This home mortgage is for 15 or 30 years’ time. This option might be very appealing as the interest rates are very low. But the catch is that the interest rate fluctuates along with the economy fluctuations. The interest rates get adjusted every year or every 5 years’ time. When the interest rate increases, it is obvious that the home mortgage amount to be paid also increases. Hence, this home mortgage option might not be the best choice if the person plans to stay in his home for some time.
Interest only home mortgages:
No matter how attractive and feasible this loan appears to be, it is never a good option. It means that only the interest has to be paid, while the principal amount will stay forever to be paid by the borrower, only at the end of the loan period, which will be obviously a heavy amount. Unfortunately, if the home equity had not been raised, or if the person could not afford to go for a new mortgage loan, then the borrower would be forced to sell the house or go for foreclosure. The borrower will be made desperate to sell the house.
Tips for improving the chances for people with bad credit in getting home mortgage loans:
A good real estate deal with the help of the mortgage broker having some equity during purchase increases the chances of getting home mortgage loan for people with bad credit.
Some lenders might qualify people with bad credit score with full finance, and the rate of interest might also be a bit lower if the borrower can make a down payment of even 3-five percent. It means it saves lot of money by making a down payment even if it is a small amount.
The best way is to do a little bit of research in the market to sort out the problem of getting home mortgage. Some brokers will have good relationships with mortgage lenders while others do not. So getting the view of multiple lenders will help to get a home mortgage loan at a good rate of interest. Online mortgage services make the application of the borrower reach several mortgage lenders and help in achieving the goal than any other means.
Some of them are listed under:
Conventional fixed rate 30 year home mortgage program:
This finance option is a very old one, but it is still popular among home mortgage finance options. The borrower is able to purchase the home and repay the loan with interest over a period of 30 years’ time. The interest rate of this loan is fixed and it remains the same from the commencement of the agreed period of time of the mortgage till the last repayment.
Conventional fixed interest rate home mortgage for 15 years:
This also works the same way as the 30-year fixed interest rate home mortgage, but the entire amount is to be repaid within 15 years’ time. This option can save significant amount as the bank usually gives a deduction of the interest rate by ¼ or ½ point.
Adjustable interest rate home mortgages:
This home mortgage is for 15 or 30 years’ time. This option might be very appealing as the interest rates are very low. But the catch is that the interest rate fluctuates along with the economy fluctuations. The interest rates get adjusted every year or every 5 years’ time. When the interest rate increases, it is obvious that the home mortgage amount to be paid also increases. Hence, this home mortgage option might not be the best choice if the person plans to stay in his home for some time.
Interest only home mortgages:
No matter how attractive and feasible this loan appears to be, it is never a good option. It means that only the interest has to be paid, while the principal amount will stay forever to be paid by the borrower, only at the end of the loan period, which will be obviously a heavy amount. Unfortunately, if the home equity had not been raised, or if the person could not afford to go for a new mortgage loan, then the borrower would be forced to sell the house or go for foreclosure. The borrower will be made desperate to sell the house.
Tips for improving the chances for people with bad credit in getting home mortgage loans:
A good real estate deal with the help of the mortgage broker having some equity during purchase increases the chances of getting home mortgage loan for people with bad credit.
Some lenders might qualify people with bad credit score with full finance, and the rate of interest might also be a bit lower if the borrower can make a down payment of even 3-five percent. It means it saves lot of money by making a down payment even if it is a small amount.
The best way is to do a little bit of research in the market to sort out the problem of getting home mortgage. Some brokers will have good relationships with mortgage lenders while others do not. So getting the view of multiple lenders will help to get a home mortgage loan at a good rate of interest. Online mortgage services make the application of the borrower reach several mortgage lenders and help in achieving the goal than any other means.
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