| |
| |
|
Mortgage & Refinancing Information |
|
|
|
Top 10 Things to Consider on Home Loans
Here are our Top 10 most important things to consider when shopping for a Home Loan, Equity Line of Credit, or Refinance, courtesy of Loans-Directory.Org: 1. Down-Payment - As a general rule of thumb, lenders will be seeking contribution from you of around 3% to 6% of the total loan value. This can be negotiable, and there are many loan packages available. 2. Fixed versus Adjustable - The two most common loan products available for home mortgages are fixed rate versus adjustable rate. Fixed rate means that you agree on an APR (annual percentage rate) that does not change through the life of the loan, whereas, an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, better known as an ARM, means that rates and monthly payments can change, often tied to the U.S. Government Treasury Bills or some other form of "index", with the frequency of change dependent upon the terms of the loan. Deciding on which way to go involves many variables. We suggest that you start by examining the fixed rate products available on the market. They are by far the most popular, and arguably with the least amount of risk. After evaluating several preliminary loan offers (quotes) for fixed rate mortgages, you can then venture into the world of ARM's to see if one of these products may be right for you. But, proceed with caution, and understand all the risks, alongside any potential benefits. 3. APR - APR, better known as the annual percentage rate, aka: "rate", is arguably the most important consideration you must examine when looking for a loan. The APR includes principle, interest, "points", fees, PMI (Mortgage insurance), and other costs associated with the loan. While all costs and terms are significant and affect the bottom line, we suggest that shopping rate is a very good starting point. 4. Loan Types: There are several standard loan products to look for, including 30 year fixed, 15 year fixed, bi-weekly mortgages, 1 month ARM's, 5 year fixed ARM's, 2nd Fixed, ARM's with a provision to convert after 5 years, lender buydowns, and discounted mortgages. We think the best place to start, is to obtain quotes for a 30 year fixed rate loan, and then go from there. 30 year fixed rate loans generally produce the lowest monthly payments for fixed rate products, and they are relatively safe. Once you know where you stand with a 30 year fixed, after obtaining quotes from several lending institutions, then you can consider the possibility of exploring more exotic loan products. At this juncture, you will want to consult with those you trust, for good, solid advice and feedback on risk versus reward. 5. Loan Amount Qualification, Income: This can vary widely depending on you, your lender, and many other variables. However, as a rule of thumb, look at 2 to 2 ˝ times your current household income, as a baseline to determine how much you can afford to borrow. 6. Loan Amount Qualification, Expenses: This is another broad category that varies from one lending institution to the next. However, there are two general factors to look at, and they are Housing Expenses (such as mortgage, property taxes, and insurance), and long-term debt (which can include credit cards, auto loans, etc.). First, add all your expenses together. As a rule of thumb, you will want your expenses to not exceed 33% to 36% of your gross household income. Second, examine your housing expenses only. As a rule of thumb, you'll want these expenses to not exceed 25% to 28% of your gross household income. 7. Employment and Credit History: Lenders generally want to take a look at your employment history so that they can see a pattern of stability and income. Lenders generally also want to take a look at your credit history, so that they can see a pattern of borrowing and repayment in your past. Lenders cannot discriminate and must use this information solely for the purpose of considering your ability to repay a loan. Also, many loan products are available for all kinds of customers, with varied financial backgrounds and histories. 8. Points: Points are one of the primary fees charged on the loan, and they represent the profit earned by the lending institution. One point represents one percent of the total loan amount, and points are usually tax-deductible (along with the interest paid on the loan). They are broken down into two basic types: Origination Points - Origination Points are the fees charged by the lender, and represents their gross profit. Discount Points - Discount Points are most often charged in association with a lowered interest rate. In other words, the Discount Points represents a dollar amount, as a fee for giving the borrower a lowered APR (lower than what the lender might otherwise charge). 9. Sub-Prime Loans: Sub-Prime Loans consist of loan products designed for customers with challenging credit and financial backgrounds, or, customers that are looking to re-establish credit. They can be significantly higher then the prime lending rate, with less favorable terms (Often times, the loans are for the short-term, such as 2 to 3 years). However, they do offer a venue for certain individuals, and they can allow customers to re-establish credit, or buy new homes prior to cleaning up a credit history, etc. For some of you, this avenue may offer exactly what you're looking for. It's important to know that lenders who specialize in sub-prime loans are out there and want to earn your business. However, we advise that you proceed with caution. Be sure to gather sound advice from trusted friends and professionals, and understand all the risks versus rewards, prior to signing on the dotted line. 10. Short-Forms: The most important thing you can do as a consumer of loan products is to shop around and get several preliminary loan quotes for your consideration. These are no risk, no obligation, preliminary loan offers. They take 30 seconds to 2 minutes to complete, they require no personal or confidential disclosure on your part, and they require no commitment from you. We suggest that you obtain 3 or 4 offers. You can then examine and compare the terms, rate, fees, and all other pertinent information about the loan product, and the lender, at your leisure and in the comfort of your own home. Loans-Directory.Org has categorized hundreds of online services that you can explore. You can also go to any search engine and find them from there. Look for a "privacy policy" on their website, as well as short, simple application forms that make sense and are relatively easy and quick for you to complete. Also, take a quick look at the current interest rate for 30 year fixed loans, as well as the 6 month trend graph. We have set up a free webpage with this information, or you can find many graphs and charts via your favorite search engine. We've enjoyed providing this information to you, and we wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. Remember to always seek out good advice from those you trust, but never turn your back on your own common sense. Publishers: This article may be freely distributed so long as the copyright, author's information and an active link (where possible) are included. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in the articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The author will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through this site. About The Author Copyright 2005, by Loans-Directory.Org , This article is available in full format at: Home Loans , Tom Levine provides a solid, common sense approach to solving problems and answering questions relating to consumer loan products. His website seeks to provide free online resources for the consumer, including rate-watch, tips and articles, financial communication, news, and links to products and services.
MORE RESOURCES:
Mortgage-Refinance - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why a Mortgage Professional Beats a Banker Every Time -- The Story Tells It All The best way to explain why a mortgage professional is always better than a banker is to use an anecdote. My parents lived in the house I grew up in for 35 years, so it was finally time to move. Mortgage Tips For The Frantic It is a curious fact of human nature that people will haggle over the price of an umbrella, but buy a house on impulse.We understand small amounts of money; we know what they can buy. Choosing The Right Mortgage For You This article will help you understand the differences between a variety of mortgage options. There are many different mortgage products offered by the various lending institutions in Canada, so you may not know what features to look for. Home Loan Confusion Continues Unfortunately, most Americans still do not understand how home loans work and how to take advantage of the wide array of programs available. The way I see it, people are still confused about mortgages in general and real estate finance, in particular. Buying a Home? Dont Get Saddled with Two Mortgage Payments I have a lot of friends and family who are currently buying houses. Many of them have had a problem with timing. Apply For Home Mortgage Loan Online With Bad Credit - Things To Consider So, you've found the perfect home. You've already decided where to place each piece of your furniture inside the home, and in your mind, all of your family photographs are hanging alongside the stairwell. How to Get the Best Mortgage This is a guide on how to get the best mortgage deal. Do not rush into the first offer that is made to you even if you are in a hurry for a mortgage. How To Get a Mortgage If Youre Self-Employed If you are self-employed, work on a contract basis, or have an income that is irregular or comes from multiple sources, it will generally be harder for you to get a mortgage than it is for someone who is an employee and can easily prove their income.A self-employed person is someone who runs their own business and works for themselves without an employer. Tips On New York Mortgage Refinance Loan Many homeowners want to know if it worth taking a New York mortgage refinance. How do you know if New York mortgage refinancing makes sense in your case? Read on to understand when you should refinance and how to go about doing it. Securing a Cheap Home Improvement Loan Finding a cheap home improvement loan can be a challenge at times, but the extra work involved can pay off by saving you money in the long run.Taking the time to get extra quotes, do a bit more research, and finding the best people to work on your home improvements is always a good idea? and if it results in a cheap home improvement loan, all the better!How home improvement loans workThe first step to finding a cheap home improvement loan is to know exactly how it is that home improvement loans work. Homeowner Loans - Drawing Lessons of the Past Loans are not of a recent origin. People used to take help from others even at times when money was unseen and barter was the mode of trade prevalent. Sorting through mortgage elimination programs Mortgage elimination programs are all the rage these days. In the event that you don't know what they are, it's a really basic concept. What is an Interest Only Mortgage? An Interest Only Mortgage is one where the repayments are made up entirely of the interest on the loan. When the mortgage term is complete, the capital originally borrowed is still outstanding. Mortgage After Bankruptcy Most people probably assume that obtaining a mortgage to purchase a home, refinance or to consolidate debt after a bankruptcy is out of the question. In fact, many people are able to obtain these mortgage services, even 1 day after a bankruptcy discharge in some cases. How to Use a Home Equity Line of Credit Calculator Most home owners know that the lower the interest rate, the lower the monthly payments. But then the process may get a bit fuzzy. Buying A Home? Reasons to Consider Financing Your New Home Loan Online Financing your new home loan online can save you time and money. With information at your fingertips, you can quickly educate yourself about the loan process and compare mortgage lenders to find the best rates. Home Equity Line of Credit - Great Idea for Rainy Day Emergencies Most Americans tend to live on a paycheck-to-paycheck basis, and the typical household has nearly $10,000 in credit card debt. Adding to that is the fact that Americans are saving money at the lowest rate in history. Mortgage Information for the First Time Homebuyer Inflation in the United States is increasing rapidly and home prices are soaring! There are millions of american families that are unaware of the many mortgage programs that are available for first time homebuyers.There are many types of mortgage finance programs available to first time homebuyers. Adverse Credit Mortgage Loan - Persistence is the Key to Getting Approved People with bad credit that are looking to get a home mortgage loan or to refinance their existing home mortgage loan, know how difficult of a job it can be to try and get approved. Adverse credit history can mean a little more legwork to get an approval for a mortgage loan, and especially to get a decent interest rate. Bad Credit? First Time Buyer? You Can Still Get Approved For A Home Mortgage Loan Do you have bad credit that you worry will stop you from being able to apply for a home mortgage loan? Have you given up on the dream of being a home owner? Well don't. Take comfort in the fact that there are special home mortgage loans that you can apply for, that will make sure your dreams of becoming a home owner are fulfilled!Home Loans Are Flexible - The first thing you need to keep-in-mind is that home loan mortgages are very flexible - they can be adjusted to meet the needs of any borrower.
|
|
Articles Home Page | Site Map | Main Site Home Page GETsonic | TrafficFish | Games | YaZoW | Freebies | WildThingsDesigns | Mp3mama
|
|
| © 2008 |
