House Loans - Articles & Advice

Mortgage Soup

Looking for home mortgage loans can get confusing with the alphabet soup of mortgage loans programs available today. Most of these programs are just variations of fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgage loans. These loans can be structured to meet your financial needs, and most are available in 15 or 30-year terms. Your long-term plans play an important part in selecting the right type of loan, use these general guidelines to help you as you shop for home mortgage loans.

Fixed Rate Mortgage - If you’re going to be staying in your home for at least 7 years, consider a fixed rate. This loan’s interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan or term – 15, 20 or 30 years. Usually the shorter the term, the lower the interest rate. This type of loan is amortized – both the principle and the interest are paid off at the end of the loan term.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage - If your only planning on living in your home for a short period of time you may want to consider an adjustable rate. Your interest rate can adjust – up or down. The rate is tied to an index like treasury bills or prime rates. The initial rate usually starts out low, but can adjust after a set period of time. If you choose this type of loan and then decide to stay in your home, you may want to refinance after two years to avoid any upward rate adjustments.

Combination Fixed and Adjustable - Going to be in your house for just a few years? This type of home mortgage loan can start out as a fixed rate for a set number of years, keeping your rate and payments low, and then the loan adjusts. Like the adjustable rate, the amount of the adjustment is tied to an index that can go up or down. This loan is sometimes called a two-step or convertible ARM. Just remember, these loans usually go up after a set period of time, or if you have to convert after a few years it can cost you money. Be sure you understand your loan and when your payments could go up to avoid paying more than you have to.

Balloon - An interest only loan. You would only want to use this loan if you were only staying for a short time in your home. Because you’re only paying interest, and nothing towards the principle, you don’t build any equity. At the end of the loan term, you have to pay the balance off all at once, but few people ever keep these loans for the entire term.

Having an understanding of these basic types of loans and combinations of them is the key to finding the mortgage loan that is right for you.

J.Stewart is the author of "Mortgage Soup". After working in the escrow business he operates http://www.2applyforloan.com href="mailto:sales-marketing@swbell.net">sales-marketing@swbell.net

Related Pages

Home Improvement Loans - Save big with home improvement loans that are tax deductible - Use an equity loan, line of credit, or a cash-out refinancing.

Mortgage Brokers - Shop these top lenders for comparison quotes.

Credit History and Approval - How to get a free credit report - Quick fixes to qualify for a better rate.

Down Payment Leverage - Avoid PMI with a two-loan strategy. How to grow your equity faster.

Online Lenders - Tips on evaluating online lenders and their offerings.

Refinance- Tips on when refinancing is the right decision - How to avoid paying points and other lender fees.

Home Loan Online - Discover the best ways to get the lowest rates - Links for checking current rates.

Real Estate Settlement Procedures - Your rights under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act - What protections you are entitled to and what needs to be disclosed to you.

Private Mortgage Loans - When to use private mortgage loans as an alternative funding resource - Qualifying for a private mortgage loan is based on the property value, not your personal credit.

In The News

	Web Home-Loans-Help.com