There are many different types of mortgages to choose from, and an important aspect of the process is to choose the mortgage that works for you now and in the future. When deciding on a mortgage, consider the type of interest rate (fixed or adjustable) and whether a conventional loan or a government-guaranteed or insured loan is best for you.
Rates
The distinguishing feature of the fixed rate mortgage loan is that the interest rate does not change. This means your monthly principal and interest payment will stay the same for the entire repayment term, whether it is, for example, 15 years or 30 years. (However, your total monthly payment could still change if you pay property taxes and insurance as part of your monthly mortgage payment and those costs change.) On the other hand, the interest rate fluctuates periodically (such as annually) with an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), so your monthly payment typically will change when the rate does. ARMs can offer a lower initial interest rate than fixed rate mortgages, but when the rates increase, your payments typically increase.
Before deciding on a fixed rate mortgage or ARM, consider how long you plan to be in the house you’re purchasing. In general, borrowers who anticipate selling their home within a few years are more likely to benefit from a low-rate ARM than those who plan to own the home for many years. But, an ARM can be a good choice for some borrowers depending on other factors. Be sure to consider whether you can make your ARM loan payments if the interest rate increases to the highest level it could go while you own the home.
Loan types
You may also choose a conventional mortgage loan or a loan insured or guaranteed by the federal government. Loans from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offer government insured or guaranteed loans. These loans typically have more flexible requirements than conventional loans (such as the minimum credit score needed for approval) and may allow borrowers to make smaller down payments than for conventional loans. However, rates and fees may be higher for these loans than for conventional loans, depending on your credit history, down payment, and other factors. However, you’ll have to pay for mortgage insurance, an extra cost increasing your monthly payments that protects the lender in the event you default on the mortgage.
You may also find lenders offering interest-only loans, hybrid mortgages, and balloon payment loans. These loans generally start with low payments that increase over time. Before choosing one of these loans, be sure you understand the loans terms and the potential risks.
Once you decide on a type of mortgage, comparison shop for your loan by online and/or by getting quotes from different lenders. Interest rates and fees vary from lender to lender, even for the same type of loan, so shop around and don’t be afraid to try to negotiate these costs.
Loan estimate
Knowing the monthly payment and the interest rate of your loan is not enough; you need to understand the major other costs and other terms of the loan. When you apply for a mortgage, the lender must provide you with a document called the “Loan Estimate” within three business days of receiving your application. The Loan Estimate provides important information about the loan offered to you by the lender, including a summary of loan terms, estimated loan and closing costs, and additional information.
Moving forward with the loan
The Loan Estimate is not an approval of the loan; it simply shows the loan terms the lender can offer you if you decide to move forward with it. You must inform the lender if you decide to proceed with the loan, and you can obtain a written “lock-in” from the lender. A lock-in guarantees the rate agreed upon, the period the lock-in lasts, and other information you specifically negotiated, such as the number of “points” (fees) to be paid to the lender for the loan. (Usually, the more points you pay, the lower the interest rate.) A fee may be charged for locking in the loan rate. If so, ask if the fee is refunded at closing.
As your loan application is being processed you may be asked to provide additional documentation showing the source of your down payment funds, cash reserves to cover the first few months of mortgage payments, and documents specific to your situation.
Closing the loan
Closing is the last stage in the process. At closing, you’ll be required to have the agreed-upon funds, which could be used for the closing costs (including the escrow deposit, which is money that is set aside for a couple of months of property tax and mortgage insurance payments) and the down payment. The closing costs vary, depending on the type of loan you choose, and property type, but could be 2% to 6% of the loan amount. These costs generally include appraisal fees, attorney fees, credit report fees, title search fees, and property inspection fees.
Get started on the process by getting in touch with me to see what I can do for you.