Mortgage & Refinancing Information

Home Equity Loans Categories


Fixed Rate Mortgages: These loans have a fixed rate of interest over the entire term for which the loan has been disbursed. The term for these mortgages is typically between 10 to 30 years. The monthly interest payment on these loans is fixed and hence there exists a certainty about the repayment of the debt over the entire term of the debt. Another advantage of fixed rate mortgages is that the initial down payment required is very low, generally around 5% of the loan amount to be disbursed.

The disadvantage of this type of loan is that the rate of interest may be higher than that of a variable rate mortgage. If predictability of the interest payments is important, then it is advisable to consider securing a fixed rate mortgage.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM): As the name indicates, the interest rate on this type of mortgage fluctuates throughout the term of the loan depending on the interest rate scenario in the economy. The rate for an ARM is usually adjusted annually.

An ARM usually has caps, which restrict the rise in the rate to a certain level, both on an annual basis as well as over the entire term of the loan. For example, an ARM may have a cap of 1% every year and 5% over the term of the loan. This type of loan is best if the term of the loan is short, as the longer the term, the more the exposure to fluctuations in the interest rate. The index to which the variable rate is pegged should also be carefully considered.

Thus a variable rate mortgage can work out to be a cheaper option than a fixed rate mortgage, provided the borrower has given due attention to the risks involved.

Jumbo Loans: If the equity loan to be raised exceeds the federal guidelines set by Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, then the loan is referred to as a jumbo loan. The limit set by the guidelines is different from state to state. The rates for jumbo loans are typically higher than those for other types of mortgages, as the lender has a higher risk due to the larger amount of the loan. The borrower should try not to exceed the guidelines, as this could mean a considerable savings in terms of interest outflows.

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MORE RESOURCES:

Congress may have to approve a 'TARP 2,' economist says
BloggingStocks - 22 hours ago
... it is clear we will need more money to purchase toxic assets, improve bank capitalization and allocate funds for home mortgage refinance programs, ...


Is Now the Right Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?
Eastside Business Journal, Washington - Nov 18, 2008
By Rick Hubbert How do you know when it is the right time to refinance? Some believe that if homeowners can shave one point (1%) off their existing rate, ...


Center for Responsible Lending and Industry Groups Urge HUD to ...
MarketWatch - Nov 20, 2008
... to help the largest possible numbers of at-risk borrowers. This is not the appropriate time to permit the lapse of a viable mortgage refinance option.


Should Obama name FDIC's Bair as a Special Advisor for Mortgage ...
BloggingStocks - Nov 18, 2008
Although he has shown support for mortgage refinance programs aimed at achieving lower payments - - 'payment relief' in Washingtonspeak - - Paulson has ...


National housing crisis exacting heavy toll in Riverside County
Press-Enterprise, CA - Nov 11, 2008
By DUANE W. GANG Riverside County remains at the forefront of the national housing crisis with thousands of homeowners in the unenviable position of owing ...


Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Firstwatch column: Firstwatch: What's ...
Trading Markets (press release), CA - Nov 20, 2008
... counselors will be there to conduct loan workout sessions, provide information about financial literacy programs and offer mortgage refinance options. ...


De-Leverage Your Wallet
Motley Fool - Nov 20, 2008
I also caution against opening new lines of credit if you plan to get a loan (car, mortgage, refinance) in the next six months or so. ...


Mortgage Applications Down 43.4% Year on Year
HNN Huntingtonnews.net,  USA - Nov 6, 2008
By David M. Kinchen The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending ...


When refinancing mortgage makes sense
Chicago Tribune, United States - Nov 14, 2008
But you don't have to be in financial trouble to benefit from mortgage refinance, real estate experts say. "At this point, there are thousands of good ...


Local mall operator says it's at risk for default
Boston Globe (registration), United States - Nov 12, 2008
... on school loans are waived..and a government backed mortgage refinance program to give homeowners a chance to stay in their homes to pay their debts. ...

Mortgage-Refinance - Google News

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