The Different Types of Mortgages Available & Which is Right for You
Different Types of Mortgages Available and What’s Right for You
Home loan options range from fixed rate mortgages to adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). It is essential to understand what each option provides and which may be the best fit for you.
Conventional mortgages are the most prevalent mortgage type, accounting for two-thirds of home loans issued in the US. Backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, they usually require higher down payments than other loan types.
Fixed Rate Mortgages
When looking for a mortgage, two main types of loans to consider: fixed rate and adjustable. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks.
One of the most sought-after mortgages is a fixed rate mortgage, which provides borrowers with security that their monthly payments will remain constant throughout their loan term. Unlike adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), which change interest rates after an introductory period, fixed rate mortgages provide stability and predictability with your payments – making budgeting and forecasting finances much simpler.
If you’re thinking about applying for a fixed-rate mortgage, it’s wise to compare the rates offered by several lenders before selecting one that meets your individual needs. Furthermore, make sure you examine their fees, points and closing costs.
Fixed-rate mortgages can be secured by property and used for various purposes such as purchasing a home or refinancing existing debt. They’re readily available from many banks, credit unions and mortgage companies.
Fixed-rate mortgages provide a predictable interest rate and payment schedule, often with terms of 30 years or longer. They’re popular among borrowers who need to quickly pay off their homes or build equity in their properties.
Be mindful that fixed rate mortgages may be harder to qualify for than ARMs, so be sure to understand your base credit score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI) before submitting an application.
Another advantage of fixed-rate mortgages is their amortization schedule, which outlines how your loan will be paid off over time. This information is invaluable for homeowners.
At some point in the loan’s lifespan, you will make installment payments to your lender that determine how much of the principal remains. At the end of that term, all remaining amounts on your mortgage must be repaid with interest.
In general, the longer your mortgage term, the lower your monthly payment will be. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most popular choice; however, some lenders provide 15- and 20-year options as well.
Borrowers with shorter loan terms may experience difficulty paying off their loans, since they won’t have as much equity as those with longer terms. This is especially true if the borrower is a first-time home buyer and unfamiliar with the costs of homeownership.
Some borrowers opt for fixed-rate mortgages due to their stability and safety when interest rates rise. However, these mortgages can become more costly in the long run as well.
Finally, fixed-rate mortgages tend to be harder to sell than adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs), making them a less appealing investment if you plan to relocate or refinance soon.
Fix-rate mortgages offer the most stability and predictability of all mortgage types, but they may be harder to qualify for than adjustable-rate loans. Before applying for a fixed rate mortgage, make sure all your financial items are in order.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
When looking to purchase a home, there are various mortgage types available such as fixed rate, adjustable rate and jumbo loans. Each has its advantages and drawbacks; you should weigh your options carefully before deciding which loan type best fits your individual situation.
Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) have become increasingly attractive to borrowers looking to purchase a home, as they offer low interest rates for the initial few years. Though this may feel like a “teaser”, the lower overall costs could prove beneficial in the long run for your budget.
Before committing to an ARM mortgage, there are some risks you should weigh. It may not be the best mortgage choice for you if your plans include staying in your home for an extended period or selling or refinancing within five years after closing.
AARMs may not be the right mortgage choice for you if your monthly payments become unmanageable. Even if you begin by making payments as expected, they could increase significantly over time due to inflationary forces beyond your control.
Many ARMs feature caps that restrict how much your rate can change throughout its term. These safeguards help prevent overpaying for an ARM. Typically, an initial cap is set at 1% above your original interest rate; subsequent adjustment caps are typically 2% above that; and most ARMs feature a lifetime cap which sets a maximum increase in your interest rate over its life.
These caps exist to protect borrowers from overpaying for an ARM, which could occur when index rates change rapidly and the lender cannot fully apply the increase during your initial period. Furthermore, if an index rate increases but cannot be fully applied within one adjustment period due to a cap, your rate or payment may increase the following period.
In addition to caps, some ARMs feature margins which reduce the amount of money you’ll pay in interest if rates decrease. These margins can range anywhere from 1% to 6% and are commonly offered by most lenders.
If you’re uncertain which mortgage type is ideal for you, consult with your banker about your available choices. They can suggest the most suitable loan type based on your individual situation and help prevent costly overpayments.
Although adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have become increasingly popular, it is important to do your due diligence and research whether an ARM is right for you. To help determine which option best meets your needs, we’ve put together this guide on ARMs.
ARMs offer some advantages, despite their potential drawbacks. They tend to have lower interest rates for the initial few years of your loan than fixed-rate mortgages and you can take advantage of savings opportunities that could allow for a larger home in the future.
Jumbo Loans
If you’re in the market for a home, looking to refinance your current mortgage or simply wanting to learn more about the various types of mortgages available, it’s essential that you understand what type of loan best suits your needs. Making sure the right choice helps guarantee that you receive the lowest rate and loan terms possible.
When looking for a mortgage, there are various options to choose from, such as traditional conforming loans and nonconforming jumbo loans. Each has their own set of qualifying requirements that could affect your interest rate and loan terms.
Jumbo loan amounts tend to be much higher than conventional loans, and lenders usually require more extensive verification of the property you plan on buying before approving your loan.
Your credit score, down payment size and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio are all taken into consideration when applying for a jumbo mortgage. Lenders may also request documentation demonstrating you possess sufficient cash reserves to cover six to 12 months’ worth of mortgage payments plus closing costs.
Bruce Ailion, a Realtor and real estate attorney in Atlanta, advises that the jumbo loan market is more competitive than it has been in recent years, which could mean lower rates. To take advantage of these low rates, it’s wise to shop around before selecting which lender you work with.
If you’re a first-time homeowner or uncertain which mortgage type would work best for your situation, consult a loan expert. They can explain which mortgages are suitable and explain the different qualifications involved.
Jumbo mortgages typically require a credit score of at least 700. Lenders take on more risk when issuing these types of loans, so your credit history will be reviewed to confirm you can responsibly handle large sums of money.
Other qualifications for loans require a down payment of 20% or more, which may be particularly challenging given the current real estate market conditions. Furthermore, borrowers with jumbo loans must pay higher closing costs compared to those on conforming mortgages.
Jumbo loans typically feature higher interest rates than conforming mortgages, although this isn’t always the case. Your exact rate will depend on your individual credit history, down payment amount and cash reserves.
If you are in the market for a larger, more expensive home and can comfortably make your monthly payments, a jumbo mortgage may be ideal. Furthermore, people with high incomes, regular cash flow or substantial savings may find this loan option attractive.
Jumbo loans can be obtained from a variety of lenders, such as mortgage companies and credit unions. However, they carry more risk than conforming loans due to exceeding limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Therefore, obtaining these jumbo mortgages may prove more challenging than getting conforming ones.