If you are a homeowner and looking for a loan product that not only allows you to pay off your home, you might be pleasantly surprised at the many products available under the umbrella of refinancing loans. Refinancing loans in their traditional forms are second loans that allow you to pay off an older loan, using the same property as collateral. Besides this traditional type of loan, there are many others that not only give the homeowner the ability to pay off property, but give alternative ways to pay off these loans that can be extremely beneficial to homeowners – especially financially savvy homeowners.
Two types of loan products that offer alternative payment options are Interest Only Refinancing Loans and Optional ARM Refinancing Loans.
A standard refinancing loan only has one option; pay both the principle of the loan and the interest payment at the same time for a set period of time. Interest only loans allow a homeowner to pay less than the full payment (principle + interest), the homeowner can opt for paying the interest alone. This type of loan can free up cash flow worth hundreds of dollars or in some cases thousands of dollars per month. Extra cash flow for many financially savvy homeowners can help them invest this extra money in things such as their 401K, college tuition for a child or other expenses. In addition, a homeowner that has a seasonal job or career where income can fluctuate, can use the options to lower pressure during the lean times.
The other type of loan that can be also very useful to financially savvy homeowners is the optional ARM refinancing loan. This loan not only allows you to make interest only payments, but also offers a minimum payment option. Minimum payment means that not only can you skip paying the principle of the loan, but you can opt out of paying some of the interest of the loan as well. Sometimes this option is called interest deferred.
It should be noted that besides giving savvy homeowners the option to pay less per month, the optional ARM refinancing loan also allows a homeowner to pay off their loan quicker. It gives the homeowner the ability to pay off the loan in a standard 30 year term or even a 15 year term. The less time it takes to pay a loan off, the less money you need to repay.
By: Connie Barker
Posts Tagged ‘Minimum Payment’
Option ARM Refinancing Loans
November 3rd, 2009
There are many products available that are included under the umbrella of refinancing loans; one of them is the Option ARM refinancing loan. ARM stands for adjustable rate mortgage and while it is a popular option, before you apply for one, there are a few things you should know.
An option ARM refinance loan is possibly the most flexible type of loan on the market. With the option ARM refinance loan, you have four different options to control your loan payments each month.
For instance there are two options that allow you to pay less than the principle and interest that are normal for all standard loans. Instead of paying both the interest and principle, you can choose to pay either the minimum payment or interest only. Minimum payment is the absolute minimum you can pay on your monthly loan payment. This type of payment is usually term interest deferred, because not only are you not paying the principle, you are also not paying some of the interest. The interest and principle are tacked on later on in the life of the loan according to the specific loan schedule. It should be noted that the minimum payment is usually increased every year to keep the homeowner somewhat in line with their necessary payments.
An Interest only option allows the homeowner the option to pay only the interest on the loan deferring the principle. Interest only payments are a great way to increase cash flow, when employment is tight or if you would rather use your monthly income for other types of purchases or investments.
Besides two options for paying less than the principle and interest of the loan, you also have two options for paying both your principle and interest. The first type of payment option is called the 30 year amortization payment. You pay your loan according to a standard loan in which you pay the principle and interest for a full 30 year mortgage term. The other type of option available is the full 15 year amortization payment. If you have extra income and would like to pay down your debt quickly, you can choose the option of paying off your loan in a 15 year schedule.
It should be noted that this type of mortgage is not for everyone. For instance, seasonal employees might benefit from this type of mortgage especially during the slow season and savvy homeowners that manage their money well can also benefit. However, this type of loan is not for the person looking to pay the least amount possible due to a lower income. In situations like these, this loan can increase the risk of financial problems.
By: Connie Barker