Refinancing loan » Mortgage Interest Rate

Should I Get a Refinance Loan With a Fixed or Adjustable Rate?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:34:27 +0000

Your home may be your castle, but it can also be a source of ready cash. If you have owned your place for a few years, done some improvements, or maybe just live in a high-demand area, you can have considerable equity. That equity can be converted into money through one of several different instruments. The chore is to find out which one is right for your situation.

Making the decision to pull some of the equity from your home is only one of the numerous choices you will face before you sign your name to paper.

Refinance – If your original mortgage rate is higher than today’s rate of interest, if the length of your loan or the size of payments are wrong for you, or if some terms of your mortgage are making your life difficult, this may be your best choice.

Second Mortgage – If you just want to keep the sweet deal you have on your first, or today’s terms are less than best, this can give you the tool to utilize that money accruing in your home.

Home Equity Loan – Flexibility is the keyword of this choice. You can take a little now and take even more as you need it to finance a trip, home improvements or an education.

You can use a fixed rate over a set period of years, or can base your interest rate on the market. If your personality demands riding the market, or if it demands the known quality of a set rate for a set time, you don’t need to analyze anything. Just gamble on your ability to pull off whichever type looks best to you. If you are like most of us, you will want to consider some of the variables and identify which fits your financial profile best. This requires some research.

Fixed Rate

The interest rate on home loans has been the lowest in decades. The Prime Rate, a component of your mortgage interest rate calculation, was 20.5% in 1981. It took 4 years for that rate to fall below 10%. It hovered in the 7 – 7.5% range for a year in ’86-’87, and bounced back up to 10% in ’88. In 1991 a decline dropped the prime 3.5 percentage points in one year. It remained in the 6% range for 2 years and then played with the 8 – 9% range until 2001 when it got back to 6%. By the end of 2001 the rate had hit 4.75% and stayed in that neighborhood for almost 3 years, dropping as low as 4%. Since July 2003, the rate has slowly climbed to the current 8%.

So what does all this economic history have to do with your getting some money? It’s a track record to look at to help predict how that rate is going to change in the next few weeks, months or years. Because that rate should be of prime concern to you in selecting which loan structure is best.

Adjustable Rate

This structure has gained popularity because of the ever-increasing home prices in demanding markets. It’s also a great tool for the first time buyer. It allows the purchaser to be creative in putting together a package of several options, enabling them to get into a home with minimum down, lower initial payments and provides time to decide if it works best. That means that you can purchase that house now before the price goes up, yet have a built-in option to change it in a few years. Since so many people move within 5 years – the common first step in an adjustable rate mortgage – it allows lower living expenses for the soon-to-move homeowner. This is especially helpful in high cost neighborhoods.

The adjustable rate mortgage is written for a set initial period and with defined conditions. For instance, you may have 5 years at the current interest rate, but then it could increase by several percentage points if rates are much higher. Conversely, if rates fall in that time, you can get a better deal than you have today. That’s the gamble and the reason for taking a stab at predicting the market change. The life of the mortgage could be for 20 or 30 years, but the interest rate you pay is variable.

If you expect to move in a few years, you can enjoy lower monthly payments now and still use the increased value of your home to realize cash out when you sell. This is a popular choice for first time buyers, young families, and fledgling investors.

In spite of the pundits who predicted a ‘housing bubble’ to burst for years, the market continued to rise in almost all markets across the nation. The really peak markets on each coast appreciated at amazing speed, sometimes doubling a home’s value within a year or two. That rampant growth has now slowed. Even in the most robust markets, homes are on the books longer. Multiple bidders are no longer driving the sales price above the listing price. Some builders of new homes and condo conversions are becoming concerned about the inventory they’re holding. People are still buying, and homes are still appreciating, but there has been a decidedly different atmosphere in real estate. The other factor in todays mix is the rising Federal rate.

Now the question is what will happen next? How much risk can I or should I take?

I think this answer lies in your personality. You can go with an ARM and have a lower rate right now with reasonable payments and see what happens when it comes under review. If you are expecting your income to increase through promotions, seniority or new opportunities, this makes a lot of sense. If you have student loans or other expenses which will be paid off, you can envision a much better personal balance sheet. Today’s reality is not forever.

If you are on a different course, you might need to have the stability of that fixed rate. You will always know how much you are going to have as an expense every month for the life of that loan. And if the interest rate drops in a few years, you can refinance then. This is much more appealing to the person who will be keeping their property for a while.

So which personality are you?

By: Carolyn Staggs

Best California Refinance Mortgage Loan Rates Online

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:22:26 +0000

Refinance mortgage rates in California may be more affordable than you think. With today’s low interest rates, refinance home loans are available to more people than ever before.

The internet has also made getting mortgage rate quotes easier and faster than ever before. With one easy online application you can have multiple lenders give you their best refinance loan quotes. Virtually anyone with a computer and an internet connection can find the lowest refinance mortgage rates online.

The easiest way to get the best rate quote, is to fill out an online application, and let the lenders, brokers and bankers come to you. Gone are the days of going from bank to bank searching for a loan. Now you get to pick and choose your loan.

Do you want cash out of your home? Cash out mortgage refinancing is a great way of pulling money out of your home when you need it. You may even be able to do a cash out refinance without raising your monthly payment . If you’ve been paying down your mortgage, or your home has risen in value, then you may be able to get extra cash out of your home.

Do you want a lower interest rate? If the interest rate on your ARM is due to change soon, you should consider whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage. In most cases, refinancing is best when the new interest rate is lower by 2% or more, than your current mortgage interest rate. This could mean big savings for you over the life of your loan.

By: Frank W Ellis

Which Refinance Mortgage Loan Deals Are Easy to Process?

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 02:17:23 +0000

So you want a finger in that refinance mortgage loan. After all, it’s fast becoming the talk of the town. The problem is, you’re daunted by the process that comes with it. Now you’re wondering, what are the easiest deals to come by so far?

You might want to consider the many types of refinance mortgage. They are by far the simplest and easiest to process.

Fixed Rate Refinance

As opposed to the specialty type (like adjustable rate mortgage), this type of loan is much easier to come by. To qualify for an adjustable rate, you will have to meet up with generally higher standards. You will have to have a higher income, better credit reports, and a more valuable home equity.

A fixed rate mortgage loan may be just what you need. With this type of refinance loan, you deal with a fixed interest rate for the whole credit term, as opposed to an adjustable mortgage interest rate wherein you are subject to the inconsistencies of the market. If the economy is not in good shape, then you’ll have to prepare yourself for burgeoning interest rates. So basically, you get peace of mind and stability with the loan as bonus.

Closed Refinance

Another type of refinance that is easy to qualify for is the closed refinance mortgage loan. Now what is this? It’s the type of loan wherein you are not allowed to make prepayments or to pay off your loan in advance. You may want to do prepayments if you suddenly find yourself with a lot of extra cash and with the desire to pay out your loan to avoid interest fees. With a closed mortgage loan, your lender will only allow you to do this for a fee.

It’s much easier to close this kind of deal, though, as opposed to an open refinance mortgage. The latter allows you to pay out without fees, but it’s not easy to qualify for them. You will have to have a more inviting income, credit report, and home equity.

Long Term Refinance

Another refinance mortgage loan that is easier to qualify for is the long-term loan. Now what would make for a long-term loan? It’s the type of loan that lasts for 6 years or more. It usually lasts for up to 10 years, though there are those that reach until 25 years.

Short-term are more advantageous in that they offer lower rates. But then again, they are not easy to come by. Yet again, you will have to have better income, better credit reports, and better home equity.

But the qualification process may just be the least of your worries. Getting a deal closed and getting just the right deal are two different things. You may have gotten your refinance mortgage without much sweat, only to encounter serious problems when you are already in it. Do not go for a deal only for its expediency. Be very scrutinizing.

By: Rony Walker

When A Home Refinance Loan Makes Sense – Suitable Pursuits

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:22:29 +0000

Seeking to attain a home refinance loan without actual reason is without a doubt, a wasted effort on any homeowners behalf. Yet, on the other hand, if there are definitive grounds and specific circumstances calling for a home refinance loan pursuit then it’s wise to go head and motion for a mortgage refinancing, as soon as you can. But, just when does seeking a home refinance loan actually make sense? When is it a suitable pursuit? There has to be a time and a place for it, right?

Fitting Circumstances Push Suitable Refinancing Pursuits

There are indeed suitable moments to go ahead and get a home refinance loan or refinance your mortgage overall. But, when is it just the right time? To answer this, you need to consider a few things, namely being just exactly what it is you want or want to fix. Usually, when a homeowner is seeking a home refinance loan it’s usually because something is lacking or needs to be financially changed, or bettered. Usual scenarios leading homeowners to seek refinance home loans include attempts at getting a lower interest rate, changing overall mortgage terms, gaining a substantial amount of cash as soon as possible or to plan ahead for a future home move.

If Ability To Obtain A Lower Interest Rate Is There…

Take advantage of the opportunity. If your current mortgage interest rate is outstanding and you have the capability to acquire a lower rate, don’t hesitate. If you do stall, it’s quite possible you’ll miss out on saving tens of thousands of dollars during the length of your loan’s life. The benefit of acting on getting a lower rate is immeasurable. What you’ll get is a lower overall balance, a lower rate (of course) and lower payments. Also, factor in that the majority of lenders don’t charge refinancing fees, especially if the equity in your home is built up – this could allow you to roll closing costs over into your new home refinance loan.

Changing Your Mortgage Term To Satisfy Homeowner Needs…

Is a great opportunity to utilize a refinance home loan as well. Looking to speed up paying off the principle of your loan? Then refinance your mortgage from 30 to 15 years. Doing this will ultimately save you oodles of interest costs. On the other hand, if you’re looking to free up some money or gain some financial leeway, refinance your mortgage from 15 to 30 years. What happens in this case is a maintaining of your original balance, yet your monthly payment amounts are lowered significantly (making more cash available to you for what you need to fund), by hundreds of dollars. This though will accrue more interest since you’re prolonging the life of your home refinance loan.

If Moving Out Of Your Home Is On The Horizon…

Especially in the next 3 to 5 years or so, then you should look into a refinancing motion, specifically toward an ARM, or adjustable rate mortgage. By opting for a 3 to 5 year ARM, you’ll have a much lower rate compared to, say, having a 30 year fixed mortgage. Benefits here are roted in already stated lower rates, but also, simply in having comfort in knowing you don’t have to worry about rate adjustments; this is so simply because, you will be (hopefully) selling your home before the actual fixed-rate period ends.

By: E.S. Cromwell

Mortgage Refinancing: What is Loan to Value Ratio?

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:33:52 +0000

If you are in the process of mortgage refinancing, one important part of your application approval and the interest rate you receive is the Loan-to-Value ratio or LTV. Here are the basics of Loan-to-Value ratio and what you need to know to qualify for the best mortgage loan.

What is the Loan to Value Ratio?

Your Loan to Value Ratio is calculated by dividing the balance of your outstanding mortgage by the appraised value of your home. The more equity you have in your home when refinancing, the lower your LTV ratio will be. The lower your LTV the better your mortgage interest rate will be, saving your money with a lower mortgage payment.

Problems with High LTV Ratios

If your Loan to Value Ratio is high, you can expect to pay more for your mortgage loan. Having a high Loan to Value ratio means you are more of a risk for the lender. Lenders pass this additional risk on to you in the form of higher interest rates and lender fees. If your Loan to Value ratio is greater than 80%, the lender could require you to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance as a condition of approval.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is expensive and does nothing for you but drive up your cost. PMI only protects the lender from losses due to foreclosure on your home. This costly insurance could drive your monthly payments up several hundred dollars and negate any benefit you might receive from mortgage refinancing.

You can learn more about your mortgage refinancing options and how to avoid costly homeowner mistakes by registering for a free mortgage guidebook.

By: Louie Latour