4 Essential Mortgage Considerations
Most people, especially, first – time homeowners, take advantage of a mortgage, in order to participate, in what is generally considered, a major component of the American Dream, which is, owning a home, of your own. When one proceeds wisely, and learns, as much as possible, about the options, alternatives, differences, and considerations, between a variety of mortgages, he best protects, his financial and personal interests, especially, considering, for most people, the value of their house, represents their single – biggest, financial asset. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 4 essential considerations, when choosing and using a mortgage.
1. Type: What type might be best for you? Should you use, a fixed – mortgage, or a variable one? If you choose the latter type, what variables, might determine, the future rate and conditions, involved, after the preliminary, initial period? Is a balloon loan, best, for you? While, this type, is useful, under certain circumstances, and usually, since it’s normally, Interest – Only, for a restricted period of time, one must be prepared for the far higher installment payments, which might be required, in the future!
2. Term: What length, mortgage, might be best, for you? Fixed, and variable mortgages, often, come, in a variety of options, and, obviously, the shorter, the payback – period, the higher the monthly installments. Of course, a shorter – term, would also translate to, less overall payments, during the term, and being, paid – in – full, sooner! The average Conventional Mortgage Loan is for 30 years, but some are also available in other lengths, generally ranging from, under 10 years, to 40, or more years. Variable mortgages differ dramatically, and, one must understand, the full – term, as well as, when the rates adjust (every year, 3 years, 5 years, etc, for example).
3. Rate: The rate, one pays, makes a huge difference, in terms of monthly installments, as well as the overall costs, throughout the term. At present, we are witnessing, near – historically, low mortgage rates. These, usually, correspond, to other, interest – terms, and, thus, it makes sense, to pay keen attention to trends, professional predictions, etc. While fixed – rate vehicles, lock – in, these great terms, for the entire length/ term, variable ones, do not, but, usually, carry lower rates, at the onset (which will be continuously, readjusted, at specified points – in – time).
4. Down – payment: Although, most times, a 20% down – payment, is the norm, a variety of different amounts, are offered! Which is best for you? The more one puts – down, the less his monthly payments, and, vice versa. However, with the costs of houses, in many parts of the country, today, many need to put down less, because of the challenges, of accumulating, so much, available cash!
Be an educated home buyer, and, consider, these 4 essential mortgage considerations! The more you know, and understand, the better served, you will be!
