Posts tagged with 'Mortgage Lenders'

Effects of Low Mortgage Rate

  • Posted on April 19, 2010 at 9:17 am

Recently we have witnessed a boom in the mortgage industry. With increasing real estate values and a very low inflation, interest rates have touched an all time low. Since inflation is running extremely low at present, economists feel that mortgage rates will remain low in the near future also. As an obvious consequence homeowners are giving serious thoughts to the effects of low mortgage rate.

Usually, mortgage lenders offer a variety of combinations of interest rates and points. For example, 6.0% and 2 points, 6.5% and 1 point or 7.0% and no points. Points are a one-time upfront payment that the borrower makes to the lender at the time of closing the mortgage. It is a fee like the interest and not a part of the down payment. A drop in mortgage interest rates reduces the cost of borrowing and should logically result in an increase in prices in a market where most people borrow money to purchase a home (for instance, in the United States), so that average payments remain constant.

One of the direct effects of low mortgage rate is that the homeowners opt for greater savings through refinancing. Hence the cost to savings ratio is exceeded. Refinancing can be a boon in several situations since some of the main reasons to refinance are: – Lower interest rate – Consolidate 2nd mortgage loan – Lower loan term – Lower monthly payments – Payoff other personal loans and – Take cash out from equity

One of the most intriguing effects of low mortgage rate is the dilemma faced by the borrowers about whether to reduce their payments or the length of the loan term itself. Lower rates allow you to reduce your mortgage from say 25 years remaining to 15 years remaining with the same monthly payment. The next thing you would like to do is refinance again so that you will be able to reduce it to 10 years.

Another common rationale for refinancing and taking the equity out of your house as an effect of low mortgage rate is to be able to pay off credit card debt. You can also opt for a debt consolidation loan. By reducing your payment you will be able to pay off higher rate debt like credit cards. But try to eliminate interest payments wherever possible. The average credit card will have an interest rate of 18% to 25%. You can actually get rid of those high rate credit cards by taking advantage of the low mortgage rates. Also by lowering your debt you will be actually saving for the future.

It is also vital to understand that in most cases the loans are adjustable rate mortgages. The adjustment period may vary significantly depending on the loan program you are considering. You might not realize the effects of low mortgage rate unless you consider the stability and vulnerability of the interest rate that you are required to pay throughout the repayment tenure. Hence it is important to bear in mind that not only the current effects of low mortgage rate, but also effects of any future rise in interest rates should be considered when opting for a variable rate mortgage.

California Home Mortgage Companies How Much House Can You

  • Posted on April 12, 2010 at 9:17 am

California Home Mortgage Companies How Much House Can You Afford?

Because of rising home prices, many homebuyers are forcibly purchasing homes they cannot afford. While many are able to handle the mortgage payments, they are unable to keep up with utilities and other household expenses. There are ways that you can avoid being house broke. Before applying for a home loan, it is wise to consult a mortgage professional and determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on a new home.

Live Within Your Means

To receive the most enjoyment from owning a home, it is essential to live within your means. Sadly, many people splurge on new homes. When this occurs, you must either find a way to generate extra cash or downside to a smaller home.

Then again, some homebuyers do not fully understand how much money it takes to run a household. However, it is important to remember that bigger homes require more electricity and so forth. Take this into consideration before buying a new home. If you can afford the mortgage payment, but have little disposable cash for utilities and other unexpected expenses, it may be wise to select a less expensive home.

Take Advantage of Mortgage Calculators

Various mortgage lenders offer online mortgage calculators to give future homebuyers an idea of future mortgage payments. These calculators are not exact. Most do not calculate taxes and insurances. If using a mortgage calculator, simply input home price, interest rate, and loan term. Instantly, the calculator will provide an estimated monthly payment. Usually, taxes and insurance are about an extra 200 to 250.

Use a Reputable Mortgage Broker

Due to steady rises in home prices, many mortgage companies and lenders will approve homebuyers for loans that do not fit into their budget. Purchasing a home that you cannot afford creates many problems, especially if you are a first time home buyer. Some lenders will advise clients wisely. On the other hand, there are lenders who have a practice of persuading homebuyers to purchase homes that are way beyond their means. If a mortgage broker or loan company appears too pushy, deny their offer.

Avoiding A Reverse Mortgage Scam

  • Posted on March 29, 2010 at 9:17 am

Reverse mortgages are gaining in popularity as more senior’s start looking for ways to supplement their retirement incomes. And as the interest in reverse mortgages increase, so are the cases of reverse mortgage fraud and scams. Many seniors are finding that they have been conned of their hard earned equity to these reverse mortgages scams. Since reverse mortgages typically involve your most valuable asset (your home), this type of fraud can have a serious effect on your retirement.

Reverse Mortgage Scams

The are several types of reverse mortgage scams that can end up costing you thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars in equity in your home if you become a victim.

Several estate planning companies have been charging thousands of dollars for information provided free from HUD. Typically these companies charge for this information as part of an estate planning program. Seniors that take up these programs are unaware that these firms are collecting huge sums of money by charging a fee of 6 to 10 percent of the total amount borrowed. HUD has recently issued a directive to lenders that issued reverse mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to stop doing business with these companies.

Pushing reverse mortgages as a way to pay for purchases

Some companies that sell large ticket items or services, like annuities or insurance products, may try to suggest using a reverse mortgage as a way fund these purchases.

When the extra cost of the reverse mortgage is hidden into the purchase, it often ends up costing the homeowner more than its benefits.

Unethical reverse mortgage terms

Some lenders slip in excessive fees and terms into their contracts. These terms can have a a detrimental effect on a Seniors’ equity. In some cases, lenders have used shared equity or shared appreciation terms, which gives the lender the right to collect a portion of the appreciation when the home is sold or refinanced. These type provisions can run into a cost of tens of thousands as the home appreciates in equity value. These rising cost provisions swallow up equity without providing any additional benefit to the homeowner.

Protecting yourself from reverse mortgage scams

If you are looking into reverse mortgages, there are several things that you can do to protect yourself from falling victim to these types of scams.

1. Contact a HUD approved reverse mortgage counselor. The counselor will help you understand reverse mortgages and help you evaluate your situation.

2. Obtain several offers from different reverse mortgage lenders in order to compare different options. The rule of thumb is to get three separate propsals in order to mark a good comparison.
3. You will need to understand all the terms and conditions within the reverse mortgage contracts with your mortgage counselor assisting you in elaborating the details.

4. You generally have 3 business days after signing the loan document to cancel it for any reason.

File a complaint with your State Attorney General’s office, banking regulatory agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov if you suspect that a company violating the law.

Top

Copyright © Mortgageclassic