The first thing to keep in mind that just because your friend at work thinks that fixed rate is the only way to go for a mortgage. And your father says he has never had a fixed rate, and never would have one.
That does not mean either of them are correct. The point is that it is a matter of personal circumstances, needs, and your current financial situation. Especially with regard to interest rates, that should govern if a fixed rate mortgage is the right one for you or not.
Whichever mortgage type you choose, it is essential that you get all the information you can, and seek professional assistance to help you choose which is the most suitable type of loan for you.
Below we have set out some fixed rate mortgages pros and cons for you to consider.
There can be several benefits to obtaining a fixed rate mortgage. The first and most appealing benefit for many people is the fact that the interest rate and monthly payments remain constant.
This means that a sudden rise in interest rates will not affect you, and you will not suddenly have to pay considerably more for your mortgage each month. In the early 80s, interest rates went from 7 to 14 percent literally, overnight.
Within a few days, they did settle at just over 9%, but even this increase of just under 2%, was a crushing blow for tens of thousands of homeowners, who subsequently lost their homes.
With a fixed-rate mortgage, you would be protected from that kind of wild fluctuation. With a fixed-rate mortgage, you know where you stand, and how much money you will need each month to fulfil your mortgage.
The fixed rate mortgages have several pros and cons this is defiantly the main advantage. They are also very straightforward and simple to understand. Because of these advantages, a fixed-rate mortgage often appeals to younger people and first-time buyers who need to know exactly what the monthly cost will be over the next few years.
There are also fixed rate mortgages cons, to consider. All of the above assumes that interest rates will go up; therefore you will save money each month compared to what you would have to pay the higher interest rate.
But with volatile economic problems arising all the time, and world events such as rises in oil prices. The government is sometimes forced to raise or lower interest rates to help the economy remain stable. So it is just as likely for interest rates to go down, instead of up.
If they go down you would be paying more for your mortgage than you need to, but in most circumstances it is always possible to move to a flexible style mortgage.
Another problem fixed term there is that if you decide to move your mortgage to another company at the end of a lower interest period. There will be fee's payable not only for the implementation of the new mortgage, but also in the paying off your old mortgage.
Whatever type of mortgage you choose, it is essential to get as much quality information as you can find from a well-trained and respected at broker. You need to be fully aware of fixed rate mortgages, pros and cons
as a mortgage is a big commitment and needs to be very carefully considered no matter what type of mortgage you are interested in.
Fixed Rate Mortgage History
Unlike variable rate mortgages, the interest rate charged on fixed rate mortgages will not be influenced by changes in either the Bank of England Base Rate (BoEBR) or the lender's Standard Variable Rate (SVR). Instead, the interest rate will remain constant during the fixed rate period regardless of movements in interest rates on other financial products.
The fixed interest period gives borrowers the stability they need to manage their household budget more effectively, which is why fixed rate mortgages are popular with first-time-buyers and young households.
Fixed rate mortgages are also popular during times of historically low interest rates. Many homeowners fix their interest rates while they believe the cost of borrowing is cheap, therefore locking in the low rates well into the future. However, while fixed rate mortgages provide borrowers with some advantages, there are also several disadvantages.
Fixed interest rates are usually slightly higher than current variable rates. Borrowers should therefore refrain from fixing their rate if they believe that interest rates will either remain stagnant or fall in the near future.
If a fixed interest rate is locked in for a period of time and the variable rate for the same mortgage product remains lower throughout that same period of time, the borrower will pay more interest on their mortgage than required.
Additionally, once the fixed rate period expires, the interest rate will convert to the lender's Standard Variable Rate. It is therefore advisable for borrowers to assess their remortgage situation before the termination of the fixed rate period.
It is also important to note that most lenders charge an arrangement fee for their fixed rate mortgage products. Therefore, borrowers should assess whether the estimated future savings in interest that can be made by fixing the interest rate is not outweighed by any upfront arrangement or brokerage fees that must be paid.
Borrowers should therefore assess the overall expected cost savings in combination with the ability to manage their household budget more effectively, against any upfront fees that may be charged, before applying for fixed rate mortgages. If borrowers require help in deciding whether to fix their interest rate they should contact an independent mortgage advisor.
An independent mortgage broker can offer unbiased and impartial advice on the entire UK mortgage market. Because they are not tied to specific lenders and products they can find the most appropriate home loan products for their clients based solely on their clients? needs. Experienced brokers should be able to advise their clients whether they believe interest rates are historically low and the environment is therefore right for locking in a fixed interest rate.
Independent mortgage brokers and financial advisors should also be able to assess their clients? individual financial circumstances and recommend whether fixed rate mortgage are appropriate based on this.
Both Joseph Kenny & Michael Sterios are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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