From a loan point of view there are by and large three types, a fixed rate mortgage, an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) or an interest-only loan. With an interest only loan, you are merely paying the interest portion of your loan. In an adjustable rate mortgage, the interest rate is typically fixed for a period of time, after which it will periodically (for example, annually or monthly) adjust up or down to some market index. In a fixed rate mortgage, the interest rate, and hence periodic payment, remains fixed for the life (or term) of the loan.
With a fixed rate mortgage, payments for principal and interest should not change over the life of the loan, however ancillary costs (such as property taxes and insurance) can and do change. Your monthly cash flow, number of years you expect staying in the house and your general credit past will all factor in to the type and length of loan you should select. Mortgage lending rates are still at a low level, making it a good time to buy a house.
Again, mortgage loans are those loans that are secured against your personal property such as the house you're looking to acquire. For borrowers who have exceptional credit and limited debt, there may be for all intents and purposes no documentation of income or assets necessary at all. Lenders look to lend as much money as possible, but are always looking to accept as little risk as possible.
In approving mortgage loans, lenders in almost all markets rely on credit reports and credit scores that result from them. The higher the score, the less of a financial risk the borrower is supposed to be. We've all heard that anything has its price and mortgage lending is exactly the same. Just about anyone can get a mortgage with the price tradeoff normally being a higher interest rate. Other borrowers may fall into the class of subprime lending.
At the time of making a mortgage loan for purchase of a property, lenders commonly have the borrower make a down payment, that is, make an upfront payment of a percentage of the price of the property. At one time, the necessary amount, or percentage, of a down payment has been tightly reflected on a person's credit history. However, 100% or more loan choices are out there in the mortgage lending space, even for those with a negative credit file.
In determining a clients loan amount, interest rate and cash required, lenders will consider many factors. These factors, in turn, help lenders to calculate their apparent risk of the mortgage loan, that is, the probability that the finances will be paid back. None of us will altogether understand the inner workings of a mortgage lender but the fact of the matter is that mortgage loans are on hand for all kinds of homebuyers with all kinds of credit.
Subprime lending, also called near-prime, or second chance lending, is a general term in reference to the practice of making loans to borrowers who do not meet the criteria for the top market interest rates because of their flawed credit history. Subprime lending carries risk for both lenders and borrowers because of the blend of high rates, weak credit history, and unknown financial circumstances often coupled with subprime applicants. The term "subprime" is in reference to the credit status of the borrower, not the interest rate on the loan itself. Statistically, roughly 25% of the population of the United States falls into this category and while there is no sanctioned credit profile that describes a subprime borrower, most in the United States have a credit score less than 620.
There is a web presence of very reputable lenders who are interested in helping you obtain a mortgage loan. Do a little research, get a few ideas from these lenders as to what you can qualify for, and then go out and buy your dream house. Mortgage loan rates are still at a low level, making it a good time to take the step to homeownership. Find the way to pay for your home is a necessary evil but the thought of buying a new home should excite you, not frighten you. Find the way to pay for your home is a necessary evil but the thought of buying a new home should excite you, not frighten you.
