Mortgages
Articles - Mortgage
Homes, property, real-estate and land are usually bought using a mortgage. There are a variety of different ones available including variable (adjustable) rate and fixed rate.
by ThomasGoldman


Homes, property, real-estate and land are usually bought using a mortgage. There are a variety of different ones available including variable (adjustable) rate and fixed rate.

Mortgage is a term for an agreement where cash is made available by a lender on the basis that they have the right to sell a piece of real estate if the borrower fails to make agreed repayments.

The mortgage interest rates change all the time. The 30 year fixed mortgage rate will continuously change until the loan is obtained, where as for a variable (adjustable) loan the rate will continue to change during the term of the loan. Mortgage rate comparisons are useful, but it is sensible to also consider other differences such as any late payment penalty.

The lowest mortgage interest rates might be found at times of economic hardship because the "base rate" will usually be less around such times.

A first home mortgage is sometimes subject to different rules than subsequent ones, such as sometimes being on a "non-recourse" basis, which means that if the borrower defaults and the property is not sufficient to repay the loan, the outstanding balance is not recoverable by the lender, but might be recoverable on real estate which is not a first home.

The term "mortgage rates jumbo" applies when the agreed borrowing is in excess of certain standard guidelines, thus making it a jumbo rather than regular agreement.

Sub prime mortgage lenders lend money to those who typically have too low a credit score to be able to qualify for standard ("prime") loans. One way of getting better terms is to borrow from a Wholesale mortgage lenders, who can usually offer better interest and other details, than the retail sector of the market.

Cheap mortgages are often sought by people considering owning a home. Alternatives to well-advertised retail lenders can usually be found to offer better terms. The internet can be a good place to find information on such things.

Refinancing is where a new loan on different terms is used to pay off the original loan. Refinancing mortgage rates are often not the same as original loan rates, and there are often fees to close the original mortgage and open the new one. One useful tool is a refinance mortgage calculator, but one should check other details beyond that.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.