When you go to the bank to get a mortgage, you'll inevitably be asked to take out mortgage insurance. The idea behind mortgage insurance is simply that if something happens to you or your spouse then your loan will be paid off which is good news for your family and the bank. Most financial institutions act like they are doing you a favor by offering you mortgage insurance through their own group plan, but are they?
The truth is that you could probably get a much better deal and at least an equal amount of protection by shopping around for your own insurance policy.
Essentially, mortgage insurance is no different than term-life insurance. With both, your policy only lasts for a specified period of time and pays its benefits if something happens to you or your spouse. The real difference comes down to how much control you'll have over your policy and how much you'll pay for it.
If you choose to use the mortgage insurance offered by the bank, you will not be able to customize a policy to fit your needs and you'll be lumped together with other borrowers under a group plan. Because of this, you will only have limited control over your policy. For example, through a third party provider, you would be able to choose your own beneficiary, decide how to spend the proceeds if necessary, and cancel the policy at any time. You would not have these options with a lending institution.
Additionally, the bank maintains the right to not renew your policy and to cancel the policy when you sell the house. If you find your own insurance provider, you can make those decisions yourself.
The other big difference is cost. A third party insurance policy's premiums will not go up, so you would pay the same premium today that you'd pay ten years from now. You won't get that same guarantee from a bank which can and probably will increase your premiums during the life of the policy. In most cases, you'll probably pay more through a bank anyway. In fact, you could pay as much as 40% more than you would if you shopped around and found your own insurance provider. Not to mention that the policy you take out through your bank will gradually decrease in value while a plan you select from an outside source will be worth the same amount during the entire policy period.
Of course, many people don't mind paying more for their mortgage insurance because it's more convenient than dealing with insurance agents. The truth is that you can easily find a policy that fits your needs and provides affordable premiums via the Internet. An organization, such as the Hughes Trustco Group, can even generate quotes for you from multiple insurance providers so you'll know that you're receiving the best deal possible on the policy you want.
The bottom line is that mortgage insurance is important and should be part of your home buying or refinancing preparations, but that does not mean you need to pay more or let the bank make important decisions for you. Instead, you should find your own personal plan from a third party provider which will let you stay in control of your policy and will save you money in the long run.
http://www.american-lender.com/free-info/How-Good-a-Deal-Is-Your-Banks-Mortgage-Insurance-Plan.html
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Home Mortgage Low Interest Rate - Finding The Best Mortgage
Interest rates are at an all time low, making now the perfect time to purchase a new home or refinance your existing mortgage. The interest rate you receive will depend largely on your credit rating, monthly debt, and your income. Mortgage loans are typically 15 to 30 years in length and will either have a fixed or variable interest rate.
Before you apply for a mortgage it's a good idea to check your credit report. Even with poor credit, correcting mistakes and checking the accuracy of your credit report can be very helpful to you in choosing a lender and obtaining the lowest interest rate possible.
A pre-qualification or pre-approval from a lender can be useful in searching for and making an offer on a new home. Sellers can be very receptive to potential homebuyers who have already begun the mortgage process.
Loan products vary from one lending institution to another, so be certain to compare rates and terms. The rate of interest you pay can greatly affect your monthly payments and the over all costs involved in obtaining and paying off your home loan. Finding the best interest rate available to you will definitely save you money. While shopping for a mortgage, check the current interest rates as well as projected fluctuations in the market. Interest rates are currently at an all time low but even slight periodic changes can mean more money out of your pocket.
Your lender will be required to disclose the annual percentage rate that you'll pay in regard to your home loan. The APR will tell you how much interest you will pay each year and throughout the length of your mortgage. Each different lender and loan product will have unique terms and conditions. You interest rate will be based on several factors, including your credit score. Generally the higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you will pay. If you have no or bad credit, your credit score will be lower than someone who has had many credit accounts and paid them as agreed each month. Shop around for the best lender and home loan for your situation.
No matter what your financial situation or credit score, finding a home loan with the lowest possible interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over time. Bad credit or good credit, there are lenders who can tailor a loan to your specific needs and offer you an interest rate and payments to fit your budget.
http://www.american-lender.com/free-info/Home-Mortgage-Low-Interest-Rate--Finding-The-Best-Mortgage.html
Before you apply for a mortgage it's a good idea to check your credit report. Even with poor credit, correcting mistakes and checking the accuracy of your credit report can be very helpful to you in choosing a lender and obtaining the lowest interest rate possible.
A pre-qualification or pre-approval from a lender can be useful in searching for and making an offer on a new home. Sellers can be very receptive to potential homebuyers who have already begun the mortgage process.
Loan products vary from one lending institution to another, so be certain to compare rates and terms. The rate of interest you pay can greatly affect your monthly payments and the over all costs involved in obtaining and paying off your home loan. Finding the best interest rate available to you will definitely save you money. While shopping for a mortgage, check the current interest rates as well as projected fluctuations in the market. Interest rates are currently at an all time low but even slight periodic changes can mean more money out of your pocket.
Your lender will be required to disclose the annual percentage rate that you'll pay in regard to your home loan. The APR will tell you how much interest you will pay each year and throughout the length of your mortgage. Each different lender and loan product will have unique terms and conditions. You interest rate will be based on several factors, including your credit score. Generally the higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you will pay. If you have no or bad credit, your credit score will be lower than someone who has had many credit accounts and paid them as agreed each month. Shop around for the best lender and home loan for your situation.
No matter what your financial situation or credit score, finding a home loan with the lowest possible interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over time. Bad credit or good credit, there are lenders who can tailor a loan to your specific needs and offer you an interest rate and payments to fit your budget.
http://www.american-lender.com/free-info/Home-Mortgage-Low-Interest-Rate--Finding-The-Best-Mortgage.html
Residential Mortgage - Finding The Best Home Mortgage Lender
Most people approach the act of getting a home mortgage purchase or refinance loan the wrong way. They timidly approach lenders and cross their fingers that they will quality for that all-important loan. But that’s just the opposite of what most people should be doing!
There are a lot of lenders out there—some great and others that can be difficult to work with. And here’s the good news—they all want your business! Before agreeing to a contract with just any lender, you should make an appointment with (in person or by telephone) and ask them some important questions. Doing so could make the difference in a wonderful experience and one that you’d rather forget.
If you are in the process of applying for a mortgage loan—either online or off—then you should ask the following questions to every lender that you are considering.
• What are my loan options? Some lenders specialize in only fixed-rate mortgages and you couldn’t get an ARM if you begged. It’s important to know your options up-front.
• What is the interest rate? You can easily go online and find the competitive interest rate on any given day, and you should ensure that your chosen mortgage lender is offering you one in line with the market.
• How many points will I have to pay to guarantee that rate? Just because someone offers you a great interest rate, that doesn’t mean there won’t be strings attached. Be sure and ask if the interest rate they quoted you is contingent on your buying points.
• Will you charge an application fee? This can vary drastically from lender to lender, and in some cases the fees are negotiable.
• What happens if I pay off my loan early? Some lenders will include a pre-payment penalty in their contract, actually penalizing you for paying off your loan early. If one is included in yours, try to negotiate around it, or look for another lender.
• Can I lock in my rate? Be sure to ask specifics about this. Will it be possible to lock in a rate at the application stage, or will you have to wait until you’ve been approved? After you’ve locked it in, how long is it good for?
• Will I be assigned a person that I should call with questions? It is vital that one person is familiar with your application and loan documents so you don’t have to explain yourself every time you call with a question.
• How long will it take you to approve a loan? With the Internet and other modern advances, there should no reason that a lender can’t process your loan in a jiffy. If a lender appears to be slow, you should take it as a red flag.
The best way to find a good lender is to use a home mortgage loan company online that will give you multiple offers from different lenders. You want to let lenders compete over your business.
http://www.american-lender.com/free-info/Residential-Mortgage--Finding-The-Best-Home-Mortgage-Lender.html
There are a lot of lenders out there—some great and others that can be difficult to work with. And here’s the good news—they all want your business! Before agreeing to a contract with just any lender, you should make an appointment with (in person or by telephone) and ask them some important questions. Doing so could make the difference in a wonderful experience and one that you’d rather forget.
If you are in the process of applying for a mortgage loan—either online or off—then you should ask the following questions to every lender that you are considering.
• What are my loan options? Some lenders specialize in only fixed-rate mortgages and you couldn’t get an ARM if you begged. It’s important to know your options up-front.
• What is the interest rate? You can easily go online and find the competitive interest rate on any given day, and you should ensure that your chosen mortgage lender is offering you one in line with the market.
• How many points will I have to pay to guarantee that rate? Just because someone offers you a great interest rate, that doesn’t mean there won’t be strings attached. Be sure and ask if the interest rate they quoted you is contingent on your buying points.
• Will you charge an application fee? This can vary drastically from lender to lender, and in some cases the fees are negotiable.
• What happens if I pay off my loan early? Some lenders will include a pre-payment penalty in their contract, actually penalizing you for paying off your loan early. If one is included in yours, try to negotiate around it, or look for another lender.
• Can I lock in my rate? Be sure to ask specifics about this. Will it be possible to lock in a rate at the application stage, or will you have to wait until you’ve been approved? After you’ve locked it in, how long is it good for?
• Will I be assigned a person that I should call with questions? It is vital that one person is familiar with your application and loan documents so you don’t have to explain yourself every time you call with a question.
• How long will it take you to approve a loan? With the Internet and other modern advances, there should no reason that a lender can’t process your loan in a jiffy. If a lender appears to be slow, you should take it as a red flag.
The best way to find a good lender is to use a home mortgage loan company online that will give you multiple offers from different lenders. You want to let lenders compete over your business.
http://www.american-lender.com/free-info/Residential-Mortgage--Finding-The-Best-Home-Mortgage-Lender.html
Foreclosures on the Rise - Refinance Mortgages May Be Beneficial For Some Borrowers
San Bernardino County Tax Assessor, Bill Postmus, reports that there are 30 to 40 foreclosures being filed every day. This article will explore the option of refinancing a loan as opposed to taking out a second mortgage. When you refinance a mortgage you are taking out a secured loan that will replace your existing mortgage. As the numbers of foreclosures increase around the country, it is important to consider all of your options.
But why refinance as opposed to taking out that second loan? The first consideration is the interest rate. If a homeowner has been making their payments on an adjustable rate mortgage that has reset to a higher rate, they may be better off applying for a refinance mortgage. Depending on the credit history, a fixed rate mortgage may be available.
You may be able to extend the time-frame for repayment of a refinance mortgage. By extending the period for repayment, the borrower reduces their monthly payments. Any money saved can be used to pay down the loan principal amount. By reducing the principal, you can reduce the term of repayment. Make certain that your loan does not have a pre-payment penalty.
Some borrowers may wish to liquidate some of the equity in their property. Maybe they would like to pay off some high interest credit card debt, a car loan or make some home improvements. If there is equity in the home, this type of loan may be possible.
Since interest rates on an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) shift up and down over time, it may be advantageous to lock in a lower fixed rate mortgage. A fixed rate mortgage (FRM) will ensure that the required payments over the loan term don’t fluctuate.
Some borrowers have opted for what is referred to as Cash-Out refinancing. This refers to the process of refinancing an existing loan to remove the equity. Typically, people will do that to pay off high interest non-secured debt.
There may be tax advantages to a mortgage over credit card or other non-secured debt. Non-secured loans may not be tax deductible. The interest on a mortgage may be tax-deductible. A change in deductions may also shift the borrower into a lower tax bracket. Always check with your tax professional or financial advisor first.
But there are risks associated with a cash-out or refinance loan. Although you may save money on mortgage payments and taxes, you are putting your home up as collateral for the loan. Your house may be at risk of foreclosure if you are unable to make the payments.
The borrower may also be faced with higher loan fees and points. Points are a percentage of the loan and can be used to lower the interest rate. Typically, if you pay more points you may get a lower interest rate and lower payments. Some lenders will offer to finance parts of the loan themselves, thus generating so-called "Negative points" (also called discounts).
A refinance loan should be weighed against the alternatives; either keep your existing loan or take out a second mortgage. If your existing rate is 1.5 percentage points or more that the refinance rate, it may be beneficial to refinance. But over the long-run, a refinance mortgage may be the best alternative.
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=110907_foreclosures_refinance_information.htm
Advantages of Mortgage Refinancing
The basic concept of mortgage refinance is that it acts as a second loan availed of on a property or home substituting any previous loan on the same property. Mortgage refinance offers low interest rate, also cuts down the loan repayment term by refinancing the house or property and in turn lowers the mortgage payment. For many people, mortgage refinance provides an opportunity to improve the monthly cash flow by helping them get back on their feet.
Mortgage refinancing can be an advantageous move financially as many home owners benefit out of refinance for the purposes of either cash out or to change from an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate or debt consolidation to lower their interest rate if they are either locked into an adjustable rate mortgage or fixed rate mortgage. Even though the refinancing option does not always help a person save more money, it provides a good opportunity for improving the loan terms and the benefits of debt consolidation making it an option worth considering.
When the interest rates drop drastically, people think of refinancing their loans got towards a car or home. It is worth to consider mortgage refinance or refinance loan when a person is paying high interest rates. The mortgage refinancing option can be very enticing as the interest rates are lower than when the person originally got his mortgage loan.
The person needs to know if he plans to live in the house which he is refinancing for more years or even for the rest of his life. This will help him come to a conclusion regarding the type of refinance loan he would like to go with. Before going for a refinance it is good to be sure of it first.
The person should be aware of his budget. Before going for a refinance he needs to know how much he can afford. He should have a realistic monthly payment plan so that he can be sure of paying it without any problem on time every month. The fine print of the refinance loan needs to be read in a detailed manner especially when it offers a very low interest rate. There may be a catch as those who are eager about getting a lower interest rate may not read the fine print carefully. Such persons end up paying a huge amount at the end. They should look for any penalties levied if the loan is paid early as the lender is assured of getting more interest rates and in turn more profits.
Understanding the loan is very important. In case any queries required to be clarified, there is no harm in asking questions, as it will only make the process smooth. If required, the help of a legal professional can be had to review the documents on the behalf of the borrower. This saves both money and time. Only after careful review, documents need to be signed. Apart from all these things, the credit history or credit score should be known to the borrower, as it will determine the money got through refinance loan and the loan terms.
http://www.website-articles.net/Article/Advantages-of-Mortgage-Refinancing/12514
Mortgage refinancing can be an advantageous move financially as many home owners benefit out of refinance for the purposes of either cash out or to change from an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate or debt consolidation to lower their interest rate if they are either locked into an adjustable rate mortgage or fixed rate mortgage. Even though the refinancing option does not always help a person save more money, it provides a good opportunity for improving the loan terms and the benefits of debt consolidation making it an option worth considering.
When the interest rates drop drastically, people think of refinancing their loans got towards a car or home. It is worth to consider mortgage refinance or refinance loan when a person is paying high interest rates. The mortgage refinancing option can be very enticing as the interest rates are lower than when the person originally got his mortgage loan.
The person needs to know if he plans to live in the house which he is refinancing for more years or even for the rest of his life. This will help him come to a conclusion regarding the type of refinance loan he would like to go with. Before going for a refinance it is good to be sure of it first.
The person should be aware of his budget. Before going for a refinance he needs to know how much he can afford. He should have a realistic monthly payment plan so that he can be sure of paying it without any problem on time every month. The fine print of the refinance loan needs to be read in a detailed manner especially when it offers a very low interest rate. There may be a catch as those who are eager about getting a lower interest rate may not read the fine print carefully. Such persons end up paying a huge amount at the end. They should look for any penalties levied if the loan is paid early as the lender is assured of getting more interest rates and in turn more profits.
Understanding the loan is very important. In case any queries required to be clarified, there is no harm in asking questions, as it will only make the process smooth. If required, the help of a legal professional can be had to review the documents on the behalf of the borrower. This saves both money and time. Only after careful review, documents need to be signed. Apart from all these things, the credit history or credit score should be known to the borrower, as it will determine the money got through refinance loan and the loan terms.
http://www.website-articles.net/Article/Advantages-of-Mortgage-Refinancing/12514
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