Buying a home is an important step in becoming a homeowner, but it can be challenging to navigate all the different types of loans available. Understanding your options will help you make the best choice for your financial situation.
The most common type of mortgage is a conventional fixed-rate loan. These come in terms of 30, 15 or 10 years.
Interest-Only Loans
An interest-only loan is a mortgage where you pay only the interest for an introductory period and then begin to pay down the principal. This can be a good option for someone who wants to save money on their monthly mortgage payments or for borrowers who have the cash available to make large lump-sum payments when it comes time to repay the loan.
Home buyers often choose an interest-only loan if they have the ability to put down a lower amount of money and want to keep their monthly mortgage payment low for a while. They may also be buying a house for a short-term investment or for a second property to become their primary residence.
Typically, interest-only loans come in the form of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). The initial introductory rate will be fixed, but it will adjust throughout the life of the loan. ARMs are popular for the extra negotiating power they offer to homebuyers who have low down payments and need to buy a larger house than they can afford with a traditional mortgage.
Since a loan can last for up to 10 years, it can be a great way to buy a house without having to put down a lot of cash. But you must be prepared to start making regular payments on the principal after the introductory period has ended, so make sure you have a sound plan in place before you take out an interest-only mortgage.
In addition to lowering your monthly payments, an interest-only loan is also a good option for buyers who expect to be in a new job or in a high-paying field soon and can afford to set aside some money for retirement, college tuition or other financial goals. This type of loan can also be beneficial to a first-time buyer who plans to move or downsize after the introductory period ends and has a high credit score.
Also Read: The Benefits of Life Insurance
Interest-only loans are not for everyone, however. Banks will take on a higher risk when they issue them, so they require borrowers to meet high qualifications. They will examine the borrower’s assets, income and future financial potential. They will also consider their debt-to-income ratio. They will scrutinize a borrower’s credit history and determine how likely they are to default on their mortgage.
Amortizing Loans
When making a big purchase, it’s important to know how much it will cost you over time. This is why many home buyers choose to make an amortizing loan a part of their mortgage payment plan.
Amortizing loans are a type of debt instrument that comes with a specific payment schedule that breaks down how you’ll pay from the balance that you owe and from the interest that accumulates on the account. They compare favorably to other debt instruments, especially for large purchases, because they are predictable and straightforward to understand.
Generally speaking, an amortizing loan will start with high interest payments that decrease over the course of your repayment term. But over time, your monthly payments will almost entirely go toward paying off the remaining principal on your loan until it’s paid in full.
The reason that these types of loans have become so popular is because they’re easy to understand, allow borrowers to build equity faster, and don’t require a huge balloon payment at the end of your loan’s term. This makes them ideal for home buyers who want a flexible financing option that fits into their budget and helps them achieve their financial goals.
Most home loans are fully amortizing, which means that you’ll be paying off the loan balance in a series of fixed, periodic payments until it’s completely paid off. These loans are also known as fixed-rate mortgages and have been the default payment method for many years.
A mortgage amortization calculator can help you determine the amount of your loan that will be paid off over the course of its term. It includes details such as your total loan amount, the length of your loan’s amortization period (which is the number of years you have to repay the loan), how often you’ll make payments and your interest rate.
A good loan amortization calculator can help you calculate how much your payments will be over the life of your loan and show you how quickly you’ll pay off the loan if you make them on time. With this information, you can compare loans and make informed decisions when choosing a home mortgage.
Second Mortgages
Home buyers who need to borrow extra funds for a down payment or for debt repayment often use second mortgages. These loans can also be used for home renovations or education. But before you apply for one, be sure to understand what they are and whether they’re right for you.
A second mortgage, also called a junior mortgage, is a loan that uses the value of your house as collateral. Typically, these are home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).
In general, the more you have in equity in your home, the lower the interest rate on your second mortgage. You can borrow up to 85 percent of the value of your home, minus what you owe on your first mortgage.
Many lenders prefer that you have a minimum credit score of 620, though some will accept borrowers with lower scores. They may also require that you have a low debt-to-income ratio. In fact, most second mortgages have a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less.
You must also be able to make the additional monthly payments on a second mortgage. If you’re having trouble keeping up with two mortgages, it’s time to consider other options.
When considering a second mortgage, be sure to compare rates and terms from multiple lenders. The best rates and terms are usually found with a local bank or credit union that can offer you a checking account that automatically withdraws your payments.
Some second mortgages are open-end, meaning you can take out cash up to a pre-determined amount and redraw again if you need it as you pay down the balance. Other second mortgages are closed-end, in which you receive the full loan amount at once and must repay it.
Taking out a second mortgage can be an effective way to help you buy or renovate your home, but it’s important to do so only if the funds will benefit your long-term financial goals. Otherwise, it’s just another debt you need to repay.
Besides the cost of borrowing, second mortgages can increase your mortgage payments and interest costs and make it more difficult to pay off your first mortgage. They can also delay the completion of your mortgage or cause you to lose your home if you don’t keep up with your second mortgage payments.
Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages allow homeowners to access home equity without having to pay monthly debt payments. They can be used for a variety of reasons, such as paying off an existing mortgage or to fund a retirement nest egg. However, borrowers should be aware of the responsibilities and conditions involved in these loans, as well as possible scams.
Reverse mortgages are available from government-approved lenders and private home equity lenders. They can be disbursed as a lump sum, as a line of credit or as monthly annuities. Borrowers can also combine a reverse mortgage with a traditional loan to get the most value from their home equity.
Unlike conventional loans, proceeds from reverse mortgages aren’t taxed. They can be used to finance a large purchase and renovation project, such as a new kitchen or an addition. You can also use the money to supplement your income or fund a child’s college education.
These loans are a popular choice for retirees who want to take advantage of their home’s equity without the burden of a monthly mortgage payment. But if you’re planning to move within the next few years, a reverse mortgage might not be for you.
The loan amount is based on the appraised value of your home, as well as your age and current interest rates. It’s important to note that the federal government lowered its initial principal limit for reverse mortgages in October 2017, making it harder for younger borrowers to qualify.
In most cases, borrowers don’t need to repay the balance of their reverse mortgage as long as they continue to live in their home and pay property taxes and homeowners insurance. But if you sell the house or pass away, your heirs can be required to pay back the loan.
If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, talk to a financial planner or estate attorney about how the funds can be distributed and what will happen when you die. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to leave a larger inheritance than you expected.
Reverse mortgages are also more complicated than conventional loans, because your heirs could have to pay back the loan if you don’t. They can do this by selling the home or taking out a new mortgage. Alternatively, they could receive the remaining balance of your loan in cash or through a life insurance policy.
