Buying a new home should be a thrilling experience. Individuals want to find the perfect home for their family to make lasting memories. However, homes are not cheap, so people need to find the lowest interest rates possible. Wirefly is a great resource to help buyers get the tools and information they need to get the best rate. Homebuyers do not want to pay more for a home than is necessary, so it is important to compare and research mortgage rates in Dothan, AL.
Individuals who are shopping for a home in Dothan, AL will usually require the assistance of a lender. Even though some homes in the area may be as inexpensive as $50,000, it is still quite a burden for many individuals. When a person goes shopping for a home loan, it's best to find the lowest interest rate possible. This ensures that more money goes towards the principle than it does interest. This allows an individual to put more money into other necessities or bills. Of course, lenders will typically refer a person to a mortgage company that they have a relationship with. While this may be helpful, it is not always the best option. It's advisable to compare home loans online so that a person gets the best deal. Buying a home is a big decision that should not be run through quickly. Of course, most individuals want to complete the process as fast as possible but taking the time to find the best mortgage rate in Dothan, AL can save a person a large amount of cash in the long run. By utilizing the mortgage rate tool that Wirefly provides, it gives a person a chance to compare and find an interest rate that will save them money. In addition, a person should always strive to pay their bills on time and keep a good relationship with all creditors. A person's credit score will play a huge role in determining an interest rate.
Mortgage loans in Dothan, AL are designed for all types of buyers. Some individuals may be purchasing their home for the first time, and others may be refinancing to receive a lower interest rate. When a person goes to shop for a loan, they will find two main categories: conventional loans and government-backed loans. Conventional loans can be set up so that a person pays a fixed rate or a variable rate.
Fixed rate mortgages are typically offered in time spans that equal 30 years or 15 years. When a person decides to use a 30 year fixed-rate loan, they end up paying a fixed amount for the mortgage every month for the next 30 years. Their payment will go towards both principal and interest. Their interest rate will also stay fixed for those 30 years. In contrast, a 15 year fixed-rate loan has a time span that equals 15 years. This type of home loan will have a lower interest rate, but it will also have a higher fixed payment each month. An advantage of choosing a 30 year fixed-rate loan is that it makes a mortgage more affordable due to the lower monthly payments. However, a disadvantage is that a person will carry this type of loan for twice the time of a 15 year fixed-rate loan. A person must decide which is best for their budget.
An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is another type of conventional loan that is chosen by some individuals. It is easiest to show how this type of loan works with an example. A 3/1 ARM is a popular adjustable rate mortgage that is offered in Dothan, AL. If a person chooses this option, they will pay a fixed rate for three years and pay a variable rate for the next 27 years of the loan. This option is usually a wise choice for individuals who will not be staying in a house for an extended period of time. If a person thinks that they will be living in the home for longer than five years, they may want to consider a fixed-rate loan as interest rates could continue to rise year after year. They would be stuck with higher mortgage payments if they initially chose an ARM.
Since fixed-rate home loans and adjustable-rate mortgages are the most common in Dothan, AL, your decision should center on either of the two. However, other options are worth your consideration. These are none other than regular of government-insured mortgages. The most prominent government-insured home loans include but are not limited to FHA, USDA, and VA loans. What makes conventional mortgages distinct from government-insured home loans is the fact that the former does not have federal government insurance. FHA loans, also referred to as Federal Housing Administration mortgages are subject to management by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. With Federal Housing Administration mortgages, everyone is a benefactor regardless of whether you are a first-time borrower or not. If you or any other borrower defaults on repaying a home loan, it is the federal government that compensates the lender on your behalf. Thus, all banks receive protection from potential losses in this type of mortgage. Under this program, you can make a down payment of 3.5% of the entire home value to secure its purchase. However, such an arrangement might cost you in the long run. Before gaining access to the mortgage, you ought to first pay for the mortgage insurance, a factor that increases your monthly payment.
You might refinance your home for several reasons. You might want to lower your monthly payment amount, or you might want to shorten the life of your loan. You might need to get a lower interest rate. Whatever the reason, with a refinance loan, the lender will pay off your existing mortgage and replace it with a brand new loan. If approved, you will need to pay closing costs, and an appraisal will probably need to be done. Therefore, if you are refinancing to obtaining a lower interest rate, you need to make sure you are actually saving money. If you are refinancing to switch from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate, you will probably be saving money because rates will probably go up in the future instead of down. If you are looking for a new mortgage, try to keep your credit score above 700 and keep your debt-to-income ratio low. You want to give yourself the best chance of getting the lowest rate and saving money. Even if you do not meet the strict standards that lenders desire, it is still possible in Dothan, AL to get low rates.
