When you are wishing to purchase a new home or refinance an existing mortgage in Leighton, AL, finding the lowest rates are crucial. Wirefly gives you the information and resources you need to get a mortgage loan, so that you will find the best rate available. Your home is a huge investment, so you do not want to pay more than you need to for a home loan; therefore, it is important to take the time to compare rates and research.
Buying a home is not cheap. Even the least expensive homes in Leighton, AL cost a significant amount of money. A mortgage will probably be the most expensive bill that individuals will pay. It will be very difficult to pay for a home loan with cash, so most people will need to secure a loan to finance the purchase. The interest rate is how much money in interest a borrower will pay, and it is important for individuals to get the lowest rate. One factor that influences the rate is a person’s credit score. If a borrower has good credit, he is more likely to get a lower rate. It is important for people to get a reliable lender who will make sure you get a good rate on the loan. In some cases, a person’s real estate agent will recommend a lender they he would like you to use. It is not a good idea to just go with that lender. Keep in mind that the realtor wants to get paid, and the quicker the deal is closed, the faster he will get his money. It is important for borrowers to be patient. A lot of money is at stake, and individuals will probably be paying on the mortgage for years; therefore, do not rush the home loan process. People need to make sure they are not paying too much for the loan. Borrowers want to compare their options. They can look at their local bank in Leighton, AL, or they can look at a nationwide company online. This is where Wirefly can be very helpful. We can help borrowers compare rates to ensure that they can see what rates are offered. If a person’s credit score is low, he might consider raising it before he applies for a home loan.
Mortgage loans in Leighton, 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 Leighton, 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.
Besides conventional loans, government loans are also available in Leighton, AL. These type of home loans are backed by the federal government. Because these loans are subsidized by a government entity, a lender faces less risk if a person were to default. The main aim of government loans is to create a more affordable option for households with lower incomes and for first-time buyers who have smaller down payments. Three types of government loans are available through lenders. These include FHA loans, VA loans and USDA loans.
FHA loans in Leighton, AL are typically sought after by first-time homebuyers. However, they are available to any type of borrower. With an FHA loan, a borrower only has to fund a down payment that's as low as 3.5 percent of the total mortgage. This allows individuals with less available cash to enjoy the perks of being a homeowner. However, it also means that they will be paying insurance for the privilege of doing so.
If you are trying to refinance a mortgage on your Leighton, AL home, you are actually applying for a new home loan. If your application is approved, you will be required to pay any necessary closing costs and fees. Keep this in mind if you are looking to refinance to get lower interest rates. The price of the fees may outweigh any savings you might see with a lower interest rate. The exception to this would be if you are looking to refinance to trade an adjustable rate loan for a fixed rate one. Interest rates are likely to increase in the future, so having a fixed rate loan may end up saving you some money.
If you are trying to refinance a mortgage, the most important thing you can do is pay close attention to your credit score. With a higher credit score, you present yourself as a lower risk to lenders. Try to keep your score in the 700 range and maintain a low debt to income ratio. This will help you put the right foot forward when applying for refinancing.
