Homeownership is a dream that many individuals have. When it's time for them to purchase a house, there are many details that are involved with the process. One of these details is obtaining a home loan. The majority of individuals who purchase a house need some type of help in financing such a large sum of money. One aspect of a mortgage is the interest rate that a person will pay throughout the life of a loan. With such a large amount of money at stake, dropping the interest rate as little as a quarter point can save a home buyer thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the loan. This is why it pays to compare mortgage rates in Greensboro, NC. It broadens the chance of paying a lower amount for a mortgage loan.
Buying a home is not cheap. Even the least expensive homes in Greensboro, NC 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 Greensboro, NC, 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.
A conventional home loan is a popular option with many people. If a person puts down a 20 percent down payment with this type of loan, they are not required to pay any mortgage insurance. Conventional home loans come in a few different types. They include fixed and variable rate options.
Fixed rate mortgage loans are ideal for many homebuyers in Greensboro, NC. They allow a person to have a long-term interest rate and payment that is fixed. It allows a person to budget far off into the future as they know that their monthly payments will not change. Two types of conventional loans are typically available for both individuals. These include the 30 year fixed-rate and 15 year fixed-rate home mortgage loans. While very similar, they do have a few differences. A 30 year fixed-rate conventional home loan is ideal for individuals who may already have some other debt. They can create a lower payment by choosing a 30 year option. The disadvantage is that they will have to carry the debt for 15 more years than they would with a 15 year fixed-rate home loan.
Individuals who may be relocated in Greensboro, NC due to a job change or other reason and know that they will only be living in the area for less than five years, may want to look at the option of obtaining a mortgage with an adjustable rate. The advantage of using an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is that it offers a much lower interest rate for the first few years. 3/1 and 5/1 ARMs are a few of the recognized adjustable rate mortgages that people usually choose. In the case of the 5/1 ARM, a person would pay a fixed rate for the first five years that they have the loan, and they would pay a variable rate every year after. In an environment where interest rates are rising, this would not be suitable for someone wanting to stay in their home for a long time as payments would increase each year once the fixed-rate time is over.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers government-backed loans to help people in Greensboro, NC be able to afford a new home. These loans are insured by the federal government, so they are safer for lenders. With these loans, borrowers do not need perfect credit to qualify, and they can purchase a home with only making a 3.5% down-payment. Anyone, not just first-time homebuyers, can apply for an FHA loan. With an FHA loan, mortgage insurance is required, increasing the monthly payment amount.
There are other loans that the federal government insures as well. The Veterans Affairs offers VA loans to people who have served in the United States government. The VA provides 100% of the financing, so borrowers will not need a down payment, and the closing costs are minimal. In addition, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) insures loans for people who live in rural areas and make less money. The fees involved with this loan are minimal.
Borrowers also have the option of a conventional loan. This mortgage is not insured by the federal government, so borrowers will need good credit and a higher down payment amount.
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 Greensboro, NC to get low rates.
