The decision to purchase a home is probably one of the biggest commitments in life that a person will make. It entails taking on a large amount of debt over a long number of years. Because it is such a large financial responsibility, it just makes sense for an individual to compare mortgage rates before they go through with the process. A small change in the interest rate can save a person in Poplar Branch, NC thousands of dollars. Wirefly simplifies the process of discovering which home loans are best by comparing different scenarios and mortgage options so that individuals who are purchasing or refinancing a home get the best deal.
Buying a home is not cheap. Even the least expensive homes in Poplar Branch, 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 Poplar Branch, 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.
Buyers usually have a wide range of options - such as adjustable rate mortgages or fixed-rate mortgages - in terms of home loans. Read on to learn some of the most popular home loan types and who each type is best suited for.
Fixed-rate home loans in Poplar Branch, NC refer to mortgages that maintain the same interest rate throughout the entire repayment period. This means that your monthly mortgage payment will stay the same throughout each month as the years pass. This even applies to long-term financing deals, such as 30-year fixed rate mortgages. Throughout the entire term, the interest rate and the monthly payment remains completely the same.
Adjustable-rate mortgage loans (ARMs) in Poplar Branch, NC have variable interest rates that can be adjusted on occasion. Generally, ARM rates will change about once a year once the initial period (where the rate remains fixed) passes. Typically, this type of loan is called a "hybrid" product. An ARM loan that is a hybrid begins as a fixed rate before switching to an adjustable rate. For example, the 5/1 ARM loan offers a fixed interest rate for the first five years. After five years, the interest gets adjusted on an annual basis. The 5/1 portion of the name refers to the 5-year fixed period and the 1 year adjustment periods after the initial period.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers government-backed loans to help people in Poplar Branch, 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 Poplar Branch, NC to get low rates.
