Here are a few tips and tricks to help you qualify for the lowest mortgage refinance rates.
Choose the Right Mortgage
Indeed, theres no better way to obtain the lowest mortgage refinance rates than by choosing the right mortgage for your needs. The wrong mortgage could give you a lower rate, but it will not make you debt-free in the long run. Eventually, youll be forced to take out another mortgage to rectify your mistake.
The Different Types of Mortgages
To make accurate and smart decisions, make sure that you are comparing rates for the same type of mortgage. Its important to know as well what the pros and cons of each type of mortgage as these can help you determine whether youre in the position to pay your loan on time.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
If you never want to compute for next months interest rate and if youd like to avoid being taken by surprise by changes in your monthly dues then a fixed rate mortgage is the best for you. Fixed rate mortgages allow you to pay the same amount each month. Their structures, however, are rigid and if you wish to change a particular condition regarding your fixed rate mortgage, youll need your creditors approval first.
Fixed rate mortgages are generally long-term, often allowing borrowers to pay off their loans in a span of thirty years. Some of them require you to make balloon payments in the end; in such cases, you can take advantage of low-interest monthly payments but be sure you have enough cash to pay off the remaining balance of your loan at the final payment date.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
Also known as variable mortgage, an ARM has fluctuating interest rates. They are ideal if you wish to take advantage of the exceptionally low interest rates for a given period but youre also equally confident of your ability to pay off your loan even when the time comes that your loans interest rate increases. There are different types of ARMs available today, including but not limited to buy down mortgage, graduated payment mortgage, two-step mortgage, and negatively amortizing loans.
Interest Only Loans
Interest only loans may have fixed or variable interest rates, but theyre unique in the sense that they allow borrowers to pay only the interest for a specified period of time. When the allotted time expires however, the borrower will be given three choices: he can pay off the entire loan in one lump sum, refinance the loan, or proceed with a monthly installment plan which includes interest and part of the loan principal.
Conventional Loans
These are different from other types of mortgages mainly because of their source. Conventional loans are offered by well-established companies and they therefore adhere strictly to the guidelines set by the Federal National Mortgage Association.
The requirements they set for borrower are similar to what youd expect to comply with for bank loans: you need to offer evidence of your abilities for providing the down payment for the loan as well as proof of your assets, submit income requirements, and establish your borrower credit.
To choose the right refinance loan, remember to quote the lowest mortgage refinance rates youve acquired with the current interest rate youre paying for your existing loan. Dont be afraid to ask questions!
