Monday, December 29, 2008

Learn More About Mortgage Refinance Loans

By John Bear

Choosing the right type of mortgage for your situation could indeed save you thousands of dollars. So, first things first. There are two main types of mortgage loans to choose from when refinancing your home mortgage loan that would depend on your financial needs and tolerance for risk. Here are a few simple tips that will help you with the proper selection of a mortgage.

Mortgage refinance loans can come in two varieties: loans with fixed interest rates and those with adjustable interest rates. Fixed Rate Mortgages come with term lengths of ten to fifty years and have payments based on an interest rate that will not change for the duration of the loan.

On the other hand, adjustable rate mortgages are specifically based on a financial index, and will include mortgage lenders margin. The other type of mortgage, hybrid loans, are more of a combination of both the fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages.

The adjustable rate mortgage's interest rate will have to change whenever the lender resets your loan. The lender will use the financial index your loan is tied to plus their own margin when they reset your interest rate and payment amount. The most common index that is used by the lenders is the one-year treasury note. Adjustable rate mortgages have the advantage of lower initial payments, but then these loans have more risk for the borrowers once the lender begins adjusting the loan.

For those homeowners who understand the risks with adjustable rate mortgage refinance loans, they will be able to save thousands of dollars with refinancing. So don't write off adjustable rate mortgages just because someone told you that you will be in a payment shock when the lender starts adjusting your loan.

Now, there are several advantages to accepting an adjustable mortgage. As a start, a low rate mortgage will allow buyers to purchase pricier home even while maintaining an affordable monthly payment. And because of the record of low rates, home buyers who obtain an adjustable rate mortgage may enjoy falling rates without even having to refinance their mortgage. Thus, they can avoid the closing costs and other fees.

Adjustable rate mortgages are ideal for individuals who plan on moving in a few years. Some people love the stability of living in one place for many years. In this case, refinancing for a fixed rate is a wise choice; however, if you prefer the flexibility of moving every three to five years, you will be sure to save money with an adjustable rate.

Home mortgage loans can be refinanced whenever you like, and in fact, some lenders suggest that the loan be allowed to mature for at least 12 months. But if you detect a change in the market trends, having to refinance shortly after purchasing your home is a smart move. Contemplating refinancing, you must then be prepared to pay additional closing fees. For more ideas, contact your current lender and inquire of prepayment penalties on your mortgage refinance loans. - 15432