Properties are secured under mortgage to oblige the borrower to make a predetermined succession of loan payments. A borrower can obtain mortgage finance to from a financial institution like banks. Components like loan size, loan maturity, interest rate and loan payment method differs significantly from one creditor to another.
Mortgaged properties levy restrictions on the use or disposal of the property like selling the property before closing outstanding debt payment. In countries where the demand for home ownership is colossal, robust domestic markets have developed. Economies of USA and UK heavily depend on mortgage finance.
In the USA, borrowers obtain the mortgage finance by submitting a Loan application in conjunction with documents related to borrower’s credit or financial history to the bank underwriter. Alternatively, borrower’s can submit the same documents to a mortgage broker, who then assess the information and provides the borrower with best possible options of financing the mortgaged property. Often, unsuspected borrowers fall prey to unscrupulous money- lenders or brokers en-cash on the borrower’s plight and work the situation to their advantage, while eliminating the mortgage responsibility on the property and force the property owners into foreclosures.
Lenders take into account key factors that influence their decisions regarding lending to a borrower. These factors include credit report, outstanding credit, credit card accounts, down payment, income, interest rates, available funds and debt to income ratio. In addition, supply & demand, interest rates, demographics and economic growth relatively influence the mortgage industry.
Mortgage loans are available to borrowers at Fixed and Adjustable interest rates.
Regardless of national interest rate change, fixed interest rates remain unchanged. Used as part of an introductory offer, usually they are replaced by higher fixed rate or variable rates upon successful completion of six months of the loan duration. The alternative to change a fixed interest rate is through refinancing – getting a lower fixed rate or variable rate on the new loan agreement. Fixed interest rate provides a security against elevating national rates, borrowers are an advantage of paying a comparatively lower are, if locked for a lower fixed rate than the current national rate. It makes budgeting easier, if succession of loan payments is unequivocal. However, the disadvantage lies when the national rates have pulled down, borrowers end up paying a higher interest on their mortgage loan.
Variable rates in contrast fluctuate in response to changes in national rates. It is directly proportional to the national rates, hence when national rates pick up; variable rates increase and when they decline so do the variable rates. It’s the most common type of interest rate used for small loans and credit cards. With variable rates prediction of lump sum payment is difficult, it could increase up to several times than the payment that could have been made in matter of few months. However, monthly payments remain fixed and the final payment may be a different amount due to the fluctuating interest that has been accrued over the loan.
Fixed and variable interest rates are popular when dealing with mortgage finance, though there are other types of loans like balloon loans and government backed loans that offer both types of interest as well.
