Online Mortgage in UK - Introducing the Best Mortgage Plan Across UK

Add the term 'online' and it will open for you an exhaustive assortment of opportunities. Add online to mortgage and it will have the same effect. So many people want to get mortgage programme and get with it fast. The online mortgage in UK indisputably takes lesser time and simplifies the entire procedure. Online mortgages have furthered favourable association of circumstances for any mortgage hopeful in UK.
The British Banker's Association has put the figure of approved mortgage as 186,442, making mortgage the largest financial obligation. Online mortgage is the largest undertaking and a very integral part of the loan lending industry. The online trend with regard to mortgages has spelled great benefits for the consumers for it has increased competition among the loan lenders. This shift in the business trend towards online mortgages has provided more control in the hands of the homeowners in UK.
There is huge competition between online mortgage lenders. There are numerous mortgage lenders, all trying hard to offer you a mortgage plan. Its direct result is great mortgage rates and repayment options. Online, you can contact multiple lenders for mortgage and this will enable you to compare rates and also provide you with an excellent opportunity to select the mortgage that befits your requirements.
Online mortgages have certainly revolutionized the concept of mortgaging in UK. Internet has introduced people to a new face of mortgage process totally alien previously. A few years ago, a mortgage would have required you to find a mortgage lender or broker who would be ready to do the leg work for you, who would be willing to compose a good mortgage proposal for you. Without the online process, assembling information and drafting loan programmes would be a very demanding job. There was no way that the people could access generalized information about mortgage and interest rates. Without online mortgages, the alternatives were restricted and borrowers would settle for any mortgage lender.
So, what does the online uprising affect for general homeowner in UK? Advantages - in every way.Online mortgage in UK gives you several instruments to not only understand mortgage but also pick up the one mortgage that fits exactly in your financial configuration. All kind of mortgage information is available online which can be easily accessed sitting at home through the computer. You are exposed to hoards of information about mortgage, online.
With online options, you can actually look at the various deals offered by various UK mortgage lenders. Online, you can access financial tools to make mortgage more in sync with your demands. Financial advice, mortgage rates, mortgage calculator, and comparing mortgages online allow you to achieve the best in respect to mortgages.
With online mortgages, it is highly important to know that inadequate or false information would only work against your chances of finding a mortgage. Accuracy while providing details of your employment, your credit history, income and assets would only put you in a favourable light in front of the mortgage lender. This will help in online processing of your loan application and being approved without any setback. However, be prudent enough to offer your personal financial information only when you are filling the mortgage application form.
A UK homeowner while applying for mortgage online should not settle for the company just because it happens to publicize lower interest rates. Borrowers, applying online, must be careful about the website they are applying at. A mortgage offering website would contain a privacy policy. Go through it, if you have time. Also, confirm whether the website actually exists. A genuine online mortgage lender will have real people answering your questions when you call.
Other things to look out for are upfront fees and read the fine print before you settle on any mortgage deal in UK. Fine print can contain many details that are left otherwise. Ask questions, if you have any doubts. Queries about the online mortgage process - whether there are any fees that will be charged later on, pre payment penalties. If you don't understand anything or are uncertain, clear them before you move on.
How technology affects our life - you know that. How it affects our mortgage decisions - it is evident through online mortgages. With internet we can access various mortgage product, services, connect to almost all mortgage deals available online. It has enabled us to overcome limitations; it has stretched the possibilities of finding a mortgage beyond the local area. If your local area doesn't have a mortgage for you, you can shop; go beyond the local boundaries to find a mortgage in any part of UK. With so many mortgage options available online, the chances of your finding a mortgage are undoubtedly bright.

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Reverse Mortgages - a Reversal of the Mortgage Process

Mortgages have assumed a number of characters from the time of their inception. The traditional mortgages used to be of the repayment type. Every month the mortgagor used to pay a certain amount towards both principal and interest. Sensing the hardships that people have to face in making these payments, mortgage providers came up with interest only mortgages. But the present day customer is more pampered. He needs a mortgage where he enjoys the cash, but is not required to pay a penny towards the repayment.
A reverse mortgage is a perfect solution to such requirements. It allows a homeowner to plough the equity in his home to get cash. While the borrower enjoys cash on the mortgage, he is rid of any monthly payments.
The amount of loan received on the reverse mortgage will depend on the age of the borrower and the value of the home. The borrower has no obligation to repay the loan as long as he continues to reside in the house or as long as he survives.
To understand the reverse mortgage, it will be beneficial to compare it with forward mortgages. The forward mortgages are the traditional mortgages. These require a monthly payment either towards both principal and interest, or only towards the interest. This way the forward mortgage is repaid at the end of the repayment period.
However, reverse mortgage works opposite to the forward mortgage (hence the name). The lender advances money to the customer, for which he receives no payment. This means that the debt goes on increasing. Simultaneously the equity in home decreases. This is a rising debt and falling equity scenario. The amount of debt can never increase the value of the home. Thus, the mortgage provider, at the time of repayment, can only lay claim on the home.
Reverse mortgage is only available to people who are 62 years or more of age. The home to be mortgaged must be owned by the borrower, either individually or as a joint holder. He must have lived in the home for the majority of the years and this must be the primary residence of the customers.
Reverse mortgage is a good source of income for the elderly people. The borrower must decide the manner in which the amount received through the reverse mortgage is to be disbursed. The government does not tax the amount received on the mortgage, and the borrower is free to use the money in the way he likes. Customers who want a regular income can draw a regular monthly payment. Some customers want a credit line opened in their name so that they can draw cash as and when they want. For others the availability of a lump-sum amount is more important, since they can apply it for purposes that are more constructive. Even a combination of these options may be used to draw the money on mortgage.
The reverse mortgages are also distinct from the other mortgages on the ground that there is no limitation on the amount of income a person must have in order to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. The mortgage is secured on the home of the borrower. This shields the lender against any defaults on the mortgage. Therefore, credit history of the borrower is not much of a problem.
Keeping the home as collateral does not mean losing the right to stay in the home. The borrower can continue living in the home as long as they wish. The mortgage provider holds the right to the property, or the first mortgage. When the mortgage is repaid, the mortgage provider has to part with the rights to the home.
The mortgage will have to be repaid on the death of the last of the co-owners, if the borrower moves house permanently, or if the house is sold. Repayment of the mortgage also becomes due when the borrower fails to pay the property taxes, maintain the home, or pay the insurance of the home. Bankruptcy, letting your home, adding a new owner to the homes title, and being indicted in a fraud or misrepresentation are sufficient grounds on which the mortgage provider may demand repayment. If in case the borrower is not able to repay the mortgage, then the house will be confiscated.
Reverse mortgage leaves little equity in the home to be used by the heirs, unless the home equity is growing at an increasing rate. This will even impede the borrower from getting a secured loan or mortgage. Thus, even though a reverse mortgage is better because there is no obligation to make monthly payments, they must be taken with caution. Planning the repayment of the mortgage in advance, will let you enjoy the mortgage, while saving your house from repossession.

Aditya has completed his masters in mass communications from Jamia University. If you need UK Personal Loans, secured Loans,unsecured loans
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40 Year Mortgages - Are They Right For You?

A 40 year mortgage, with either fixed or adjustable rates, is starting to receive more attention in the mortgage business. With interest rates
rising and real estate prices booming in 2005, lenders are starting to offer the 40 year mortgage as a viable option for buying your dream home.
Although the 40 year mortgage has been around since the 1980s, it only made up for a small percentage of loans, less than 1% at most times. Now with higher interest rates, borrowers are looking for a way to save money with lower monthly payments.
With rising interest rates, the 40 year mortgage gives buyers the opportunity to still buy the home they want and receive a lower payment.
For those that aren't interested in putting that many years into a mortgage or in a 40-year amortization, many are beginning to also consider a combination of other ARMs and interest-only mortgages. These mortgages are currently making up
a large percentage of the mortgage originations and continue to increase as interest rates increase. These loans are often referred to as option ARMs, or short-term ARMs that start out with introductory rates of as low as 1%, but give buyers a variety of mortgage payment options.
Other mortgage options that are being offered by mortgage lenders include a
20-20 mortgage, where the interest rates would adjust after the first 20 years.
Another reason many borrowers are considering, and lenders are offering a 40 year mortgage is so that buyers can spend more money while purchasing a home. By stretching out the mortgage from thirty to 40 years, there is still the possibility of purchasing the home of your dreams.
The 40 year mortgage is also good for first time homebuyers or those who need extra help, like young couples or those with
less than perfect credit. This will give those homebuyers a chance to still invest in a home but without a high monthly payment. They need to keep in mind, though, that the disadvantage of this forty year
mortgage is a higher interest rate in the long run. It also takes longer to build up the equity on the home because the borrower is further stretching out paying on the principal of the
mortgage, which builds equity on a home.
Many lenders are still finding that there is not enough interest in the 40 year mortgage to sustain offering them through the lending company, but this may change since Fannie Mae recently announced that they would begin purchasing these loans. In September 2003, with a pilot program of 22 credit unions, Fannie Mae offered to buy back both fixed and adjustable rate loans and will soon expand the pilot program to many other
banks & financial institutions.
For borrowers who don't have many options, consider starting with a 40 year
mortgage and then refinancing down the road. If you don't refinance the loan there is always the option to send in
pre-payments as your income increases.
Most experts are noting that these lengthier mortgages are not good for older couples or an older person seeking to invest in a home because it will take too long to build up that equity and the person could be paying for the home into their seventies or eighties.
The retired person may not have the means to sustain paying a mortgage.
The bottom line is that there are a number of options for homebuyers and those options need to be taken into consideration before deciding on the mortgage that best suits you. These new mortgage options also open up the market to a range of new borrowers so this could always fuel even higher
values in the real estate market. As well, a 40-year mortgage is not the best option for everyone but there are viable alternatives that can help you
purchase the home you want. Be sure you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages and always consider your options for refinancing down the road.

The Mortgage Resource Center is a free online resource. Click here for unbiased information on reverse mortgages, here for interest only loans and click here for info on 30 year loans.
You may use and/or change this article as you see fit in any way that suits your needs for use on your website.

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Tips For Locking in the Best Home Mortgage Rate

Tip #1: Always Shop For Home Mortgage Rates
Don't blindly accept a Realtor or Builder referral to apply for a Home Mortgage through their preferred lender. Many times they will say, "We work closely with this guy and he gets the job done". Translation: "We play golf together and he buys the beer". Remember, the Realtor won't be paying the bill each month for the next 30 years, you will.
Mortgage Loan Officers that work off of a referral network of Realtors and Builders don't have to have competitive Home Mortgage Rates because they have a steady stream of "Drones" (people who are referred to them and don't shop) calling them. Shop around, get the lowest cost Home Mortgage Rate, then if you are inclined, approach the "preferred" Loan Officer you were referred to and ask him to match the quote.
If you apply for a Home Mortgage through a preferred lender without shopping, you will pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in additional costs.
Tip #2: Call For Home Mortgage Quotes After 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Mortgage Rates change each day and sometimes midday. The previous day's rates typically expire by 8:30 a.m. the next morning. Generally, Home Mortgage Rates are published each day by 11:00 a.m. Eastern time. This varies from lender to lender. To make sure you are getting Home Mortgage Rates from the current day and not a mixture of rates from the previous day from some lenders and the current rates from other lenders, always do your rate shopping after 11:00 a.m. Eastern time.
Get all your quotes after 11:00 a.m. Eastern time.
Sometimes Home Mortgage Rates change midday due to a volatile bond market. When this happens, some Home Mortgage Lenders will adjust the Discount Points for their rates in accordance with the new bond prices and publish new Home Mortgage Rates for that day. Other Lenders may continue to honor their morning rates.
Tip#3: Always Tell The Mortgage Loan Officer You Are Prepared To Apply For A Loan NOW
If you are buying a home, tell the Home Mortgage Loan Officer you are Rate shopping and you have a "ratified contract" to purchase a house. Tell him you intend to make a decision and Lock-In a rate on that day, but you have to check a few other lenders. If he asks you how his rates compare to the others, tell him he's the first person you've called. If you are refinancing, tell the Home Mortgage Loan Officer you are ready to apply for a Refinance Home Mortgage today. If you don't tell him that, he may provide a fake Home Mortgage Rate quote.
Loan Officers know you will probably talk to another lender with lower Home Mortgage Rates and the only way he can be sure for you to call him back is to give you a fake quote that appears to be the lowest. He's expecting you will rate shop for several days and figures you will call him back in a day or two because he provided a low, bogus rate quote. Also, since Home Mortgage Rates change daily and are subject to change at any time, he's not concerned about giving you a fake quote.
How will you compare quotes if you don't know which quotes are real and which are part of a bait and switch plan? The only way to ensure getting real quotes is to box in the Home Mortgage Loan Officers by making them think you are ready to Lock-In a Home Mortgage Rate immediately.
Tip#4: Ask For The Total Points And The Total Fees
When you call a Mortgage Lender, ask for the "Total Points" (Discount Points, Loan Origination Fee, Broker Points) for each Home Mortgage Rate. Some lenders will only quote the Discount Points and deliberately leave out the Loan Origination Fee. You won't find out about the 1.00 Point Loan Origination Fee until you apply for the Home Mortgage. By that time, the Loan Officer figures you will just accept it because he's got your application and pulled your credit report. In addition, Mortgage Brokers often neglect to mention their Broker Fee.
Some lenders do not charge a Loan Origination Fee.
When you are quoted the Total Points, specifically ask them if there is an additional Loan Origination Fee or Broker Fee being charged. You truly have to nail this down when you talk to a Home Mortgage Loan Officer.
Also, ask for a list of ALL other fees that will appear on the Good Faith Estimate that you will be paying to the Lender or Broker. Make sure they include their Credit Report and Appraisal Fees. Some lenders charge one lump sum fee and that includes the Credit Report and Appraisal Fees while other lenders will itemize each fee. Keep it simple and ask for all fees, including the cost of the credit report and appraisal fees.
Don't get confused by Title Company, Attorney Fees or Escrows. A lender will estimate these on your Good Faith Estimate, but these charges are not related to costs associated with a Mortgage Rate quote. The amount required for your escrow account will not change from lender to lender and Title Company and Attorney Fees are not being charged by the lender. Don't include them in your comparison.
Tip#5: Always Confirm The Rate Lock Period When Asking For A Rate Quote
If you are buying a home and you need 60 days to close, make sure you specifically request Mortgage Rate quotes with a 60 Day Lock period. Some Home Mortgage Loan Officers will quote rates with 15 Day or 30 Day Lock periods because the Discount Points for shorter lock periods are less than rate locks for longer periods. Quoting a Home Mortgage Rate with a 15 Day lock period obviously gives that Loan Officer an unfair edge. It is also a waste of your time because the quote isn't real if you can't settle on your loan within 15 days. Always specify a 60 Day Lock-In if you are buying a home. Ask for 45 Days if you are refinancing, but you may be able to get it done within 30 days if you are very diligent and call your Home Mortgage Loan Officer twice a week for a status of your application.
If your rate lock expires, the lender will re-lock you at the higher of either the original rate or the current rate when you decide to re-lock. That's a LOSE/LOSE situation for you. Never let your rate lock expire.
Tip#6: Compute The Dollar Cost Of The Points And Add All Fees
After you've spent some time talking to a bunch of Mortgage Loan Officers, you will have lots of Rates, Points and Fees on a sheet of paper. You will need to compute the dollar cost of the Points (multiply the mortgage amount X the Total Points expressed as a percent; For example, multiply 400,000 mortgage amount X.625% for.625 Points). Then add the dollar cost of the points to the Total Fees. You can then compare each Home Mortgage Lender's Total Cost (dollar cost of the points + all lender related fees) for a given rate. That will show you which Home Mortgage Lender has the lowest cost Home Mortgage Rates.
If Mortgage Insurance (not to be confused with mortgage life insurance) is required on a Conventional Home Mortgage, ask for the cost per year expressed as a percent and compare it from lender to lender. Some lenders require different levels of coverage and this will affect your monthly Mortgage Insurance payment. In addition, lenders use several different mortgage insurance companies and they charge different rates for their coverage. The lender will select the mortgage insurance company.
The cost of Mortgage Insurance can vary from lender to lender even though most Home Mortgage Loan Officers will say, "We don't determine the Mortgage Insurance coverage, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do". Your can just say, "Please humor me and provide the Monthly Mortgage Insurance expressed as a percent".
You will want to check the quoted percent with what is on your initial application documents and final loan documents to make sure the Monthly Mortgage Insurance payment isn't higher than what you were quoted. If it is, get it reduced immediately. If they won't do that, then ask them to reduce your Home Mortgage Rate by.125% and that should cover the difference.
If you are getting a government insured mortgage (FHA or VA), you don't have to get into a comparison of the FHA MIP or the VA Funding Fee. This is a cost you will be paying, however every lender MUST use the same costs, so there is no reason to attempt to compare these costs from lender to lender.
Tip#7: When You've Found The Lowest Cost Rate, Apply and Lock The Rate
While you were looking for houses or thinking about refinancing, you may have shopped around and gotten some quotes from lenders and narrowed down your search to the best 5 Home Mortgage Lenders or Brokers. But when it is time to apply for your Mortgage, make sure you update your quotes for the 5 lowest priced Home Mortgage Lenders. After you identify the Home Mortgage Lender with the lowest cost rate, call and apply for the loan. Tell the Home Mortgage Loan Officer you want to Lock-In your Home Mortgage Rate and apply NOW. If the quote has changed since you updated your quotes a couple of hours before, tell the Loan Officer you want him to honor the previous quote. If he won't do it, tell him you may call back. Then call the next cheapest Home Mortgage Lender on your list. If that lender tells you the same thing, you can go back to the first lender and proceed with the application process.
Before you provide your application information, make sure the Home Mortgage Loan Officer agrees to provide you with an actual Rate Lock confirmation via email or fax on the same day you apply for your loan. When you receive the Rate Lock confirmation, check it and make sure you are Locked-In for the number of required days (30, 45 or 60), with the correct Loan Type (30 Year Fixed, 15 Year Fixed, etc.), with the correct Total Points quoted. It's normal for a lender to require you to apply over the phone before they will Lock-In your Home Mortgage Rate.
TIP#8: Never Float The Rate
If the Mortgage Loan Officer thinks you might be inclined to FLOAT your Rate and Points, he may say, "I think the rates are going to be coming down, so you might want to FLOAT". Remember this, never FLOAT your Home Mortgage Rate. Never. Always Lock-In the Rate and Points. If you FLOAT, and the Discount Points for Home Mortgage Rates drop, you will only realize the benefit of a small part of that drop in the Points, if any at all. The Home Mortgage Loan Officer will keep the rest of the savings as a fat commission.
Here's how they increase their commission when you FLOAT. Originally, the lender quoted 4.875% with 1.00 Total Point when you applied for your loan. Then 45 days later you called to Lock-In. Keep in mind that over the 45 day period that you were FLOATING, the actual Points for 4.875% dropped to.250 Total Points. So you should have saved.75 Total Points on your 4.875% rate. Right? No! First, you don't know if his company's points have dropped or by how much they might have dropped. So, instead of giving you 4.875% for.250 Total Points, the Home Mortgage Loan Officer tells you his rates only dropped a little bit. He says you can Lock-In 4.875% for.75 Total Points. You are happy because it is.25 lower than what it was when you applied for your loan, but the Home Mortgage Loan Officer is ecstatic because he keeps half of the "overage" you paid. That overage is.50 points and he splits this with his company. If the mortgage amount was $400,000, he just earned.25% which is an additional $1,000 commission. That's not bad for a five minute phone conversation.
If you FLOAT and the Discount Points for Mortgage Rates increase, you will pay for the increase. FLOATING is a LOSE/LOSE proposition for you and a WIN/WIN for the Home Mortgage Loan Officer.
Some companies quote very low rates and attract lots of applications, but they don't let you Lock-In until 15 Days prior to loan closing. If you apply for a Mortgage through a company with that policy, you will get screwed. When it's time to Lock-In your Mortgage Rate, you will pay an "overage" that will go straight to the Mortgage Loan Officers pocket. You will either pay more points for the rate you requested at the time of application or you will get a higher rate. Either way, you will get screwed and the Loan Officer will get a fat overage added to his commission.
Tip#9: Get a Final Good Faith Estimate Several Days Before Loan Closing
Get a copy of the Final Good Faith Estimate at least a few days before the scheduled closing day. Check the Mortgage Rate, Points, Fees and Monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium (if applicable). Make sure you are getting exactly what you bargained for. Ask questions if you don't understand something. Demand that previously undisclosed fees be removed from the Final Good Faith Estimate. Make sure you get a revised estimate if the Mortgage Loan Officer verbally agrees to make changes.
The day of loan closing is the wrong time to haggle over discrepancies.

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Do Your Homework - Find the Mortgage That Fits Your Lifestyle and Your Budget

You've been looking at houses for months, and finally you've found it--the house that's just right. So now, all you have to do is to purchase your new home, move in, and get settled, right? Not quite. There's one more big step to go-getting a mortgage loan. You're going to want to decide on the type of mortgage and payment terms that fit within your budget. And you're going to have to prepare yourself by doing some research. What follows is valuable information that will be crucial in helping you make loan decisions that will fit your budget and circumstance.
Series: 3 Finding a Perfect Match for your Home Mortgage
Factors That Affect Your Mortgage
Mortgage payments are determined based on the following criteria:
Amount of the loan
Length of the loan
Down payment
Discount points
Closing costs
Credit quality
Income level
Lock in period
Loan Amount: The amount of your loan can increase your interest rate if the amount financed exceeds the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, (private corporations regulated by the federal government) that administer loans. The conforming loan limit changes at the beginning of each year.
Shorter loans, such as a 30 year or 15 year note, can save you thousand of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan, but your monthly payments will be high. An adjustable rate mortgage may get you started with a lower interest rate than a fixed rate mortgage, but your payments could get higher when the interest rate changes.
Down Payment: A large down payment will give you the best possible rate. If you've got the cash now and want to lower your payments, you can pay points on your loan to lower your mortgage rate. The concept is simple: In exchange for more money upfront, lenders are willing to lower their interest rate, cutting the borrower's payments. Remember to consider upcoming expenses and closing costs in your down payment decision.
Closing costs. In addition to your down payment, you will need to pay closing costs for processing your loan and transferring the property ownership from the seller to you, the buyer. Closing costs can range from 3%-5% of your loan amount, depending on where you live, the loan you choose and your closing date. In some cases, you can finance certain closing costs in your mortgage loan. When you apply for loan, your lender will give you an estimate of closing costs, which usually include:
Origination fees.
Costs of processing your loan (includes property survey and appraisal).
Items paid in advance, such as first-year mortgage insurance premium, first-year hazard insurance premium and first-year flood or earthquake insurance premiums, if required.
Escrow accounts - an account held by the lender into which the homebuyer usually pays for city/county property taxes, mortgage insurance, and hazard insurance, if required.
Title insurance charges.
Recording and transfer charges.
Attorney's fees.
Credit Score: Your credit and debt-to-income-ratio affect the terms of your loan through your FICO score which is used to determine your credit rating. If you have good credit and your monthly income exceeds your monthly debt obligations, you will get approved at a lower interest rate. However, if your monthly income barely covers your minimum debt obligations, you will not receive the lowest available interest rate even if you have a good credit report.
Lock-in Rate: When shopping for a loan remember that interest rates change frequently. It is important to ask your mortgage representative if a lock-in rate is possible. This will guarantee you a specific rate, provided the loan is closed, with a set period of time.
Determine How Large a Monthly Mortgage Payment You Can Afford
Your choice of mortgage will be influenced by questions such as
How many years do you expect to live in your new home?
How important is it to be free of mortgage debt before facing your children's college bills or planning your future retirement?
How comfortable are you with the certainty of a fixed mortgage payment vs. a payment that can change over time?
Your monthly payment will vary depending upon the type and length of the loan and the amount you put down. Most lenders will help you select the loan that's best suited to your financial situation.
How Low an Interest Rate Can You Expect?
Shorter term loans offer lower interest rates and are divided into two types. A Fixed mortgage means that the rate is locked in for the life of the loan. Adjustable Rate, also called an ARM or variable rate note, is a note that generally offers lower payments for the first year and then changes periodically based on the terms and conditions of your note. Paying discount "points" can lower your interest rate. If your loan requires you to pay points or if you want to buy "down" the interest rate using points, remember that one point equals 1% of the loan amount.
Choosing the Right Mortgage
If you want the stability and predictability of a set rate for the life of your loan, then a fixed rate mortgage may be for you. Usually the longer the term of the mortgage, the more interest you pay over the life of your loan. Though, a longer term means your monthly mortgage payments will be less than they would be with a comparable shorter-term mortgage.
30 year vs. 15 year fixed rate mortgage.
A 30-year mortgage will have a lower monthly payment and a higher interest rate than a 15-year mortgage. You'll have a smaller monthly obligation but you'll pay more for your house over time because you're paying it off with interest for a longer period.
On the other hand, a 15-year mortgage will have a higher monthly payment and a lower interest rate so you'll pay less for your house because you're paying it off in a shorter period.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage.
ARMs, are short-term fixed-rate loans: After the fixed rate term is up, the rate adjusts at regular intervals in accordance with current interest rate conditions at that time. A 5/1 ARM, for example, has a fixed rate for five years and then adjusts every year for the next 25 years. (ARMs typically run on a 30-year schedule.)
The length of the fixed-rate term on an ARM typically can range anywhere from one month to 10 years. The longer the rate is fixed, the higher the interest rate you'll get. But generally speaking -- and there have been exceptions in the past -- ARMs will cost you less in the short-term. With the ARM, both your monthly payments and interest rates should be lower than either a fixed rate 15-year or 30-year mortgage.
The risk with an ARM is that when interest rates rise, you could end up paying much more than you bargained for. Check to see if your ARM has a cap rate so that if rates increase, your change cannot exceed a certain pre-defined limit.
If you know you'll be in a home for 12 years or more, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage might work better for you than, say, a 5/1 ARM, where you fix a rate for five years and then it adjusts every year after that. But if you think you won't be in the home longer than five or six years, a 5/1 ARM might make more sense.
Mortgage Shopping Tips.
Talk to the mortgage specialists at your bank. If you are starting to look for a home they can asses your financial situation and help you determine a purchase price that is within your budget and a mortgage program that suits your lifestyle and income. In many cases your advisor can prepare a pre-approved mortgage before you finalize your purchase.
Ask a mortgage specialist at your bank to help you calculate payments at different interest rates. This will help you determine a monthly payment that can be comfortable integrated into your budget.
Types of Mortgage Programs.
Most lenders are committed to ensuring that your home financing experience is rewarding and effortless. To this end, there are many programs available to suit a variety of situations, lifestyles and your financial profiles. These include:
Fixed-rate loan. If you've found a home you plan to live in for 10-30 years, consider a fixed-rate loan. It's predictable and stable since the interest rate is set for the full length of the loan. Because the monthly payment for the principal and interest stays the same for the life of the loan, it's easier to plan a budget. Most lenders offer many fixed-rate loans with terms to fit your budget, including loans that require no money down.
Adjustable-rate loan.
If you plan on being in your home for a shorter period of time, or expect your income to increase of the years, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) may just be the right fit for you. An ARM loan usually starts with a lower initial interest rate than traditional fixed-rate loans. After a set initial payment period (usually one, three, five, seven or ten years), the interest rate may change periodically (usually annually or semiannually) based on market conditions. As the rate changes, your monthly payment changes. ARM loans feature an adjustment "cap" which limits how much the interest rate can go up. This helps protect you from large increases in your monthly payment.
Loans for first-time homebuyers.
Most banks offer affordable loans to make it easier for first-time homebuyers with limited savings to qualify for a home loan. Specifically, FHA and VA government loans are available to qualified buyers, based on income or property location. These affordable financing programs can help make it easier to buy a home since they require little or no money down and also offer flexible credit and income guidelines.
Repayment schedule.
Also consider how quickly you'd like to repay your loan - within 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 30 years? Do you want to make biweekly mortgage payments? Typically, the sooner you repay the loan, the more you'll save in interest payments. However, the longer you extend the term of your financing, the lower your monthly payments maybe. So when choosing a loan term, consider your budget, your long-term spending patterns, your income over the life of the loan and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Which loan is right for me?
The lifestyle situations below can help you decide which loan you might want to consider.
"Getting the lowest monthly payment is most important to me, and I'll be in my home for less than five years."
An intermediate ARM (five years or longer) if your income is fixed or expected to decline.
A short-term ARM (three years or less) if you expect your income to increase.
"Getting the lowest monthly payment is most important to me, and I'll be in my home for more than five years."
A fixed-term mortgage (for example, 30-year fixed).
An intermediate ARM if you expect your income to keep increasing.
"I have little money saved for a down payment."
AN FHA loan.
A VA loan, if you are a veteran.
"I have no traditional credit references (for example, car loan or credit cards) but I pay my rent and other bills on time."
An FHA loan.
A VA loan, if you are a veteran.
"Paying off my mortgage faster and saving money by paying less interest long-term is what's most important to me."
A shorter-term mortgage, such as 15- or 20-year fixed-rate loan.
A biweekly 30-year mortgage accelerates the reduction in principal by applying more than one extra payment a year, reducing the total interest and term of the loan
Borrowers Protection Plan
Borrowers Protection Plan is an optional feature of your loan that can provide peace of mind during difficult times - like an unexpected job loss or disability. Borrowers Protection Plan will cancel your monthly principal and interest payment should you lose your job or are unable to work due to illness or injury. Borrowers Protection Plan may cancel a total of up to 12 months, depending upon the protection option and benefit period selected. And if you should die in an accident your entire loan balance will be canceled.
Benefits of protection.
Affordable. Decide what you and your family need and we'll help make it affordable.
Easy to obtain. There are no health requirements or medical exams and any size loan qualifies.
Supplemental benefits. Your monthly benefits will not be reduced because of other state unemployment benefits or disability income you may receive.
Protection options available prior to loan closing include involuntary unemployment and disability and can be purchased individually, or as a combination. These options also include accidental death protection and are available on a single or joint basis.
Fast answers and streamlined processing. The approval process should be fast and simple. Many homebuyers who have excellent credit history can be approved for a mortgage at the time of the application and with very little documentation.
Hassle-free mortgages with 80% less paperwork.
Use a proprietary process to determine if you qualify for this streamlined loan feature. This means less digging, sorting and collecting paperwork for you.
Your qualification for reduced paperwork depends on a number of factors:
Strong credit -- doesn't have to be perfect
Type of mortgage you choose -- many mortgage types and loan amounts up to $750,000 are eligible
Even if you don't qualify for the 80% less paperwork mortgage feature, your mortgage request can still be approved.
Buying a home is one of the most important events in your life. So talk to the mortgage professionals, do your homework and select a loan that fits your lifestyle and your budget. And enjoy the satisfaction of owning your own home.

Bill Tanebring is a Southern California based writer. His web address is [http://www.billtannebring.net]

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Poor Credit Mortgage Reigns High Among Mortgages Available to Bad Credit Borrowers

Like a big brother keeping notes of the erring behaviour of his younger sibling, credit reference agencies like Experian and Equifax maintain a record of each person entering into credit transaction. While a few instances of arrears are considered admissible, as the incidence of bad credit behaviour increases, creditors start considering these as a lack of reliability. These people are termed as having a bad credit history.
Of all things, the ability to get a reasonable term mortgage is particularly affected by a bad credit history. Opinions differ on the extent up to which credit report must be allowed say in deciding the candidature of borrowers for mortgage. The first group says that a borrower with a bad credit history cannot be relied to repay the mortgage lent on the basis of their past records. Thus, it will be wise to refuse mortgages to such borrowers.
The other group of lenders believe that taking a moderate degree of risk while dealing with bad credit borrowers will do little damage. Their contention is that poor credit mortgages (a mortgage offered to borrowers who have a bad credit history) are secured with a sufficient guarantee or collateral in home, which may be used if any amount remains unpaid on the mortgage. Thus, there is little to lose by offering Poor credit mortgage.
The amount that is added annually to the mortgage in the form of interest is an additional benefit. The rate at which interest accrues on poor credit mortgages is generally higher. The base rate proposed by the Bank of England is the basis for the decision on interest rate. However, the degree of risk involved in a particular case will lead to fluctuations in interest rate. This explains the high interest on poor credit mortgages.
The hunt for mortgages that suit their credit status, often leads borrowers with bad credit history to mortgage providers who are charging an unreasonably high rate of interest. The mortgage provider lays the trap for uninformed borrower in a very systematic manner. First, an artificial shortage of poor credit mortgages is created. Then he is told that with a bad credit case like him, he can get a no better rate of interest on his mortgage. Ignorant borrowers know of the trap only when it is too late for action. Borrowers may save themselves from a situation like this by dealing with mortgage lenders who come under the purview of financial regulators like Financial Services Authority or FSA (www.fsa.gov.uk).
Borrowers need to understand that there is no shortage of mortgage providers dealing with the needs of poor credit borrowers. Mortgage providers now accept that bad credit history is a common ailment that has afflicted a major part of the population. There has been a proportionate increase in mortgage lenders dealing with poor credit mortgages. You can find many reputable banks and building societies in the list of those providing financial assistance to borrowers with bad credit history. Internet is a valuable resource for people who are finding mortgages. Not only does it help in finding mortgages, internet also helps them to conduct preliminary investigation about the mortgage lender and the mortgage, interest rate being offered and how it fares in comparison to the lowest rate mortgages, fill application forms, request mortgage quote and receive an online response or decision on mortgage. Thus, a major part of the work related to mortgages is successfully accomplished without even having to leave home or office.
The borrower may not be approved for the exact amount desired as the poor credit mortgage. A part of the amount is required by the lender to be deposited by the borrower itself. Apart from acting as a security, the deposit shows the concern of the borrower towards the purpose that poor credit mortgage is to be put to. It is difficult (not impossible) to get 100% poor credit mortgage.
The clause of deposit lowers the amount available for investing in home. The various features that you thought would adorn your home will have to be deferred for a period to make way for the essential activities or expenses. Nevertheless, do not let these dreams to expire. Just a brief lull and you can again use the equity in home for a home improvement loan to give your home a spanking new look.
Thus, the next time a mortgage provider tries to lock you into a mortgage with high rate of interest, and reasons the move by blaming it on your bad credit, you can always laugh off the suggestion. These statements now hold little meaning for you because you know that there are many who have a bad credit history and an equally large number of lenders offering poor credit mortgages.

Agnes Powel is a financial analyst by profession. The academic qualification of MBA (Finance) from University of Central England matches his credentials. Years of experience in has given the field of lending him an insight into the various intricacies of the loans market. Through his articles, he tries to share this knowledge with the prospective borrowers.
To find Mortgage,first time buyer mortgage,but to let mortgage that best suits your needs visit [http://www.easymortgageuk.co.uk]

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The Facts About the Mortgage Market in Canada For Prospective Homeowners

The facts about the mortgage market in Canada is that in the last forty years, it has undergone substantial changes. Depository institutions account for the majority of the market holding 69 percent of outstanding Canadian residential mortgage debt by the end of-2007. By the end of 2008, CAD 566 billion or 62 percent of the CAD 906 billion outstanding residential mortgage debt in Canada was held by depository institutions. The main reason for the growth in the bank share was due to the 1992 Bank Act changes, which permitted banks to own trust and loan companies that had been dominant players in the market. Prior to 1954, banks were not permitted to make mortgage loans. However gradually from the 1954 Bank Act amendments and thereafter, laws allowed banks an expanding share in the market over time. Yet, until 1992 conventional mortgages value could only be below 10 percent of bank deposits. Mortgage brokers have played a growing role in the market.
A mortgage consumer survey conducted by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 2009 revealed that between June of 2008 and June of 2009, a quarter of all mortgage transactions were arranged through mortgage brokers. According to statistics, over 50 percent of the homebuyers accept the first rate their bank offers. This means that the majority are not using a mortgage broker who shops around for the best rate for its client. However, among first-time buyers and young women, a rising number are turning to mortgage brokers. In the last decade, mortgage brokers have seen a surge in business. Ten years ago, they comprised under 10 percent of the mortgage market; today, they comprise 25 percent of the share. Brokers bring personalized service and they can be used to get banks to offer more favourable terms.
There are several reasons for using an accredited independent mortgage broker. They educates you on your options. You get independent, unbiased advice. Unlike a bank employee, that is tied to a bank, an independent mortgage broker offers unbiased advice. As a freelancer, will not favour one lender over another based on anything other than rates. They will negotiate rates with lenders on your behalf and all their services are for free. Provincial laws require education, training and licensing standards for qualified brokers. A competent mortgage broker is licensed and in good standing with the provincial regulator.
The main difference between a mortgage agent and a mortgage broker is that to be a mortgage broker requires at least two years of working experience. The mortgage broker must pass an approved mortgage course. Mortgage agents must be supervised by a mortgage broker. Brokers work for a mortgage brokerage or on their own and bring together prospective borrowers and lenders. They do not administer the mortgage. After the client fills an application using the information contained therein, the brokerage scouts the market for the best mortgage. The mortgage request of the client is tendered through an electronic system to lenders.
A mortgage agent is an individual who carries out mortgage activities for a mortgage brokerage under the supervision of a licensed mortgage broker. The agent can only work for one mortgage brokerage. Under the Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act you have to be licensed to deal in mortgages to be licensed, unless an exemption is applicable. To be licensed, a mortgage agent has to meet educational requirements. To meet these requirements, approved education courses must be taken. Application for a licence must be within two years of successfully completing the approved education courses. These courses are provided commercially, and tuition fees are set by the provider. The courses use the same curriculum, but different providers may use different formats. All approved courses are followed by a final examination.
The first step for obtaining a mortgage brokerage licence requires passing the mortgage agent education program. Then a mortgage agent licence should be obtained. The mortgage brokerage education course must be completed successfully. Thereafter application can be made for a mortgage broker licence. In the course of this process, the prospective broker should have worked as an agent for a year and worked under a broker.
Brokers and agents do your research and shop around for the best solution. Financing your home through a mortgage brokerage rather than a lending institution can save you both time and money. They work on behalf of their client to find the most suitable product at the best rate. Brokers provide access to virtually every mortgage product available. Consumers expect their own bank will give them the best rate and product. But, the bank does not have access to all the lenders and products available. The bank offers a limited number of mortgages. But, the brokers provide access to over 400 mortgage products on the market. Each of these products have their own distinctive features. They also have access to the new products launching frequently in this dynamic industry. Access to unique products also may only be offered through the mortgage broker.
A mortgage broker provides services free of charge. The lender pays for placing the mortgage with them. A broker is paid on the size of the mortgage, not the rate. The commission they earn from the lender tends to be higher for a fixed term and lower for variable mortgage. Unlike the bank, business hours can extend beyond banking hours. They are often available on evenings and weekends. Brokers can renew mortgages as well. They can help with leveraged loans for investment. For first time home buyers a broker can help you through the various steps of the process.

A great mortgage broker should be a property hunters priority. Understanding fixed and variable rates can be made easier with the support of mortgage brokers.

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