Buy To Let Mortgages - 'To Let' in Reasonable Capital Growth with Financial Obligation

Every individual needs a home and every home needs an owner. Perhaps you are already a homeowner. If you can afford why not buy a home and let it out on rent. It can be immensely rewarding if you need a loan. Buy to let is when a buyer buys a property to let it out for commercial purposes. Mortgages specific to these kind of purchase are called buy to let mortgages.
Buy to let mortgages are highly specialized and meant to cater to specific needs. In 1996, The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) made a constructive effort in the form of Buy to let mortgage. This effort was endorsed by several leading mortgage lenders which included Birmingham MidShires, GMAC Residential Funding, Nat West Mortgage Services, Paragon Mortgages, and The Mortgage Business. Buy to let mortgages is an endeavor to motivate the growth of the Private Rented Sector by encouraging private investors to take the opportunities given by low, highly competitive, interest rates. The buy to let is supposed to sustain reasonable capital growth over the coming years.
Buy to let mortgages are different from residential mortgages. The loan borrower is required to pay larger amount of deposit amounting to 20%. Though some loan lenders would also allow 15% deposit. Loan contender for buy to let mortgages should make sure to know the interest rates. Usually the interest rates are higher in lieu of lower deposit. Buy to let mortgages are not very competitive. The compensation for that are higher interest rates. Buy to let mortgage are not lenders friendly in the sense they rely on tenants to pay their rent.
The amount calculated on buy to let mortgages may vary. The calculation on buy to let mortgages is commonly based on the expected rental income.
Typically rental income must be equal to or greater than 130% of the mortgage payments. A buy to let mortgage loan lender may or may not require you to confirm your salary. Loan lenders usually look for salary verification in order to make sure that you are not exclusively dependent on rental income to repay the mortgage.
A buy to let mortgage will allow you to obtain up to 85% of the value of the property. Sometimes better interest rate on buy to let mortgages will allocate only 70-75%. More than one buy to let mortgages are possible but not on the same property. You can in fact buy more than one property like 4 - 5 properties. This means that you can borrow money amounting up to £500,000 or even £1m.
Variants of buy to let mortgages include - fixed rate, variable rate, capped rate, non resident buy to let and self certified buy to let mortgage. Fixed rate buy to let mortgage provides you comfort of having guaranteed monthly outgoings is complimentary in case you are financially stretched out and want to pre-plan your finances.
Variable rate buy to let mortgage will offer you maximum benefit incase interest drops. Self certified buy to let mortgage enable the loan borrower to make the claim that he will be able to pay the loan interest and the loan lender makes no attempt to verify it. In other terms it spells higher rate of interest.
Non resident buy to let mortgages are meant for UK non residents and those UK expatriates who intent to invest in UK market. Capped buy to let mortgages are variable below a particular rate of interest and fixed rate in case the interest rate rise above a particular interest rate.
Minimum status buy to let mortgage is intended for you in case you can't meet the required criteria of the loan lender. Accepting minimum criteria buy to let means that the lenders supposed risk is higher and its obvious effect is on the interest rates.
Buy to let mortgages can be made available to you through a mortgage broker. Mortgage broker can be a good option since his fees is paid by mortgage lender. Seek a mortgage broker who specializes in buy to let schemes. A mortgage broker will ensure that your loan application is reviewed by large number of loan lenders. He will do all the leg work and make sure that the decision is made in your favour.
With Buy to let mortgages, deductions against tax on rents received may be claimed for the costs of maintenance, such as insurance, cleaning, gardening, agent's commission and other reasonable management expenses. Usually improvements do not sanction such deductions.
The bottom line is that buy to let mortgages are secured loans, secured upon your house. Default carries with it penalization in the form of the confiscation of property. If you have taken a decision to take up buy to let mortgage then check out for restrictions if any for any particular property. Also take adequate financial help and research for any kind will further your claim for buy to let mortgages. Taking a deposit from your tenants will prevent any defaults on your rental payments.
Buy to let mortgages are long term investments. If you make good returns and well manage your property, the loan lender will allow you to take more than one mortgages. Buy to let mortgages can result in some serious success if presume that it is a long term investment. There are no restrictions to how much you can attain with buy to let mortgages.

Loan borrowing is a highly voluntary act. It is such a significant decision that without proper knowledge and understanding it would not be of much help. Sandra smith is making an honest effort in such a direction so that loan borrowing is comprehensible to lay man and thereby he can make a favourable decision that substantiates his financial status.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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Mortgage Alternative in Today's Economy - Which One Is Right For You?

Today's economy is very different from the economic state of our country five years ago, and with drastic changes in the real estate market as well, choosing the right mortgage is a crucial decision. There are numerous mortgage options available for prospective buyers at the current time; however, figuring out the pros and cons of each mortgage alternative can be a little overwhelming. In an attempt to simplify the process of choosing a mortgage, this article will explain some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with the 5 year ARM, 15 year fixed mortgage, and the 203 FHA mortgage.
Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM's) are quite popular for buyers looking to purchase a home, without breaking their bank account. An adjustable rate mortgage basically means that the borrower is obtaining a loan with an interest rate that is initially lower than the average interest rate offered in fixed rate mortgages. Where this type of mortgage gets a little risky, is in relation to the future of the loan. This type of loan can be a bit of a risk, in that as interest rates increase, so can the monthly mortgage. Adjustable rate mortgages are really a better option when interest rates are predicted to decrease in the future, not increase. Also, lenders can offer interested home buyers an initial interest rate discount to choose ARM's. It is important for the borrower to do their homework to ensure that they will be paying enough of a mortgage to cover the monthly interest due. If the initial mortgage is too small, borrowers can end up causing their mortgage balance to increase, since their additional interest is accruing during this time period.
Though some of the drawbacks sound a little scary, there are benefits of ARM's. The benefits of obtaining an adjustable rate mortgage all center around the lower initial mortgage while the interest rate remains stable. This can often times help a borrower qualify for a higher loan than they would be able to obtain with a fixed rate mortgage. Borrowers also choose ARM's with the sole purpose of paying off other bills, such as credit cards debts, during the period of time prior to the interest rate changing. This can be a great way to get debts paid, as long as the borrower does not incur more debt during this time.
Though borrowers have numerous options when choosing adjustable rate mortgages, the 5 year ARM is often one of the wisest options. The 5 year ARM is a good balance between the 1 year ARM and the fixed rate mortgage. 5 year ARM's are beneficial because the interest rate only changes every 5 years. After this time, the interest rate is recalculated and the mortgage is adjusted accordingly. Keep in mind that the interest rates are regulated by the federal government and there are limits as to how much an interest rate can increase in a given period of time. Also, borrowers always have the option to consider refinancing their mortgage after the initial ARM period is completed, should they decide the change in interest rate is too high.
This brings up to the topic of fixed rate mortgages. Fixed rate mortgages are popular because of the stability of the interest rate. There is no risk involved in a fixed rate mortgage, as the borrower understands that their interest rate will remain the same during the duration of their loan. This means that the borrower will have a fairly consistent mortgage, and will only see changes if they have their home insurance or taxes escrowed into the monthly payment. Changes in the cost of home insurance and home taxes will cause changes in the monthly mortgage amount for these individuals. Fixed rate mortgages are much more popular when interest rates are currently already low. One of the main drawbacks with fixed rate mortgages, however, is that borrowers cannot benefit from decreases in interest rates without refinancing, and this can be costly.
Of course, like other loan options, there are numerous types of fixed rate mortgages. Though the 30 year and 15 year mortgages are the most popular, there are 25 year and 20 year mortgages as well. Often times it can be difficult to decide the length of the loan that is best for you. Usually, interest rates on 15 year mortgages are slightly lower than with 30 year mortgages, which can really add up to a lot of money when an additional 15 years of monthly payments are added into the picture. 15 year fixed rate mortgages can also be beneficial for individuals looking to build equity in their home at a rapid rate. Also, many borrowers choose 15 year mortgages because they want to have their home paid for, before they retire from their employment. Of course, the obvious benefit is the financial freedom that comes with paying one's home off faster, which is an important factor when choosing a 15 year mortgage over a 30 year mortgage.
Just as obvious, however, is the main drawback of a 15 year mortgage. Though the mortgage gets paid off faster, the monthly payment is a great deal more. This can cause strain on the monthly budget and leave less room for recreational spending.
When making a decision about a 15 year mortgage versus a 30 mortgage, an example is often beneficial. If a borrower plans to have a mortgage of $200,000, and using a 5% interest rate for both 15 and 30 years, the interest paid more than doubles as the life of the loan increases from 15 to 30 years. Instead of paying approximately $84,000 in interest, with a 15 year mortgage, borrowers pay approximately $186,000, with a 30 year mortgage. Also, keep in mind that we used the same interest rate for both loans in this example, and as mentioned previously, interest rates are generally lower for 15 year mortgages. It really comes down to whether or not the borrower is willing to sacrifice now, in order to benefit later in life, and delayed gratification is not something everyone enjoys.
Another mortgage option that is increasingly more popular is the 203 FHA mortgage, and it is unique, in and of itself. The 203 FHA loan is special in that it can be obtained as a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage. The key point here, is whether or not the borrower qualifies for this mortgage. The borrower needs to have reasonable credit and stable employment in order to qualify for an FHA loan. Normally, the employment has to have been stable for at least two years, and the borrower's credit score must be a minimum of 620. But please do not become discouraged if your credit is less than perfect. Borrowers can qualify for FHA loans even if they have had a past bankruptcy or foreclosure, though there has to have been a sufficient length of time between these incidents and the new loan approval.
Of course, like other types of loans, there are multiple types of 203 FHA loans as well. There is the 203b loan, which is a fixed rate mortgage. Generally the borrower must be able to put down a minimum of 3.5% of the home cost in order to qualify for the loan. One good thing is that closing costs can often times be added into the mortgage, alleviating the borrower from having to come up with additional monies for closing. Also with FHA loans the interest rate may be slightly higher than with conventional loans, yet like conventional loans, borrowers can choose to set up their mortgage to be paid back in time spans from 15 to 30 years.
The 203k FHA loan is different from the 203b loan in a couple of major ways. First of all, a borrower can choose an adjustable or fixed rate mortgage with the 203k loan. More importantly, is the option for the borrower to obtain additional loan monies to fix broken things within the home. Because the Federal Housing Administrations (FHA) has such a strong commitment to the revitalization of various communities throughout the country, it allows borrowers to obtain money to make needed repairs in the home. This is extremely rare in that other loans often require the home owner to take out a second mortgage to make repairs. The 203k loan actually lends the borrower money based on the price of the home after the needed repairs have been made, making it a truly unique loan.
In searching for a 203 FHA loan, borrowers will also see the 203c FHA loan, which is for borrowers looking to purchase a condo, and the 203h FHA loan for individuals who have lost their home due to a natural disaster. Individuals looking to qualify for the 203h FHA loan need to make sure that the area in which their home was destroyed was designated a disaster area by the President. This loan is special in that it can be used to rebuild the home involved in the natural disaster, or to purchase a new home.
Though this article only touches on a few of the many mortgage options out there, hopefully it will be a good starting point for individuals looking to purchase a home. A key deciding factor in choosing a suitable mortgage, relies mainly in the financial situation of the borrower. There is a large inventory of affordable homes to choose from in today's real estate market, many of which are foreclosures. However, it is the borrowers responsibility to look at the current state of their finances and make a wise decision about how much of a mortgage they can afford. This will ensure the borrower stability in repaying their own loan, and subsequently help them to avoid foreclosure themselves.

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Types Of Mortgages Available In Canada

In Canada there are two types of mortgages available to residential borrowers, one being a conventional mortgage and the other is a high-ratio mortgage. Within both types of mortgages there are two sub-types, which are either open or closed mortgages.
To clarify the various options one can be presented with when shopping for a mortgage this article is divided into two parts;
Part one deals with the difference between a conventional mortgage and a high-ratio mortgage and part two deals with the different sub-types of mortgages available within the two types. However, these are fairly generic explanations - just as there are many different lending institutions, so there are almost as many different varieties of mortgages available. This is another good reason to consult a mortgage broker. Depending on your situation, one type of mortgage may be better for your circumstance than another.
CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE:
If you have at least 20% of the purchase price (or appraised value if this is lower than the purchase price) as a down payment, you can apply for a conventional mortgage.
Some lenders may require either CMHC, Genworth or AIG insurance as well because of the property's location or type, even though you have 20% or more equity.
LOAN TO LENDING:
to 65% 0.50%
65.1 to 75% 0.65%
75.1 to 80% 1.00%
80.1 to 85% 1.75%
85.1 to 90% 2.00%
90.1 to 95% 2.90%
95.1 to 100% 3.10%
Please note: Insurance premiums are higher when the amortization is greater than 25 years or if there is more than one advance. This usually happens if you are building your house or having it built for you. Check with your Mortgage Broker to learn what the applicable premiums will be.
The insurance premium is calculated by multiplying the mortgage amount needed by the applicable percentage.
For example:
If the purchase price is $112,000 and the required mortgage is $100,000. You divide 100,000 by 112,000. This equals 89.29%.
Looking at the above chart - the premium is 2.00% when the lending ratio is 89.29%.
The next step is to multiply the mortgage amount by the insurance premium. Using our example this means $100,000 X 2.00% = $2,000. Your actual mortgage loan will therefore be $102,000.
CMHC's 5% DOWNPAYMENT PROGRAM was originally for first-time homeowners, but was expanded in May 1998 and is now available to all purchasers (principal residence only) who meet the normal requirements. Furthermore, borrowers can now even borrow up to 100% of their purchase price under new CMHC's Flex Down Insurance Program.
CMHC may set maximum purchase prices under these programs depending on the city so check with your Mortgage Broker to learn what the price limits are in your area.
If the property is a duplex (and you are buying both sides), with one side being owner occupied, the minimum down payment is 5.0%.
Mortgage brokers and lenders must verify that the borrower has the 5% down payment and 1.5% of the purchase price to cover closing costs. The only exception to the 1.5% is when the purchaser qualifies for an exemption of the Land Transfer Tax (Ont.) or Property Transfer Tax (B.C.), or similar provincial tax exemption. In these cases the mortgage broker or lender must ensure that there are sufficient funds available to cover all remaining closing costs.
OPEN MORTGAGES:
An open mortgage allows you to pay off part or the entire mortgage at any time without penalties. Open mortgages usually have short terms of six months or one year. The interest rates are higher than those for closed mortgages with similar terms.
VARIABLE RATE MORTGAGES / ARM (ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES):
At the start of a variable rate mortgage, the lender will calculate a mortgage payment that includes principal & interest. For the term of the mortgage your payments usually do not change. However, as the prime rate changes so will your mortgage rate.
If interest rates are dropping, less of each payment will go toward interest and more will go toward principal. If interest rates rise, more of your payment will be interest and less money will be reducing your principal.
Some of these mortgages are completely open (you can pay off all or part of your mortgage at any time without penalties). Others that offer a 'prime minus' interest rate (e.g. prime - 0.375%) may charge a penalty.
The interest rate on most variable rate mortgages is compounded monthly.
CAPPED RATE MORTGAGES:
These are variable rate mortgages that the lending institution has rate 'capped'. In other words, the rate will fluctuate with prime, but the institution guarantees that you will not pay more than a certain interest rate, set by them.
These mortgages often have a penalty for early 'payment in full' and are often not portable.
CLOSED MORTGAGES / FIXED RATE MORTGAGES:
The expression 'closed mortgage' originates from the 1980's when this type of mortgage was literally 'closed'. You contracted to the lender to make your payments for the term chosen, you could not pay anything additional, nor could you pay off the entire amount for any reason except the sale of your property.
These days, there are many ways to pay down your mortgage principal quicker, though the name 'closed' mortgage still remains. See pre-payment options for ways to pay off your mortgage quicker.
Fixed rate mortgages are the most popular type of mortgage. You benefit from the security of locking in your mortgage interest rate, for lengths of time ranging from 3 months up to 25 years. The rates are slightly lower than for an open mortgage for the same term.
If you think interest rates could rise, you may want to choose a longer term, such as a 5 or 10 year term. If you think that rates are going lower, you may want to gamble on a shorter length of time. Discuss this with your Mortgage Broker.
The major lending institutions have different pre-payment options allowed under their contracts. These options allow you to pay off your mortgage faster. It is also possible to pay off most closed mortgages prior to the end of the term or pay down a portion of the balance owing. However, lenders charge penalties for doing so.
Please note that some lending institutions will not give any pre-payment options. It is wise to find out what options are available before entering into any mortgage contract.
CONVERTIBLE MORTGAGE:
These are fixed rate mortgages for terms of 6 months or 1 year. Not all lending institutions offer convertible mortgages. With a convertible rate mortgage you can lock into a longer term during the current term of your mortgage without penalty - but only with the same lender. For example, if after a couple of months you hear that interest rates are going to increase, you may change to a longer term mortgage such as the 5 year term.
REVERSE MORTGAGE:
CHIP - Canadian Home Income Plan is the name of the company providing reverse mortgages in Canada.
A reverse mortgage allows homeowners to convert equity in their homes into cash, without selling the property or having to make monthly payments.
To qualify, homeowners must be at least 62 years old, have significant equity in their property and live in B.C. or Ontario.
The amount that can be borrowed depends on the homeowner's age. Reverse mortgages are for between 10% and 40% of the appraised value of the home. The older the homeowners, the more they can borrow.
The homeowner retains ownership and possession of the house. The lending company registers a reverse mortgage against the property. At death, or when the house is sold, the loan and the accrued interest must be repaid.
The biggest disadvantage to reverse mortgages, is that the interest keeps building on the amount of money borrowed (hence the maximum 40% loan). This means that if you borrow $50,000 this year and your interest bill is $5,000, next year your interest will be charged on $55,000 and so on. The longer the loan is in place, the greater the interest bill that has to be paid.
It is possible that when the house is sold, 100% of the proceeds from the sale may be required to pay off a loan.
If the homeowner dies the estate will have to pay off the loan and the accrued interest. This may wipe out any inheritance for the homeowner's heirs.
An alternative is to establish an equity credit line. This allows you to take funds only as you need them, thereby owing the least interest possible, with no surprises.
Consult with a financial advisor for more alternatives.

For further information visit our website at [http://centumregal.com]
Victor Borges
Senior Mortgage Consultant
email: victorborges@centumregal.com

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What Type Of Mortgage Loan Is Right For You?

Homebuyers and homeowners need to decide which home Mortgage loan is right for them. Then, the next step in getting a mortgage loan is to submit an application ( Uniform Residential Loan Application ). Although we try to make the loan simple and easy for you, getting a mortgage loan is not an insignificant process.
Below is a short synopsis of some loan types that are currently available.
CONVENTIONAL OR CONFORMING MORTGAGE Loans are the most common types of mortgages. These include a fixed rate mortgage loan which is the most commonly sought of the various loan programs. If your mortgage loan is conforming, you will likely have an easier time finding a lender than if the loan is non-conforming. For conforming mortgage loans, it does not matter whether the mortgage loan is an adjustable rate mortgage or a fixed-rate loan. We find that more borrowers are choosing fixed mortgage rate than other loan products.
Conventional mortgage loans come with several lives. The most common life or term of a
mortgage loan is 30 years. The one major benefit of a 30 year home mortgage loan is that one pays lower monthly payments over its life. 30 year mortgage loans are available for Conventional, Jumbo, FHA and VA Loans. A 15 year mortgage loan is usually the least expensive way to go, but only for those who can afford the larger monthly payments. 15 year mortgage loans are available for Conventional, Jumbo, FHA and VA Loans. Remember that you will pay more interest on a 30 year loan, but your monthly payments are lower. For 15 year mortgage loans your monthly payments are higher, but you pay more principal and less interest. New 40 year mortgage loans are available and are some of the the newest programs used to finance a residential purchase. 40 year mortgage loans are available in both Conventional and Jumbo. If you are a 40 year mortgage borrower, you can expect to pay more interest over the life of the loan.
A Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan is a type of loan where the interest rate remains fixed
over life of the loan. Whereas a Variable Rate Mortgage will fluctuate over the life
of the loan. More specifically the Adjustable-Rate Mortgage loan is a loan that has a
fluctuating interest rate. First time homebuyers may take a risk on a variable rate for qualification purposes, but this should be refinanced to a fixed rate as soon as possible.
A Balloon Mortgage loan is a short-term loan that contains some risk for the borrower. Balloon mortgages can help you get into a mortgage loan, but again should be financed into a more reliable or stable payment product as soon as financially feasible. The Balloon Mortgage should be well thought out with a plan in place when getting this product. For example, you may plan on being in the home for only three years.
Despite the bad rap Sub-Prime Mortgage loans are getting as of late, the market for this kind of mortgage loan is still active, viable and necessary. Subprime loans will be here for the duration, but because they are not government backed, stricter approval requirements will most likely occur.
Refinance Mortgage loans are popular and can help to increase your monthly disposable income. But more importantly, you should refinance only when you are looking to lower the interest rate of your mortgage. The loan process for refinancing your mortgage loan is easier and faster then when you received the first loan to purchase your home. Because closing costs and points are collected each and every time a mortgage loan is closed, it is generally not a good idea to refinance often. Wait, but stay regularly informed on the interest rates and when they are attractive enough, do it and act fast to lock the rate.
A Fixed Rate Second Mortgage loan is perfect for those financial moments such as home improvements, college tuition, or other large expenses. A Second Mortgage loan is a mortgage granted only when there is a first mortgage registered against the property. This Second Mortgage loan is one that is secured by the equity in your home. Typically, you can expect the interest rate on the second mortgage loan to be higher than the interest rate of the first loan.
An Interest Only Mortgage loan is not the right choice for everyone, but it can be very effective choice for some individuals. This is yet another loan that must be thought out carefully. Consider the amount of time that you will be in the home. You take a calculated risk that property values will increase by the time you sell and this is your monies or capital gain for your next home purchase. If plans change and you end up staying in the home longer, consider a strategy that includes a new mortgage. Again pay attention to the rates.
A Reverse mortgage loan is designed for people that are 62 years of age or older and already have a mortgage. The reverse mortgage loan is based mostly on the equity in the home. This loan type provides you a monthly income, but you are reducing your equity ownership. This is a very attractive loan product and should be seriously considered by all who qualify. It can make the twilight years more manageable.
The easiest way to qualify for a Poor Credit Mortgage loan or Bad Credit Mortgage loan is to fill out a two minute loan application. By far the easiest way to qualify for any home mortgage loan is by establishing a good credit history. Another loan vehicle available is a Bad Credit Re-Mortgage loan product and basically it's for refinancing your current loan.
Another factor when considering applying for a mortgage loan is the rate lock-in. We discuss this at length in our mortgage loan primer. Remember that getting the right mortgage loan is getting the keys to your new home. It can sometimes be difficult to determine which mortgage loan is applicable to you. How do you know which mortgage loan is right for you? In short, when considering what mortgage loan is right for you, your personal financial situation needs to be considered in full detail. Complete that first step, fill out an application, and you are on your way!

For additional information about mortgage loan types, mortgage loan products or a bad credit mortgage loan and where to apply for a Bad Credit Mortgage Loan visit http://www.EZLendMortgage.com a popular website providing information, tips, mortgage advice and resources including information on independent help finding the best conventional mortgage, adverse mortgage lenders, subprime mortgages, and a Refinance Mortgage Loan

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The Current Buy to Let Mortgage Market Explained for Novice Landlords

The buy-to-let mortgage industry has gone from nothing in 1997 to an industry that in the first 6 months of this year saw loans being taken out of £21.2 billion. The stock of buy-to-let loans taken out is now £108 billion equating to 10% of all mortgage balances.
The good news for landlords is that the UK buy-to-let mortgage market is probably the most competitive and innovative in the world resulting in around about a thousand different buy-to-let mortgage products on the market at any one time.
The numbers have however been cut back recently as buy-to-let lenders have responded to the credit crunch by reigning in the more risky buy-to-let mortgage products. The other bad news for buy-to-let borrowers is that buy-to-let lenders have also repriced the risk premium within the costs of these buy-to-let loans. This means that the margin banks & buy-to-let lenders charge over the Bank of England base rate has risen by between 0.25%-0.5% as well as individual buy-to-let lenders tightening their lending criteria. At the same time the product fees charged by most buy-to-let lenders have also risen.
The bad news is largely a function of the good news. This is that the huge choice of products means that there is also the potential for landlords to get confused. Not only are there nearly a hundred providers of buy-to-let mortgages but there is also a large range of different type of buy-to-let mortgage products. The main ones are:
* Fixed rate - the interest rate charged is fixed for given period or up to a given date
* Discount - the rate of interest charged is reduced during an initial period then reverts to buy-to-let lenders standard variable rate
* Tracker - these buy-to-let mortgages track one of the recognised key mortgage rates such as Bank of England base rate or LIBOR (London Inter Bank Offer Rate)
Which type of buy-to-let mortgage product should I choose?
The type of buy-to-let mortgage product that is suitable for you as a landlord will very much depend on a landlord's personal financial circumstances and also a landlord's attitude to risk.
Landlords who are concerned that if interest rates should rise, that their buy-to-let payments may become unaffordable may want to consider a fixed rate buy-to-let mortgage product. This type of buy-to-let mortgage will give a landlord the certainty of a definite mortgage payment each month during the period of the fixed term regardless of what happens to interest rates.
A landlord who may be presented with a short term problem; perhaps where a variable buy-to-let mortgage payments will be greater than a landlords rental income may want to consider a discounted buy-to-let mortgage product. In this way a landlord can make lower than normal buy-to-let mortgage repayments whilst their rental income rises and / or the general interest rate drops. However, a landlord needs to be cautious about this approach. This is because if interest rates rise further or a landlord overlooks the fact that their rate and therefore their cashflow is only on a temporary footing the ending of the discount rate would cause them even more financial hardship.
A variable rate or tracker is often the safest and cheapest over the term of the buy-to-let mortgage as the landlord frequently avoids paying an 'insurance' premium to the buy-to-let mortgage provider by not taking out a buy-to-let mortgage product that insulates landlords against an unexpected interest rate change or that gives them a preferential repayment rate.
Things for landlords to look out for
Landlords seeking a buy-to-let mortgage product should always look out for the APR attached to any buy-to-let product. An APR or Annual Percentage Rate is the true cost of the loan worked out for the entire term of the loan. This annualised rate reflects the true rate of interest any landlord & buy-to-let borrower will have to pay on a landlords loan advance over the entire term of the buy-to-let mortgage. This figure will therefore take into account any fees or charges incurred in setting up the loan as well as the rate of the loan once any initial discount or special term have ended.
Where should landlords go to find out about buy to let mortgages?
There are a number of routes for landlords to use to find out about buy-to-let mortgages and find a buy-to-let mortgage product suitable for a landlord's needs. The first one is for a landlord to approach their bank directly to see if they provide buy-to-let finance. The problems with this is that a landlords choice of mortgage product will be small and therefore a landlord is unlikely to be able to secure the most suitable buy-to-let mortgage for them.
The other is for a landlord to go on Google to see if it is possible to find a buy-to-let mortgage provider or product that suits them. This can be a bit of a 'hit or miss' affair. There are many mortgage companies that are on Google or advertise there. However, the lending criteria and restrictions that a buy-to-let mortgage provider puts on their product means that not all will be suitable for a landlord's requirements. The other point is that a landlord will not get the biggest choice of buy-to-let mortgage products by just accessing one bank, building society or buy-to-let mortgage provider.
Whether landlords should use a to mortgage broker?
The other alternative is for a landlord is to source a loan through a buy-to-let mortgage broker. Brokers act on a landlord's behalf to find the best deals in the market place. A buy-to-let mortgage broker does this by having access to most buy-to-let lending products through an online database. A buy-to-let mortgage broker should therefore pick up the best buy-to-let mortgage deals that match a landlord's specific requirements. For this service a landlord should expect to pay a fee of between a £200-£500+, payable only if and when the buy-to-let mortgage is approved.
Landlords may ask, why use a buy-to-let mortgage broker at all when you can find so much of this information over the Internet for free? There are a couple of reasons. First of all, there is the matter of time. As long as a landlord is specific with their selection criteria; a good buy-to-let broker should be able to come up fairly quickly with a number of suitable buy-to-let mortgage products. This can save a landlord a considerable amount of work by not having to check through all the mortgage products, their interest rates, conditions and limitations. Secondly, where a landlord's financial circumstances are straightforward it should be fairly easy for a landlord to find a suitable buy-to-let mortgage. However, when a landlord's circumstances are more complex the time taken to source the right buy-to-let products can be considerable. In this situation buy-to-let mortgage brokers can easily earn their money by finding buy-to-let lenders that provides a buy-to-let mortgage product that fits a landlord's very specific requirements.
Not all buy-to-let landlords are aware that by using a buy-to-let mortgage broker that they can access preferential buy-to-let mortgage rates and deals not available to all landlords. Therefore it's always worth checking with a buy-to-let mortgage broker first to see what exclusive buy-to-let mortgage products they have access to, after all this will cost a landlord nothing.
Finally, the other benefit of using a buy-to-let mortgage broker is that they take care of most of the administration work involved in a buy-to-let mortgage application. Also many buy-to-let lenders look more favourably or less suspiciously on buy-to-let mortgage applications made through a buy-to-let broker or intermediary making it more likely that a landlord will have their buy-to-let mortgage application approved.

Chris Horne is an experienced landlord and property professional who now runs the website Property Hawk, a site aimed directly at UK Landlords. The site incorporates free property management software that enables landlords to track all their financial data relating to their portfolio. It allows users to print tenancy agreements and other forms FREE FOREVER. The site generates a real time rent book for each property as well as calculating a landlords tax liabilty. The service is totally free to use at propertyhawk.co.uk

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Texas Mortgage Loans - How to Shop for a Mortgage Online

Did you know that if you are searching for a mortgage online you are one of the most valuable commodities on the internet today? Why?
Because you may be money in the bank if you APPLY ONLINE! Many who search online for anything from mortgages to socks go to a search engine, type in their request and are happily led down a path of ease and convenience right into the arms of an advertiser (usually on the first search page) claiming they have just what they need. In the mortgage business there are three types of advertisers: mortgage lead generators, mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. They spend millions of dollars every year just to have a chance to sell you their products and services. Two of the above advertisers are not always the best option and could end up costing you serious money, time and a few headaches. We'll explain below:
The Mortgage Lead Generator - This company's primary function is to make money by enticing you to apply online. Then they sell your information (lead) to mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. Keep in mind this is how they make money! They advertise convenience and the fact that you will be in control when several mortgage lenders or mortgage brokers compete for your business. If you are an experienced mortgage shopper you might come out of this experience unscathed but if you are a first time home buyer and have little experience with the mortgage process here are some questions to think about.
1. Do you know anything about the company or companies that will be calling you? Do they have good track record?

• These companies may be reputable but you are blindly trusting the mortgage lead generator who just sold your information at a premium to these random companies you know nothing about! The inexperieced mortgage shopper simply does not know the right questions to ask. Most think it's all about the lowest rate and never focus on the company or the personal experience of the loan officer they are speaking with which is exactly what the lender is hoping for! It's simply a roll of the dice!

2. Does the loan officer you're speaking with have any experience?

• Did you know that the position with the highest turnover in the mortgage industry is none other than that of the loan officer! I have 20 years of experience to back this up. Trust me when I say that the Loan Officer position is a revolving door espeically at large lenders. An inexperienced loan officer can cost you serious money and time especially if you don't know the difference! Roll the dice!

3. Does the ease and convenience of applying for a mortgage online outweigh all the negatives and still save you time and money in the long run?

• Many mortgage lead generators charge another fee on top of their initial lead fee in the event a lender closes a loan for you. This additional fee is many times charged directly back to you at close! This fee is generally in the $200.00 to $300.00 range! Now what you thought was an easy and convenient way to find a mortgage online actually costs you significant dollars! Easy and convenient are rarely ever free ! Roll the dice!

4. Will you enjoy persistent sales calls from several sales people daily for at least the next 30 days?

• If you apply with a mortgage lead generator you are authorizing this wonderful experience so thoroughly enjoy it. Most people find this quite annoying. If you aren't up to the task of sifting through the endless barrage of phone calls and emails you may cave in and go with the smooth talker and not the best deal. Not to be redundant but Roll the Dice!

The Mortgage Lender - Of course this is the company with the money that you need. They have underwriters who look at your application and decide if you are approval worthy. They have processors who work with you to get all the documentation necessary to close your loan and they also have, you guessed it, loan officers, who will sell you their specific lenders products. Some say this is the best way to go when shopping for a mortgage loan because you are dealing directly with the money source. No middle man means savings. But the mortgage lender stilll may not be ideal choice for the reasons cited below.1. The Loan Officer - Again you may get someone who knows what they're doing and then you may not!

• Remember that large mortgage lenders have the highest turnover within the loan officer position. Mortgage Lenders unfortunately are most often glorified Loan Officer Training Centers. The Loan Officers that actually begin to understand their role most often move on to mortgage brokers where there is more opportunity to succeed. (see reasons cited below) And you still may be working with a middle man depending on the operational structure of the lender. At many lenders the loan officer has no direct access to the underwriting and processing departments effectively reducing the so called direct lender benefit. Many times you are forced to deal with someone you've never met to try and get your loan closed!

2. Limited options with products and rates!

• The lender is always limited to selling you their specific products and rates which many times puts you at a disadvantage in finding the best available rates and programs for your unique situation. This is a Huge factor! Mortgage Brokers on the other hand are not tied to one speicific lenders products and programs. More about this later.

3. Efficency always trumps service!

• Because profit margins continue to shrink for the mortgage lender especially those who sell their loans on the secondary market lenders are constantly looking for ways to automate their processes and become more efficient. Bad news for the consumer because this means doing more with less people. Ever heard the expression overworked and underpaid? This happens quite often at mortgage lenders. Again I've seen this in action. Frustration for borrowers runs high when there are delays and a general lack of personalized customer service.

The Mortgage Broker - OK I won't throw any punches here because I work with a mortgage broker! The Mortgage Broker has the same problem finding and keeping experienced loan officers. Generally the larger broker shops with 10 or more loan officers have the biggest problem policing what their loan officers are doing. Normally the smaller brokers have more stability and experience on their side.

• Mortgage Brokers simply have more available options in products and programs for the mortgage loan shopper because they are not tied directly to any one mortgage lender but have relationships with many. This makes a mortgage broker a much more attractive option for a mortgage shopper online.
• In addition most mortgage brokers have relationships with Realtors, Builders, Appraisers, Title Companies, Surveryors, Home Inpsectors, Insurance Agents etc.... full service, one stop benefit for most mortgage shoppers who don't have these relationships established.
• Mortgage Brokers can provide invaluable one on one personalized service that large lenders simply cannot. If you like you're hand held, frequent updates, phones answered and calls returned quickly and the ability to quickly place your file with another lender if one lender fails then working with a professional experienced mortgage broker is the way to go. If you are a first time homebuyer it really makes good sense.

Also as you begin your search online for the right lender or broker follow this rule. Don't apply with anyone you've never met. Meaning talk with a loan officer before you ever apply online. (Of course this rule of thumb precludes utilizing the mortgage lead generator.) This way you never feel obligated to anyone and can remain objective until you firmly decide who you want to trust with your mortgage loan needs. There are many excellent informational sites that fully explain the mortgage loan process and many that offer free tips for inexperienced mortgage shoppers. Take the time to use the web to educate yourself. You'll be glad you did!Article Written by Billy Killingsworth
About the Author: Billy Killingsworth is the editor for www.TexasMortgageInsider.com [http://www.texasmortgageinsider.com] sponsored by UniStar Mortgage, a full service mortgage broker in Texas specializing in all income and credit types.

Billy Killingsworth has over 20 years of experience within the mortgage industry in Texas. Most recently as Vice-President of Operations for a National mortgage lender in Texas, Concorde Acceptance Corporation. He is the current editor for TexasMortgageInsider.com sponsored by Unistar Mortgage a licensed full serviced mortgage broker in Texas. Billy is also a mortgage loan consultant with Unistar Mortgage.

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Mortgage Refinancing With a Broker: Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Refinancing With a Mortgage Broker

If you are considering mortgage refinancing with a mortgage broker, there are a number of things you need to know before signing an agreement. Mortgage brokers can be an excellent resource for finding competitive mortgage refinancing offers; however, you need to be careful to avoid overpaying for the mortgage broker's services. Here are several tips to help you avoid costly mortgage refinancing mistakes when working with a mortgage broker.
Mortgage Refinancing: What Are Mortgage Brokers?
Mortgage brokers are a third party retail outlet for securing mortgage refinancing loans. When mortgage refinancing it is important to understand the how the retail mortgage market works. With the exception of banks and broker-banks (which you should avoid altogether) the retail mortgage market is made up of mortgage companies, online web portals, and mortgage brokers. These retail outlets all work basically the same; mortgage brokers sell mortgages for wholesale mortgage lenders for a commission.
Mortgage Refinancing: How Do Mortgage Brokers Operate?
When you apply for a mortgage loan from a mortgage broker the wholesale lender qualifies you for a certain interest rate and provides the mortgage broker with a written guarantee of that interest rate. The mortgage broker will turn around and reissue the mortgage refinancing interest rate guarantee in their company's name. Do you think the guarantee you receive is the same as the one that came from the wholesale lender? If you said "No!" give yourself a gold star. Mortgage brokers always mark up the interest rate the wholesale lender qualified you for. The wholesale mortgage refinancing lender may have qualified you for a 6.0% loan; however, the mortgage broker marked it up to 6.75% on your interest rate guarantee.
Mortgage Refinancing: What is Mortgage Broker Yield Spread Premium?
The markup your mortgage broker slips into your interest rate when mortgage refinancing is called Yield Spread Premium. Mortgage brokers are compensated with the origination points or fees you pay for mortgage refinancing. Yield Spread Premium is the icing on the cake for many retail mortgage outlets like mortgage brokers. By overcharging you for the interest rate, the mortgage broker receives an additional point for each .25% they mark up on the loan as a bonus from the wholesale lender. In the case above where the wholesale lender qualified you for a 6% loan and your mortgage broker marked up the interest rate to 6.75%, that broker will receive three additional points as a bonus for ripping you off.
Suppose your mortgage refinancing loan was for $200,000, the mortgage broker would receive a $6,000 bonus for overcharging you. The overwhelming majority of homeowners never know they've been ripped off in this manner by the mortgage broker. How can you avoid paying this mortgage broker markup when mortgage refinancing? Homeowners that learn to recognize Yield Spread Premium can avoid paying the markup. To learn how you can avoid paying mortgage broker markup when refinancing your mortgage, register for a free mortgage refinancing guidebook.

To get your free mortgage guidebook visit RefiAdvisor.com using the link below.
Louie Latour specializes in showing homeowners how to avoid costly mortgage mistakes and predatory lenders. For a free copy of "Mortgage Refinancing Broker - What You Need to Know," which teaches strategies to find the best mortgage and save thousands of dollars in the process, visit Refiadvisor.com.
Claim your free mortgage refinance information guide today at: http://www.refiadvisor.com
Mortgage Refinance Information

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