Whether purchasing your first home or moving up to a larger property, the experts at Mortgage Maestro recommend exploring all home loan options to identify the most favorable financing. Arming yourself with knowledge will help you get the best home loan deal.
Understanding Mortgage Basics
Knowing mortgage terminology, components and calculations empowers you to compare scenarios and make informed choices:
- Principal – The amount borrowed.
- Interest Rate – Annual rate charged on loan balance.
- Term – Loan length until paid off (15- to 30-years typically).
- Fixed vs Adjustable Rates – Fixed rates stay constant; adjustable fluctuate.
- Down Payment – Upfront portion paid by borrower.
- Points – Additional upfront fees to buy down rate.
- Mortgage Insurance – Added cost if down payment under 20%.
- Credit Score – Key factor affecting qualification and rates.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio – Compares monthly debts to gross monthly income.
Researching Loan Types
With so many home loan options, the right loan provides ideal terms for your situation. Assess factors like taxes, insurance, HOA fees, retirement savings, and college costs when determining the payment amount you can manage.
Conventional Loans
Traditional mortgages issued by private lenders. They typically require 10-20% down payment.
FHA Loans
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration for buyers with good credit unable to provide substantial down payment.
VA Loans
Offered by private lenders to qualifying veterans and service members with no down payment or mortgage insurance requirements.
USDA Loans
100% financing from U.S. Department of Agriculture for moderate income buyers in designated rural areas.
Jumbo Loans
For high-end luxury properties exceeding conforming loan limits. They require sterling credit and low debt-to-income ratio.
ARMs
Adjustable-rate mortgages start with lower introductory rates lasting 3-10 years, then fluctuate with the market.
Get Multiple Rate Quotes
Industry competition sparks continual movement in rates and fees. Whether buying soon or just starting to look, always get quotes from multiple lender sources. Online rate shopping tools let you compare many options with minimal legwork. But also consult local banks, credit unions and mortgage brokers who may offer exclusive discounts.
Understand All Home Loan Fees
Typical closing costs run 2-5% of a home’s purchase price, including:
- Origination – Upfront fee to initiate the loan.
- Points – Each point equals 1% of loan amount in prepaid interest.
- Application and processing fees.
- Appraisal and credit check costs.
- Title searches, insurance, escrow.
- Taxes, recording, courier fees and more.
Some lenders offer no-closing cost loans, waiving their origination fee and other charges, but charge a higher interest rate to recoup them over the loan term. Comparison shop various scenarios to optimize both rates and fees for your situation.
Optimize Your Financial Profile
While shopping rates, it makes sense to also optimize your borrower appeal. Pay down balances, dispute errors on credit reports and limit new account openings/closures. Improve your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Lenders view financially responsible borrowers as a lower risk to whom they provide better deals.
Evaluate All Costs
Look beyond rate and origination fees to compare total costs between loan options:
- Ongoing Mortgage Insurance – Required for down payments under 20% until sufficient equity reached.
- Discount Points – Pay more upfront to buy rate down further.
- Prepayment Penalties – Fees for paying off loans early.
- Ongoing Fees – Monthly/annual account maintenance costs.
- Tax Benefits – Mortgage interest and property taxes allow valuable deductions to help offset true costs of financing and home ownership.
Getting pre-approved early provides transparency into precise monthly payments expected for given loan amounts, invaluable insight as you evaluate affordability and search for homes in target price ranges.
Conclusion
The mortgage market offers many complex products and frequent fluctuations in costs for the same money borrowed. But armed with knowledge of available options you can take control to obtain ideal financing terms, putting home ownership within reach.
