Top Ten Fixed Rate Mortgages
When start looking for a mortgage, when they should be getting the best deal and that starts with understanding the process upfront. Understand that banks are going to advertise their mortgage interest rate at the lowest rate possible, but that does not mean you will get that rate.
An interest rate buydown is typically what most banks are going to advertise. This allows them to advertise a lower rate than actual rate which draws people to them. They are also supposed to disclose any type of buydown that is included in that rate. But some don’t.
The basic thing to understand is that mortgage interest rates come from the same place for each bank across the nation. Some banks are more aggressive without rate that they get, but advertising is advertising and you really need to make sure that you read the fine print.
How much does it cost to close a mortgage? Your make sure that it makes sense to refinance your mortgage. If you can’t recoup the closing costs within 24 to 48 months, it typically does not make sense refinance unless there’s something else that you’re looking for other than savings.
Make sure you know your credit scores. Your credit score is very important in determining what type of interest rate you are going to get with your mortgage. This will also determine whether you can go with conventional financing or you may have to go with an FHA loan.
Do you need a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage? This is one question you need to ask your mortgage officer. If they are experienced they will be able to walk you through the pros and cons of adjustable rate mortgages and fixed mortgages based on your particular situation. Everybody situation is a bit different.
Is there a prepayment penalty on this loan? Makes you ask this question even though prepayment on these are not very common these days.
The most important step of getting a new mortgage is to make sure that you’re working with someone who knows what they’re talking about. It goes without saying that in any industry there are the people that are great at the job, and there are people that are clueless. Believe me, I have worked with both
