Jim Bisnett asked:




The mortgage industry has experienced slow application activity over the past several months, but that jogging pace may turn into a sprint as mortgage rates fell to historical lows recently. On November 25, the government announced some major credit stimulation initiatives in a bold move to bolster the depressed housing and mortgage markets. On the news, home loan rates tumbled by one-half percent, a move seldom encountered in the mortgage business. Three major components came together to create the sharp drop. First, the Treasury announced that they would now guarantee Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac debt and purchase up to $100 billion of that debt, thereby bolstering investor attraction to the safety of their issued bonds. Secondly, the Treasury announced that it would purchase up to $500 Billion of Fannie, Freddie, and Ginnie securities, creating much needed liquidity in the mortgage markets. Finally, Treasury yields dropped in a major one-day move, almost one-quarter percent on the 10-Year Treasury bond.

The result of this perfect storm of financial news was a one-half percentage point drop in mortgage rates and a potential beginning for stabilization in housing. Historically low mortgage rates may be just the stimulus needed to drive potential homebuyers off the fence to begin the offering process. After the government announcement, many lenders were offering par rates in the 5.5 percent range for 30-year fixed rate mortgages. Home loans at this price may be a hard deal to pass up for those refinancing loans and purchasing homes, especially in light of the roller coaster ride that mortgage rates have taken so far this year.

On the refinancing front, although interest rates are low, home prices continue to deteriorate across the country. The National Association of Realtors recently announced that sales of existing homes fell by 3.1 percent in October, and the median home sales price plunged 11.3 percent from a year ago to $183,000. On this news, it’s important to keep in mind that a homeowner’s qualified refinance home loan interest rate may not be as low as advertised offer rates, if their loan-to-value (LTV) ratio exceeds 80 percent. So, it’s a good idea for those considering a mortgage refinance to get a handle on the value of their home, before they start shopping rates. The spread appears to be tightening for higher LTV home loan scenarios, but those refinancing over 90 percent of their home’s value will most likely get the best deal with an FHA refinance.

As for the rate outlook ahead, many feel that the current low mortgage rates will continue for a while. Whether they decline even further is anyone’s guess, but a leveling in home prices could be just the medicine needed for further rate dips.

Lucy

Anthony Frankson asked:




Explanation: Mortgage Types – Fixed Rate Mortgages

The basic mortgage has always been the 30 Year Fixed Mortgage. With this type of mortgage you get an interest rate that stays the same (fixed) for the entire length of the term. What this means is that you can count on paying the same monthly payment for the next 30 years without any “surprise” increases in the amount. You know what your payment will be each month and you can make your budget accordingly. There are now 15, 10 and even 5 year fixed mortgages but they come with a hefty monthly payment.

Explanation: Mortgage Types – Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Another mortgage example is the Adjustable Rate Mortgage or ARM. This type of loan adjusts to the fluctuations in the interest rate that is determined by certain market forecasting indexes. The interest rate of this loan is initially lower than the fixed rate but after the introductory period the loan then begins to fluctuate. This is a good choice when interest rates are low but can be burdensome when interest rates are high. One disadvantage of these loans is that you cannot predict exactly the monthly payments because they are subject to change.

Explanation: Mortgage Types – Convertible Mortgages

Convertible Mortgages are another example. This is a kind of hybrid of the fixed and adjustable mortgage. This is popular because it has flexible options; when rates are high you can convert to the fixed rate and when the rates are low you can convert back to the adjustable rate. This loan has other names such as Reducing Interest, Reduction Option, etc.

Explanation: Mortgage Types – FHA and VA Loans

The final two mortgage types are for special social categories. The FHA Loans by the Federal Housing Authority guarantees the repayment of loans made by private lenders to low and moderate-income level populations. VA Loans, by the Veterans Administration, guarantees the repayment of funds made by private lenders to qualified veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces and the National Guard.

This is just a simple basic overview of the mortgages available today. With the above information you must now begin to get much more extensive information on the specific features that fit your particular situation best. The Internet is your best source for finding out this information because it allows you to make comparison rate shopping very easily.

The Internet is also the best resource for finding a lender with whom you can do business. Be sure to have an in depth discussion with your lender about the particular loan you are getting before you sign any papers binding you to a contract. Remember, never sign a contract if you any doubt about the terms of the mortgage agreement that is presented to you.

Jamie

Linda Turnbull asked:


What Exactly Is a Home Loan?

It is an often asked question, especially to those who are new homeowners or are prospective candidates to be so. The answer can be fairly complicated, but to be as succinct as possible, a home loan is essentially the money acquired after the placing of one’s house as collateral or security in order to protect the debt. Home loans are often correlated with mortgages which are defined as a “lien” on one’s house and usually concern two entities, the lender and the borrower.

Its Purposes

The purpose of a home loan and mortgage is to ensure that the borrower repays the money loaned in purchasing a house. These payments are completed to the lender in intervals and installments. Still, it is not as linear or simple as that. There are a multitude of different and distinct mortgages that must be paid with each home loan, their discrepancies being very relevant to financial status and condition of the borrower. Failure to take note of this can result in failure of repayment, which can have unfortunate consequences including foreclosure.

Different Aspects

There exists a myriad of different mortgages that can come with a home loan. Still, the two most orthodox and well regarded lay in fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages. The first is probably the most widely used as it contains the key strongpoint of resisting change as interest is altered. If the interest rate were to rise, a borrower’s mortgage would remain unaffected under this form. Unfortunately, the mortgage acquired by this home loan can not only gain from this attribute, but also suffer from it. If the mortgage rate were to lessen, for example, it becomes much more difficult to acquire a lower payment as opposed to a different form of home mortgage.

Conversely, the adjustable rate mortgage paid with a home loan can fluctuate and is wholly dependent upon the interest rate. In this case, the mortgage acquired with these home loans work somewhat inversely with that of fixed-rate mortgages. One can recompense in the case of a lower interest rate, however, they can also lose in case of that of a higher interest rate. Adjustable rate mortgages also exist under a fixed-rate system, though only to a certain extent. Often a fixed-rate is paid for a certain interval of time, but the rate loses its jurisdiction after that time period is ended. At this point, the mortgage payment is left to the permutations in the interest rate.

Possible Consequences

If a borrower fails to repay a lender the promised mortgage, foreclosure may become imminent. This is the unfortunate and very significant risk that comes with a home loan and home ownership. For this reason, it becomes essential that a buyer weighs their financial options before purchasing a house. Like any other loan, home loans carry some form of contingency and their collateral may be seized upon if payment is not acquirable.



ADAM