Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Mortgage Refinance Terminology, Are You Familiar With It?

This article intends to be a guide for people who are in the middle of refinancing their mortgage or about to start refinancing. It is not difficult to become confused by all the different terms, types of mortgages and whatnot.

As refinancing one's mortgage loan is a very important decision, it is highly recommended for the lender to become familiar with each and every single step of the process, aside from being completely knowledgeable of the specific vocabulary associated with the process. Once the initial informational phase is over, the lender should decide whether it is wise to refinance or not. Being completely aware of the different types of refinance available is key.

Home Refinance Rates

All About Mortgage Loan Types

Let's start from the beginning. Before dealing with mortgage refinance, we will review the most common types of mortgage loans.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM): this type of mortgage is usually called variable rate mortgage. It normally lasts 30 years and, as the name very well implies, the interest rate varies according to a preselected index rate. The initial interest rate is lower than that of a fixed rate mortgage, but as the loan matures, the interest rate fluctuates according to an economic index. This is clearly an advantage if rates stay low, but if they increase, the payments will increase too.

Fixed Rate Mortgage: this type of loan also lasts usually 30 years, but the difference with the ARM loan resides in the interest rate which applies. In this mortgage loan, the interest rate stays steady all through the life of the loan.

There are also two types of fixed rate mortgage loans which are worth mentioning.

Balloon Mortgage: this type of loan carries a usually lower interest rate. It becomes due after five or seven years and you will have to pay it off or refinance by the time it matures.

Biweekly Mortgage: payments associated with this type of home loan are biweekly, the lender makes the equivalent to 13 months of payments a year. Advantages associated with this mortgage loan are considerably lower interest costs.

All About Refinance Mortgage Types

Knowing your options is fundamental. It will determine whether you will be saving money and how much you will be saving and whether it is actually advisable to refinance or not. In some cases, one comes to realize that the potential savings associated with refinancing are not high enough to refinance at all.

No-Closing Cost Refinance: few upfront fees are related to this type of refinance. If the rate on your current mortgage loan is at least 1.5% higher than that in the market, it will be a good idea to refinance as you will be benefited financially.

Mortgage Refinance Terminology, Are You Familiar With It?

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