The Advantages of Finding a Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A fixed rate mortgage guarantees your interest rate will stay constant throughout the duration of your loan, making budgeting and planning for personal finances much simpler. Furthermore, it helps borrowers avoid potential mortgage payments that increase suddenly when market conditions alter.
One major advantage to choosing a fixed-rate mortgage is peace of mind. Your payment won’t increase due to fluctuations in the prime rate, an index used by lenders when setting their own variable rates.
Another major advantage of a fixed rate mortgage is that your interest rate will remain constant throughout the duration of the loan, providing consistent monthly payments. Furthermore, any additional fees such as real estate taxes or home insurance won’t increase in cost to you.
With a fixed-rate mortgage, you can plan ahead for your payments more accurately; with each monthly payment going toward interest and principal, the proportion of payment that goes toward each is known. In the early years of your loan, most of your payment will go toward interest; then gradually shift towards more payments that pay off your mortgage principal.
Selecting the Ideal Mortgage
When selecting a mortgage, there are several important factors to take into account such as your credit history, debt-to-income ratio and down payment size. Furthermore, there are various types of mortgages with various features and rates designed to meet different financial objectives.
Variable-rate mortgages (ARMs) provide lower introductory rates than fixed rate mortgages and may offer a variety of adjustable features. Before deciding which mortgage type is best suited for an individual, borrowers must carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Generally, the higher a borrower’s credit score and income are, the better their chances of qualifying for a fixed-rate mortgage. On the other hand, those with lower credit scores, less income or who require shorter loan repayment periods should consider an ARM.
A fixed-rate mortgage may have higher costs in the beginning than an ARM, particularly if you’re refinancing. Furthermore, some lenders charge break penalties which can add up quickly when breaking a closed fixed mortgage contract before its term is up.
Some variable-rate mortgages do offer the option to switch from a variable to fixed rate, though this option is less prevalent than it once was. Some lenders still charge you an admin fee to switch and will apply any difference in interest between your old and new rates.
If you’re uncertain if a fixed-rate mortgage is suitable for you, speak with an experienced mortgage expert to explore all available options. They will work together with you to design a loan that accommodates your unique financial situation and objectives.