(NC)–Your home is more than just a place to hang your hat. In addition to being a source of pride and protection, it can be a valuable source of equity.
With interest rates still near record lows, now may be a good time to consider a renovation, purchasing a new car or making some investments. The equity in your home may help you secure the necessary funds to achieve your goals
One way to access the equity in your home is to refinance your existing mortgage. While this increases the size of your existing mortgage, it may yield a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments than a traditional loan. One caution, however; increasing the size of your mortgage means it will take longer to pay it off. As a consequence, you will be paying more interest.
Another way to access the equity in your home is to open a line of credit that is secured against your home. Just as with refinancing, a line of credit may be available at an interest rate that is lower than a regular loan..
A line of credit gives you payment flexibility that is not available with a conventional mortgage. Not only do you have control over the length of the loan and how you repay it, you also have the flexibility to pay off the debt at anytime without penalty and you can control the amount of payment you make each month – the minimum, as little as interest only, or as much as you can afford. The larger your monthly payment, the quicker you will pay off the line of credit and the lower your overall interest costs.
If minimizing the amount of interest you pay over the lifetime of the debt is important, then a secured line of credit may work for you. To qualify, you generally require 25 per cent equity built up in your home. Legal fees or registry fees may apply.
"If you are considering leveraging your home equity, you should meet with a qualified lending expert," says Gail Kassie, Director, Mortgages and Home Financing Products, BMO Bank of Montreal. "A lending expert will explain your options, offer a variety of solutions, and help you make the best decision to suit your needs and your budget."
Information provided by BMO Bank of Montreal. For more information visit www.bmo.com.
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Saturday, October 27, 2007
Your Mortgage!
Do you have a home with a mortgage? Or, are you looking to purchase a home using a mortgage? Mortgages are a great way to afford a home of your dreams and finding a lost cost mortgage is important. But, with interest rates as low as they have been, now is the time to buy if you are looking to. Mortgage rates will only climb for now.
The first thing to consider in a mortgage is the interest rate. Many companies are fighting to give the best interest rate they can in hopes of capitalizing on the high demand that is currently in full swing. So, take advantage of this and shop around. Many banks, mortgage brokers, and even some major real estate companies are competing and offering low rates. Call a few places, get a few quotes before deciding on just one.
Looking for a mortgage means research. Start by looking into your bank. They may offer you a discount of some sort because you are currently banking with them. To make this search even simpler, check out the internet banking sites. Often you can find a mortgage calculator that will give you some idea of what you your payments will be including taxes. Mortgage calculators can help you decide on a 15 year loan or 30 year.
If you are looking for a refinance mortgage, check with your current mortgage holder. They have the ability to redo your mortgage at a lower rate if you are in good standing with them. Of course, they believe they will benefit because refinancing your mortgage can mean extending the loan.
Mortgage lenders of all sorts are willing to work with you to give you the best possible deal. But, right now, mortgage rates are as low as they will be in a long time and that translates into buy it now. But, remember to shop around for the best rates, plans, and conveniences that you can find.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-mortgages-4me.com/
The first thing to consider in a mortgage is the interest rate. Many companies are fighting to give the best interest rate they can in hopes of capitalizing on the high demand that is currently in full swing. So, take advantage of this and shop around. Many banks, mortgage brokers, and even some major real estate companies are competing and offering low rates. Call a few places, get a few quotes before deciding on just one.
Looking for a mortgage means research. Start by looking into your bank. They may offer you a discount of some sort because you are currently banking with them. To make this search even simpler, check out the internet banking sites. Often you can find a mortgage calculator that will give you some idea of what you your payments will be including taxes. Mortgage calculators can help you decide on a 15 year loan or 30 year.
If you are looking for a refinance mortgage, check with your current mortgage holder. They have the ability to redo your mortgage at a lower rate if you are in good standing with them. Of course, they believe they will benefit because refinancing your mortgage can mean extending the loan.
Mortgage lenders of all sorts are willing to work with you to give you the best possible deal. But, right now, mortgage rates are as low as they will be in a long time and that translates into buy it now. But, remember to shop around for the best rates, plans, and conveniences that you can find.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-mortgages-4me.com/
Your Mortgage Rate Lock - Don't Let It Slip Away
It's a great feeling to know that you have locked your interest rate. You can now close your dream home with the payment you can afford. No worries about a volatile market. However, it is important that you read and completely understand the lock agreement that you signed with your lender.
Each state has different wording on the form, but it all comes down to disclosing the terms and conditions of the lock. The form will spell out the loan program, loan amount, loan type, interest rate, origination fee, number of lock days and lock expiration. Some even charge an up front non-refundable fee.
Closing on time means that the lender must disburse the funds by the expiration date. But what happens if the lender does not close on time? The lock agreement should clearly state what would happen. The loan will probably be locked at the higher of the previous lock price or current pricing. In rare cases the loan program could be discontinued altogether.
Make your application journey a happy one. Discuss with the loan officer up front if the lock days are enough to meet the closing target date. Many loans require an appraisal. This is a key area and can be a time consuming part of the process. If the sales or refinance market is hot in your area it could take longer than normal to complete the appraisal. Be sure and cover estimated appraisal turnaround time with the loan officer during application.
During the loan process be sure and return any documentation quickly to the lender when asked. Be available to sign escrow papers in a timely manner. When the loan is funded, and you get the keys, it's a great feeling to know you closed your loan exactly as you hoped.
About the author:
Bill Wehr has been in home loan origination for over 25 years. He is the owner of Great Pacific Northwest Mortgage http://www.billwehr.com , a residential mortgage company serving Oregon and Washington.
Each state has different wording on the form, but it all comes down to disclosing the terms and conditions of the lock. The form will spell out the loan program, loan amount, loan type, interest rate, origination fee, number of lock days and lock expiration. Some even charge an up front non-refundable fee.
Closing on time means that the lender must disburse the funds by the expiration date. But what happens if the lender does not close on time? The lock agreement should clearly state what would happen. The loan will probably be locked at the higher of the previous lock price or current pricing. In rare cases the loan program could be discontinued altogether.
Make your application journey a happy one. Discuss with the loan officer up front if the lock days are enough to meet the closing target date. Many loans require an appraisal. This is a key area and can be a time consuming part of the process. If the sales or refinance market is hot in your area it could take longer than normal to complete the appraisal. Be sure and cover estimated appraisal turnaround time with the loan officer during application.
During the loan process be sure and return any documentation quickly to the lender when asked. Be available to sign escrow papers in a timely manner. When the loan is funded, and you get the keys, it's a great feeling to know you closed your loan exactly as you hoped.
About the author:
Bill Wehr has been in home loan origination for over 25 years. He is the owner of Great Pacific Northwest Mortgage http://www.billwehr.com , a residential mortgage company serving Oregon and Washington.
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