Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Mortgage Refinance Loans Guide

By John Bear

If you are planning to refinance your home mortgage loan, selecting the right type of mortgage could save you thousands of dollars. Basically, there are two types of mortgage loans to choose from, and it would depend on your financial needs and tolerance for risk. The following are several easy tips that will help you with home loan refinance.

As stated, mortgage refinance loans come in two types: loans with fixed interest rates and loans with adjustable interest rates. Fixed rate mortgages have ten to fifty years of term lengths and will have payments based on an interest rate that will not change for the duration of the loan.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages, on the other hand, are based on a specific financial index and include the mortgage lenders margin. There is another type of mortgage known as hybrid loans; however, hybrid mortgages are really just a combination of the Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages.

The interest rate on your Adjustable Rate Mortgage will only change every time the lender resets your loan. When the lender resets your interest rate and payment amount, they will then use the financial index your loan is tied to plus their own margin. The most common index that is used by mortgage lenders is the one-year treasury note. Adjustable Rate Mortgages have the advantage of lower initial payments, but these loans have more risk for borrowers once the lender begins adjusting the loan.

Homeowners who know the risks with adjustable rate mortgage refinance loans will surely be able to save thousands of dollars when refinancing. So better not write off adjustable rate mortgages just because someone just told you that you'll have payment shock when the lender starts adjusting your loan.

There are actually several advantages to accepting an adjustable mortgage and for starters, a mortgage with a low rate will allow buyers to purchase more expensive homes while maintaining an affordable monthly payment. But because of the low rates record, home buyers who have an adjustable rate mortgage can enjoy falling rates without refinancing their mortgage. So, they avoid closing costs and other fees.

Adjustable rate mortgages are ideal for individuals who plan on moving in a few years. Some people love the stability of living in one place for many years. In this case, refinancing for a fixed rate is a wise choice; however, if you prefer the flexibility of moving every three to five years, you will be sure to save money with an adjustable rate.

Fortunately, home mortgage loans can be refinanced whenever you like and some lenders even suggest allowing the loan to mature at least 12 months. However, if you detect a change in market trends, refinancing shortly after purchasing your home is surely a smart maneuver. Those contemplating refinancing must be prepared in order to pay additional closing fees. Moreover, contact your current lender and inquire about prepayment penalties regarding mortgage refinance loans. - 16752