At some point in time very individual wants to own a property. Not everyone is fortunate enough to get an inheritance and not have to worry about mortgages altogether. Most of us, if we want a house, we have to consider getting a home loan. Under such circumstances, most of us feel that no matter what a mortgage is a mortgage and that they all serve the same purpose. This however is a misconception. In today’s business world no two people are alike and hence nether are mortgage products. Based on your needs and circumstance you should consider various types of mortgage lenders and get a mortgage to suit your requirements. Some such examples are listed below:

Choosing The Best Mortgage Deal

Buying A Life-Time Investment

If you are looking to by a house and are hoping to keep it for the entirety of your life span and maybe leave it to your kids someday, then in that case you should consider getting yourself a fixed rate mortgage. These mortgages have rates that can be fixed for the life span of the loan, even as much as 30 years. These are ideal for people who have bought a house with the intention to hold on to it.

Seasonal Or Fluctuating Income Earners

Ideally Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM’S) are the way to go in this case. Experts consider these to be pretty risky products. These are the right mortgage for individuals who have fluctuating levels of income. During dry months consumers can make smaller repayments, which only cover the interest component or not even that and can catch up during months where the income is greater. You must remember that if you are consistently making small repayment, in the future you may experience that you payments have risen by a fair bit.

Self-Employed

If you are a self employed individual and want to get the best mortgage, you may want to get either a low-doc or a no-doc loan. While the interest on these loans is considerably higher, self-employed individuals prefer them owing to the fact that it saves them the hassle of having to obtain and produce financial like payslips or W2’s etc.

Active Serviceman Or Veteran

If you are an active service man or a retired veteran, then it is the best idea to get yourself a VHA loan. These loans allow qualified military personnel to get loans for amount as much as $417,000., with absolutely no down payment. In certain other states of the country the amount goes up to about $625,000.

Recent Graduate With Great Income Potential

If you have recently graduated with a fancy degree and are starting to find your feet in the job world, it would make sense to get a loan which is a one year Adjustable Rate Mortgage. Make sure that you get a loan where the interest is capped and not the payments. If your payments are capped it would mean that even as your repayments are regular, your interest rate is fluctuating and that would keep pushing up the amount you owe the bank. It is very essential to make sure that you have capped the interest. With a one year ARM you may feel the pinch initially but eventually your rising income will be able to see you through.

References:

1. Which mortgage is best for you? – MSN Money
2. What mortgage is right for me? – Mortgage Reference Library

Finding the right type of mortgage and repayment method for you is crucial. This is an area where independent financial advice is essential.

Repayment Mortgage

Each repayment contains some capital and interest. In the early years, the monthly repayment is made up almost entirely of interest. There will be a gradual reduction in the amount of capital owing. This mortgage is guaranteed to be repaid in full so long as you make each repayment when it is due.

Standard variable rate mortgage

Lenders set a standard variable mortgage rate which will fluctuate in line with the market conditions. It can prove to be a suitable option for those whose immediate future is unplanned and who may not wish to commit to a product which includes a tie in period in the form of redemption penalties. But can be difficult to accurately budget for your mortgage payments.

Discounted variable rate mortgage

Discounted variable rate mortgages involve paying a set amount below the basic variable mortgage rate for a certain number of years.

After the discounted period the rate will revert to the standard variable rate. There will usually be a charge for early repayment.

Fixed rate mortgage

A fixed rate mortgage allows you to fix your monthly payments for a specified period of time. After the fixed rate term has expired, the interest rate will revert to the standard variable rate available at the time. It may be possible to fix again when the period ends. This mortgage allows easy budgeting because you know exactly how much your monthly payments will be.

Fixed rate mortgages will protect you against possible rises in variable rates but, if general rates fall below the level of the fixed rate then this could work out a more expensive option.

Flexible mortgages

Allows you to make additional or lump sum payments in excess of your scheduled monthly amount, enabling you to pay off your mortgage early. This reduces the amount of interest charged. In addition, you can choose to re-borrow the money at any time.

Capped rate mortgage

Somewhat like the fixed rate in that the maximum amount you pay is determined during the given capped period, however if interest rates come below your capped rate then your rate will reduce to that rate as appropriate.

Cash backs

The lender gives you either a percentage of the loan or a flat amount as a cash incentive. This is not added to the loan and does not attract interest, though it may be repayable if the loan is repaid before a given period of time. It is common for a cashback to be combined with other mortgage products such as fixed or discounted rates. Cash back appeals particularly to first time buyers, money can be used for legal fees, soft furnishings etc.

ISA (Individual savings account)

Throughout the period of the loan only the interest is paid off. At the end of the loan period the loan amount is still to be paid off. To pay this amount a separate endowment policy or other suitable strategy is created at the start of the loan period. The funds created by this are used to pay off the loan. If the investment has done better than expected then you will have the surplus funds. However, if the policy does not cover the loan amount you will have to cover the shortfall.

If you have any dependents it is a good idea to make sure that, in the event of you becoming seriously ill or dying, they can continue to live in your home.

Other charges

Valuation Fee: depending upon a) the lender b) the type of valuation/survey you require.

Lender’s Arrangement Fee: payable either in advance or on completion and is sometimes added to the loan

Legal Fees: Solicitor’s fees which may include the need to pay Stamp Duty, Local Searches, Conveyancing Costs and Land Registry Fees.

Stamp Duty: Effectively a purchase tax. Properties valued at over £60,000 attract a tax of 1%. Properties valued at over £250,000 are taxed at 3% and over £500,000 4%.

Higher Percentage Lending Fee: An insurance fee if the mortgage is more than a certain percentage of the value of the property. This is used to protect the lender and not you. If the lender claims on the insurance policy you will owe the insurer the amount paid out.

Buildings and Contents Insurance: All lenders require that you insure your property to the full cost of rebuilding it. You should also have the contents of your home insured in case of a burglary, fire etc.

Mortgage Payment Protection: This will help protect your mortgage and you in the event that you are unable to work through accident, sickness and/or involuntary unemployment.

You should always seek professional help before deciding on a mortgage.