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Fixed Rates
30 Year Fixed Rate Program
30 year fixed mortgage is a type of mortgage loan that is repaid by the borrower making 360 equal monthly payments over a period of 30 years. Since the borrower's payments are 'fixed', the borrower can expect to make the same monthly payment for the entire term of the loan. A 30 year mortgage loan is the most widely accepted program used to finance a residential purchase, and is available for conventional, jumbo, FHA and VA loans.
15 Year Fixed Rate Program
A 15 year fixed mortgage is a type of mortgage loan that is repaid by the borrower making 180 equal monthly payments over a period of 15 years. Since the borrower's payments are 'fixed', the borrower can expect to make the same monthly payment for the entire term of the loan. A 15 year mortgage loan is the most widely accepted program used to finance a residential purchase, and is available for conventional, jumbo, FHA and VA loans.
ARM's
1, 3, 5, 7, 10 Year Adjustable Rate Loan Programs
An Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a mortgage loan that is most widely known for its low starting interest rate (when compared to the 30 & 15 year mortgage loans). This 'low' introductory rate is used to calculate the mortgage payment for a specified period of time. Once this introductory period is over, the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a preselected index. The most commonly used index is the yield on the one-year Treasury Bill. The new interest rate is determined by adding this index to a set margin (which is determined by the lender). Although there are a variety of adjustable rate mortgage programs available, the most common program is the One Year Adjustable Mortgage (one Year ARM). The interest rate on the one year ARM is adjusted once each Year, for 30 years. APR's on variable rate loans are subject to increase but may decrease from year-to-year, the borrower should be prepared to handle an increase in his/her monthly payment (should the index rate increase).
Jumbo Loan Programs
A jumbo mortgage is a mortgage loan which is larger than the limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ($322,700 as of 1/1/2003). Since these two agencies will not purchase these types of loans, they usually carry a higher interest rate (to enhance their value and marketability to investors).
Interest Only
This type of loan program is for those who would like to significantly lower their mortgage payments by allowing you to pay only the interest on the loan. This type of loan is great for debt consolidation up to 100% LTV.
Example of how you may benefit from an Interest Only Loan Program
...Before Refinance:
Mortgage Balance: 225,000
Rate: 7.5%
Term: 30 Year
Monthly Mortgage Payment: 1,573.23
...After Refinance:
New Loan: 225,000
New Rate: 3.75%
New Payment: 703.00
Old Payment: 1,573.23
Monthly Payment Savings: 870.23
Yearly Savings: 10,442.76
3-Year Savings: 31,328.28
5-Year Savings: 52,213.80
* Payments based on 30 Year Amortization, 80% ltv, 1st lien position, 3.75% rate, 3.85% APR.
APR may vary depending on term and amount.
Rates are subject to change.
Loan application subject to credit and underwriting guide lines
Home Equity Line (HELOC)
This type of program is very popular for those looking to do home improvements and who are not interested in tapping into all of their home's equity at one time. With this type of program you can draw on your equity at your leisure making this an excellent loan program that you control. A "HELOC" is usually setup on an interest only payment and is fixed to either the LIBOR or Prime index and can be used for at least 10 years before principal payments are required.
Example of How and Interest Only HELOC Payment is Calculated:
Rate + Index x Remaining HELOC Balance/divided by 12 Months = Mo. Payment
4.25 + 1.00 x 35,000 /12 Mo. = $125.00
* Payments based on 30 Year Amortization, 80% LTV, 1st lien position, 5.25% rate, 5.35% APR.
APR may vary depending on term and amount.
Rates are subject to change.
Loan application subject to credit and underwriting guidelines
Home Equity
A home equity line is a form of revolving credit in which your home serves as collateral. Because the home is likely to be a consumer's largest asset, many homeowners use their credit lines only for major items such as education, home improvements, or medical bills and not for day-to-day expenses.
With a home equity line, you will be approved for a specific amount of credit-your credit limit-meaning the maximum amount you can borrow at any one time while you have the plan.
Many lenders set the credit limit on a home equity line by taking a percentage (say, 75 percent) of the appraised value of the home and subtracting the balance owed on the existing mortgage. For example:
| Appraisal of home |
$100,000 |
| Percentage |
x75% |
| Percentage of appraised value |
$75,000 |
| Less mortgage debt |
-$40,000 |
| Potential credit line |
$35,000 |
In determining your actual credit line, the lender also will consider your ability to repay, by looking at your income, debts, and other financial obligations, as well as your credit history.
Home equity plans often set a fixed time during which you can borrow money, such as 10 years. When this period is up, the plan may allow you to renew the credit line. But in a plan that does not allow renewals, you will not be able to borrow additional money once the time has expired. Some plans may call for payment in full of any outstanding balance. Others may permit you to repay over a fixed time, for example 10 years.
Once approved for the home equity plan, usually you will be able to borrow up to your credit limit whenever you want. Typically, you will be able to draw on your line by using special checks.
Under some plans, borrowers can use a credit card or other means to borrow money and make purchases using the line. However, there may be limitations on how you use the line. Some plans may require you to borrow a minimum amount each time you draw on the line (for example, $300) and to keep a minimum amount outstanding. Some lenders also may require that you take an initial advance when you first set up the line.
Costs to Obtain a Home Equity Line
Many of the costs in setting up a home equity line of credit are similar to those you pay when you buy a home. For example:
- A fee for a property appraisal, which estimates the value of your home.
- An application fee, which may not be refundable if you are turned down for credit.
- Up-front charges, such as one or more points (one point equals one percent of the credit limit).
- Other closing costs, which include fees for attorneys, title search, mortgage preparation and filing, property and title insurance, as well as taxes.
- Certain fees during the plan. For example, some plans impose yearly membership or maintenance fees.
- You also may be charged a transaction fee every time you draw on the credit line.
Comparing a line of credit and a traditional second mortgage loan
If you are thinking about a home equity line of credit you also might want to consider a more traditional second mortgage loan. This type of loan provides you with a fixed amount of money repayable over a fixed period. Usually the payment schedule calls for equal payments that will pay off the entire loan within that time. You might consider a traditional second mortgage loan instead of a home equity line if, for example, you need a set amount for a specific purpose, such as an addition to your home.
In deciding which type of loan best suits your needs, consider the costs under the two alternatives. Look at the APR and other charges. You cannot, however, simply compare the APR for a traditional mortgage loan with the APR for a home equity line because the APRs are figured differently.
- The APR for a traditional mortgage takes into account the interest rate charged plus points and other finance charges.
- The APR for a home equity line is based on the periodic interest rate alone. It does not include points or other charges.
CAPITAL GAIN FINANCIAL, LLC
PHONE: 281-861-6876 * FAX: 832-476-6354 * EMAIL: INFO@CAPITALGAINFINANCIAL.COM
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