Mortgage Guide

The House Team Of Mortgage Intellingence asked:


Forget everything you thought you knew about the benefits of taking a variable-rate mortgage instead of locking in for the long term.

A new study suggests the security of a five-year mortgage costs little or nothing beyond a riskier variable-rate mortgage, providing you get a jumbo-sized rate discount.

“Interest costs on discounted closed five-year mortgages have been close to, and often lower than, those of variable-rate mortgages since late 1996,” senior Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. economist Ali Manouchehri writes in the study.

Homeowners have made variable-rate mortgages hugely popular in the past few years in the belief that you can save on interest costs by pegging your mortgage rate to your lender’s prime lending rate. As the prime rises, or as has generally happened in the past few years, fallen, so goes your mortgage rate.

The prime rate at the major banks is now 4.5 per cent, while the posted five-year rate at the big banks is 6.15 per cent. In just one year, the variable-rate choice would save you about $1,700 on monthly payments toward a $150,000 mortgage amortized over 25 years (assuming a level prime rate).

Historically, you would also have saved a lot. The CMHC study shows that five-year mortgages taken out from 1993 through 1998 would have cost anywhere from $50,000 to $5,000 in additional interest paid over the term of the loan (the example is based on a $100,000 mortgage amortized over 25 years).

The flaw with this analysis is that it doesn’t reflect real-world mortgage pricing. These days, very few people take out a mortgage without a sizable discount off the posted rates at major banks.

For that reason, the CMHC’s Mr. Manouchehri decided to compare discounted five-year mortgages with discounted variable-rate mortgages. Incidentally, five years is the most popular term by far for fixed-rate mortgages at about 59 per cent of the total.

The size of the discounts Mr. Manouchehri applied was based on the difference between posted major bank rates and the best deals available from other lenders. For five-year mortgages, he used a discount of 1.25 of a percentage point; for variable-rate mortgages, it was 0.4 of a point off prime.

For five-year mortgages taken out between 1993 and mid-1996, the five-year mortgage was costlier in terms of interest costs. Since then, however, variable-rate mortgages have generally been a little bit more expensive.

Obviously, there’s nothing in this study that decides the fixed-rate versus variable-rate debate once and for all.

In fact, the CMHC study may just confuse anyone who recalls some research done for Manulife Financial back in 2000 by York University finance professor Moshe Milevsky. His research found that the extra interest charged on a five-year mortgage would have cost $20,000 on average between 1950 and 2000 for a $100,000 mortgage amortized over 15 years.

To make some sense of the variable-rate versus five-year question, let’s go back to the CMHC study.

It shows that five-year mortgages, discounted or otherwise, were especially bad choices for a three-year period starting in mid-1993. Rates were high for a while back then, but they subsequently fell.

You were a spectator to these rate declines if you were stuck in a five-year mortgage, while people in variable-rate mortgages would have benefited almost immediately.

It’s a different world now, though. Five-year mortgage rates are close to a 50-year low, which suggests they’re far more likely to rise over their term than fall.

So what’s the best choice here, variable-rate or five-year fixed rate? People who want to pay rock-bottom mortgage rates for as long as possible will probably still want a variable-rate mortgage. Remember, you can lock this sort of mortgage into a fixed term without penalty in most cases.

The case for the five-year term looks almost as strong, though. First, the CMHC study tells us there may not be a significant cost to locking your mortgage in for five years, and you might even save a little over a variable-rate mortgage.

Second, the likelihood of higher rates in the years to come would suggest that this is a good time to lock in.

If you had a variable-rate mortgage discounted to 4 per cent, the prime would have to go up by 0.85 of a percentage point to equal the current five-year rate. That’s not a lot of ground to cover in the span of 12 to 18 months when the economy is doing well.

Arguably, the variable-rate versus fixed-rate debate is all about risks and rewards. Right now, the five-year option offers much less risk, and almost as much reward.

Clifford

Shelley Green asked:


Mortgage rates are often the most important factor when choosing a lender and the type of loan. The interest rate affects the monthly payment the borrower has to make. If mortgage rates increase then, unless the interest rate payable on the loan is capped or fixed, the amount payable each month will also increase. The length of the loan term also affects the amount payable each month. There is a direct relationship between the term of the loan and the monthly installment. The monthly installment will be less the longer the term of the loan.

Fixed mortgage rates tie in the interest rate current at the start of the mortgage for either the entire term of the mortgage or for a set period. If you wish to have a set amount for each installment then a fixed rated mortgage seems like a good option. It will give you the security of knowing what you are going to have to pay each month. The monthly installment does not increase when mortgage rates go up. However, if the underlying interest rate decreases then borrowers on a fixed rate mortgage will not receive any decrease in their monthly payment. In the case of variable or adjustable rate mortgages the amount payable each month may increase or decrease depending on the prevailing interest rate.

There a plenty of factors that determine what loan is right for you. Mortgage rates are important but you need to consider whether or not you need the security of a fixed rate mortgage and what term your mortgage should have.

Mortgage rates depend on the preferred term. Mortgage terms will normally be between fifteen an 30 years although terms as long as fifty years have been known. The state of the economy, the type of property, the number of occupants and the credit worthiness of the borrower are also big determiners of the mortgage rate.

Mortgage rates are applied to the outstanding principal amount. The rate is decided upon by the lender and depends on the factors referred to above. As the principal amount reduces the amount of each installment that is applied to the principal will increase. So at the start of the mortgage most of the installment will go towards paying off the interest, at the end of the terms the majority of the installment can be applied to the principal amount. Borrowers can arrange just to pay interest in the first few years but although this may relieve some financial pressure at the start of the mortgage it may mean the mortgage costs quite a bit more over its duration.

Another option is to have an interest only mortgage which means that all you have to pay each month is the interest. The amount payable will depend on the mortgage rates unless the mortgage has a fixed rate. You then need to put in place some other means of paying off the capital borrowed. This could be by way of an endowment or pension.

Debbie

The House Team Of Mortgage Intellingence asked:


“Wow!” you say to your spouse as you hit the brakes on the car. “Did you see the mortgage rate those guys are advertising?” Your worries are over, you’re thinking. Just lock in a rate like that for the next ten years, and you’ve got it made.

Not so fast. That rate may not be the one for you. Typically, the lowest available rate - and the one that makes the rate sign look great from the street - will be for a variable or adjustable-rate mortgage. That rate has the potential to be like a roller coaster. The posted variable or adjustable rate is the rate you’re getting today. Unless you have an economic ouija board, you won’t be able to predict what kind of ups and downs are ahead of you.

Let’s take a closer look. A lender will offer different rates for different types of mortgages. The rates are determined based on financial risk -to the institution and to you. When a customer is willing to take on the risk, he/she is rewarded with a lower rate. If the lender is taking on the risk (that is, the customer is promised a particular rate… regardless of what happens in the future), the rate is higher. The longer the term, the higher the risk for the financial institution.

So how do you decide? Fixed-rate mortgages, because they require a low risk tolerance, are usually better suited to first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned a home for a very long period. Ask yourself these questions: Do you like or need to know exactly what your payment is going to be over a longer period of time? Do you want to avoid the need to consistently watch rates? Do you have less than 25% down? If you answered “yes” to all, or most of these questions, a more conservative fixed-rate ontario mortgage could be the better choice for you.

A variable or adjustable-rate mortgage is best suited to people who have a flexible budget and can tolerate higher risk. Ask yourself these questions: Do you watch market conditions? Can you handle any sudden rate increases that could increase your payment? Do you have 25% or more equity in your home? If you answered “yes” to all, or most of these questions, a variable or adjustable-rate mortgage might best suit your needs.

Some lenders offer a special promotional rate for the first few months of a variable-rate mortgage, which you should discuss with your mortgage broker. Also discuss what your rate will be based on - prime minus 0.5% or 0.6% or on Bankers’ Acceptances (BAs) plus 1%. The latter being a new kind of adjustable-rate mortgage that has recently been introduced to the marketplace. Most variables or adjustables allow you to exercise an option to “lock in” a fixed rate at any time for the remaining portion of your mortgage term or for a longer term.

If the uncertainty of a floating rate is going to give you sleepless nights, you’re in good company. Many Canadians prefer the certainty of a fixed-rate mortgage. They know exactly how much they will pay over the term of their mortgage, and they can plan accordingly… with no financial surprises. But if rates do drop… and drop… and drop… you are committed to the “promise” that you have made. Your best option - have a mortgage broker help you decide which option best meets your needs.

Edward

Neerdowellian asked:


We’re in the market for a house, and it would seem that the lowering Fed rate would trickle down to the mortgage business. Instead, those rates keep going UP! How do they expect people to help out the economy by buying homes when they keep making it so unattainable and unattractive?

Jessie

Rob Blake asked:


What can the Federal Reserve really do to effect the current mortgage rate?

Not as much as you think. Everyone gets excited when they hear something about the Fed lowering interest rates. They automatically think that means current mortgage rates are immediately going lower too.

A mortgage interest rate is not the same thing as the Fed rate. Other names for the Fed rate are short term rates, prime, Fed funds rate. This interest rate is the one tied to your car loans, credit cards, and home equity lines of credit. Even though a home equity line of credit is considered a mortgage, it is amortized like a credit card. That is the only mortgage affected by the Fed funds rate or Prime.

Mortgage rates are not directly but indirectly affected by the Fed moving rates. When the Fed makes a rate move it is felt by the investors. Some of these folks invest in mortgage backed securities. It is the mortgage backed securities that move mortgage rates up or down.

The Fed makes rate decisions on what is happening in the market. The unemployment number, consumer confidence, consumer price index, etc. are just some of the economic indicators the powers that be use to decide if a rate move is needed.

These same indicators are what affect the mortgage backed securities which in turn affect mortgage rates. Every day the market is analyzed using the economic indicators and a rate is established for the mortgage backed securities.

This happens every day whether the Fed is doing his thing or not. A good way to gauge where the market is for mortgage rates is by watching the 10 year bond. When there is bad news for an economic indicator then that means good news for the mortgage market.

Investors get nervous when a bad indicator shows up and they take their money out of the stock market where they feel their money may be at risk and put it into a safer place like the 10 year bond. When money floods into the 10 year bond it drives the price up but the yield down. When the yield is down then current mortgage rates go down.

When there are good indicators and news the investors take money out of the 10 year bond and put it back into the stock market. They can make a better rate of return in the stock market then in the 10 year bond. When they feel safe that the economy is rebounding then the stock market is the place to be. The 10 year bond price goes down and the yield goes up so the rates go up.

If you want to track current mortgage rates because you are thinking of buying or refinancing then do not listen to everyone else and certainly do not listen to the Fed. Check out a financial website and track the 10 year bond.

Remember, when the yield is up then mortgage rates are up and when it is down then they are down. Rates move every day and sometimes if good or bad enough news comes in during the day, they can change in that same day.

Richard

LizaMathers asked:


Mortgage and remortgage rates may vary from one loan program to another. But is the lowest rates actually the best criterion when shopping for a mortgage?

Shop around first to find the mortgage that is compatible with your financial circumstances and count the expenses you’re likely to incur from the first day of your loan application to its closing.

Getting a Mortgage

Looking for the right mortgage or remortgage rates can be perplexing and this is compounded with the task of waiting out the paperwork. Several processes are involved from start to finish. The processes and expenses differ and mortgage approval will be dependent on the findings made by the lending company.

Credit companies have several loan programs tailor-fitted for different needs. But there is hundreds of bewildering mortgage programs. Going over a plethora of information can be confusing for anybody who is not well-versed in the semantics. This is no thanks to the hundreds of mortgage companies out there. But for each program, you must be alert to the implications of the mortgage and remortgage rates being offered in your case.

You will have to give the following information to a prospective lender: are you a home mover, a first time buyer, are you buying a house to rent it out, or do you have the council right to buy. You will be asked to give the value of your property and the amount you want for a loan. Your credit history will scrutinized after you have indicated whether you have a good, fair, or poor credit history. All these information will predetermine your pre-approval for the loan and the corresponding appropriate interest rate.

Fixed Mortgage vs Flexible Mortgage

In your quest for the best mortgage or indeed remortgage rates, consider your present financial capacity. If you’re employed, it is advisable to get a fixed mortgage or a loan with a fixed interest rate.

The advantages of flexible mortgages are the options you can employ to pay off your loan. In this arrangement, you can reduce your monthly payment for sometime or make overpayments if you ever get bonuses or payouts. You can even take a respite of 6 months from paying your monthly dues. You can also withdraw equity from your property using your cheque book. In this case, there are pre-agreed limits to the amount you can access.

The right mortgage rate can depend on the amount added to the principal, which you can afford on a monthly basis. The shorter the loan term, the lower mortgage and remortgage rates but the monthly bills will be higher; the longer the term, the higher the mortgage and remortgage rates but the monthly bills will be lowered.

Do not confuse the lower monthly bills as getting a low mortgage rate. If you’ll add these all up, you’ll see the staggering difference. The deciding factor should be your capability to pay the principal and the interest rate in a given period. A mortgage broker can always help you find the best firm that can provide what you need for a mortgage suited to your individual personal finance circumstances.

Willie

Rony Walker asked:


A house is made of walls and beams, while a home is built with love and dreams. Both house and home have one ingredient in common, however, and that is mortgage. If your house is the substance your dreams are made of, mortgage payments may be fodder for several nights’ worth of nightmares.

Loan Term

In home loan lending, loan term refers to the period over which you must make payments. Different loans have different terms. The safest term to go for is fixed-rate mortgage. Under this type, your monthly mortgage payments do not change over the life of your loan. You may take your pick from a multitude of terms, such as 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. This article will focus on the merits of getting 30-year mortgage rates.

Advantages of Getting 30-Year Mortgage Rates

A 30-year mortgage is the granddaddy of all home loans in home loan lending. As a rule of thumb, the longer the loan term, the lower the monthly payments. If you get 30-year mortgage rates, your monthly dues will be so affordable you will have more disposable income for your living expenses. Furthermore, you will be able to funnel more money towards your savings for retirement, tuition, or whatever purpose you have in mind.

The good thing about having extra cash is that you may use it to make additional payments on your mortgage balance. This will help shorten the term of your loan.

Another benefit of availing of 30-year mortgage rates is that it is easy to get a loan approved if it comes with longer terms. In fact, with longer terms, you may even be able to get a larger or finer house. In home loan lending, long-term loans are often perceived as more stable compared to short-term loans.

Advantages of Fixed Rate Mortgage

Fixed rate mortgage, particularly those involving 30-year mortgage rates, are recommended because:

1. you know exactly how much you will be repaying every month, for the next 30 years. This makes budgeting easy.

2. even if rates skyrocket, your rate is locked in for the next 30 years. Your monthly repayments will always be the same.

3. you do not have to remortgage every two or three years.

Disadvantages of Fixed Rate Mortgage

Admittedly, 30-year mortgage rates are not without their drawbacks. Some believe getting 30-year mortgage rates is not in their best interest because:

1. if mortgage rates fall, the fixed rate given to you will be higher than prevailing rates.

2. fixed rate mortgages generally require you to pay an arrangement or booking fee.

3. longer-term fixed rate mortgages require early repayment charges during the duration of the fixed period.

The decision to go for longer-term fixed rate mortgages is one you should make with care. Prudence and well-timed monthly payments can be the two things that separate the house-rich from the homeless.

Alvin

Miodrag Trajkovic asked:


It is natural for majority of the populace to desire anything at a lower cost and the same principle is mirrored on why there is a need for lowest mortgage rates. The ability to procure something at a bargain can be regarded as an achievement by some people, especially those that are budget conscious. A mortgage that offers an affordable interest rate is the dream of most people who want to own their own homes. Those who are willing to put up with a second mortgage or apply for a loan designed for home equity need the same. Therefore, as much as possible, potential debtors are seeking to find the lowest mortgage rates in the market.

The techniques on how to find the lowest mortgage rates will vary from one potential borrower to another. You should remember, though, not to grab the first plan proposed to you since there may be a better one obtainable. You can ask a real estate broker on the available financing schemes. Most often, financing companies have tie-ups with property developers to facilitate a smooth transaction. Such alliance could result to lower interest rates as opposed to others that function independently. Competition among the real estate players could likewise bring about competitive rates hence you can pick the lowest mortgage rates offered. Comparing is essential when deciding on what loan terms to pursue.

Referral is another effective way of getting the lowest mortgage rates, from people in your workplace to your friends and relatives. You ought to be cautious though because the same provisions and conditions might not be applicable in your case. Financing companies utilize different criteria when evaluating the applications of prospective mortgagors. The factors under consideration encompass both external conditions as well as issues concentrating on the potential borrower. Relevant would be your credit background – whether you have accumulated a huge debt, repayment capabilities, or credit risk, among others. The country’s economic conditions will also be influential as a booming economy means more opportunities for its citizens and higher chances of bagging the lowest mortgage rates.

The Internet is another good source in learning what are the prevailing interest rates connected with financing activities. You can browse through the sites and make a table to determine the lowest mortgage rates. You should not take everything at face value and must read carefully the fine print. It might turn out that you will be paying much higher from your allegedly low mortgage rate. Be conscious about hidden charges or other add-ons that will increase your monthly payments and adversely affect your allocated budget. There are a variety of mortgage programs, thus you ought to select the most appropriate one in accordance to your requirements. Searching for the lowest mortgage rates can be difficult but possible to attain.

Vicki

NickG asked:


The Fed has announced they may cut interest rates in the middle of March. I am currently working on getting a mortgage for a property I will close in mid-April. Should I wait to lock the rate until after the Fed announces the cut?

James

Gerald Mason asked:


If you are on the market for a mortgage you will soon find out, if you haven’t already, that the current mortgage rate is only current for that day and sometimes even for just for that hour.

This is well worth taking into consideration when you take out your mortgage.

The current mortgage rate, as with other interest rates, is constantly changing. There are several reasons for this constant state of change.

A bank makes money when it loans money to you. The money a bank loans to you is first loan to it through the federal government.

The rate at which the bank borrows money is linked to the prime rate, which is the federal interest rate.

If you have been following the current mortgage rate, then you know it is usually higher than the prime rate.

This is because the bank wants to make money from the money loaned to you. For this to happen, the current mortgage rate must be higher than the prime rate.

Shopping for a mortgage with the current mortgage rate changing everyday can be difficult.

Of course, you want to get the best rate possible, but you never know when the rate is going to be up and when it is going to be down.

How exactly can you get the best rate in such conditions? Here are some tips to help you.

When you check the current mortgage rate make sure it is a reputable source.

There are several resources that list the current mortgage rate. When you check the rates on a given day, use sources that you can trust to provide you with the most accurate up to date information.

Anything less than that isn’t worth it. The last thing you want to do is make a decision based on inaccurate information.

Compare several sources. Never use just one source for the current mortgage rate.

By looking at several different sources for the current rates, you can get a better idea of what the market truly looks like. If for no other reason, you should use a secondary source as confirmation for the rates you view on a primary source.

Pay attention to trends. The current mortgage rate changes all time; you’ve established that.

Rather than trying to pinpoint a day when the mortgage rate is at its lowest, look at how the rates change from one day to the next. Better, look at how the current mortgage rate has changed over the past month and week.

If the rate has been steadily increasing, you should probably lock in a rate as soon as possible, because the rates will likely continue to increase. However, if rates seem to be one the decline, you could wait a few days before attempting to lock in a rate.

If you are working with a loan officer, he (or she) will be able to provide you with current mortgage rate information, or even give you a resource you can use to check it on your own periodically.

Paying attention to the current mortgage rate is a good idea if you are shopping for a mortgage.

Phyllis