Is There A Current Program That Will Quickly Enable Us To Buy a Bigger, Better Home? Is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage a Smart And A Safe Solution At This Moment?

Mortgage interest rates have been declining for a while now, so you may not even think about an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). There are a few reasons an ARM might make good sense for you financially even with today’s low 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates. ARM interest rates can be up to half a percentage point (or more) lower than a fixed-rate mortgage, especially when it comes to Jumbo ARMs and Super Jumbo ARMs. In high housing cost markets like Los Angeles and Orange County, along with many other high-cost counties in the State of California, a half-point difference in mortgage interest rate could help you to buy a bigger, better house.

What are the advantages of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)?

As long as ARMs offer lower interest rates than fixed-rate 30-year mortgages, you may be able to qualify for a larger loan and therefore, a bigger, better house.

For example, if you wanted to buy a $1 million home, put 20% down, and apply for a 5/1 ARM at 3.35% interest, your monthly payments (excluding taxes and insurance) would be about $3,540. At 3.99% interest and a fixed-rate 30-year mortgage, your monthly principal and interest payments would be more than $3,800.

If there is no difference in interest rate between a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and a 5/1 ARM, then the ARM won’t help you to qualify for a higher loan amount and a bigger house.

What are some pitfalls of an ARM?

ARMs come with different terms. Common ARM terms are 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, and even 10/1. The first number indicates the number of years you’ll have your initial interest rate locked in. So, a 5/1 ARM will have the same interest rate and monthly payment for five years. The second number indicates how often the rate can change after the initial rate period. You’ll notice all the common ARMs can have their interest rate change every year after the initial fixed-rate term. By “change”, you’re right — the biggest pitfall with an ARM is the potential for the interest rate, and monthly payment, to go up every year after the initial fixed-rate term.  Watch our short video clip below that explains the 3 Reasons why you should consider an Adjustable Rate Mortgage.

If you’re interested in an ARM so you can buy the home you want, and save on the compounding effect of interest, you should work with an experienced mortgage professional to locate an ARM that has terms you can understand and live with. ARMs can have caps on the amount their interest rate can go up when the fixed-rate term ends. They can also have a cap on the total interest rate increase over the lifetime of the loan.

Sources

https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/i-got-an-adjustable-rate-mortgage/

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/mortgages/pros-cons-adjustable-rate-mortgages/

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/23/why-you-might-want-to-rethink-getting-an-adjustable-rate-mortgage.html

https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/calcs/5-1-arm.php

California Platinum Loans

  https://californiaplatinumloans.com

Higher LTV ratios may lead to higher rates and larger down payments. Understanding how they impact your mortgage is key to making informed decisions.

impact of mortgage

A higher LTV ratio can result in increased rates and larger down payments. Understanding how this impacts your mortgage is crucial to make informed decisions.

Comprehending the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is vital when purchasing a home and obtaining a mortgage. It influences not only mortgage qualification but also interest rates, down payment requirements, and the necessity for mortgage insurance. We’ll explore how your LTV ratio affects mortgage rates and down payments and offer tips on managing it to your benefit. Let’s begin!

Your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio plays a significant role in determining your mortgage interest rate. Lenders use the LTV ratio to evaluate risk; a higher LTV ratio implies a greater risk for the lender. Consequently, borrowers with higher LTV ratios may face higher interest rates. For instance, if your LTV ratio is 90%, you might receive a higher interest rate than if your LTV ratio were 75%. This is because a 90% LTV ratio represents a higher lender risk, as they may not recover the property’s total value in case of foreclosure. On the other hand, a lower LTV ratio may qualify you for a reduced interest rate. A lower LTV ratio signals a lower default risk, as you have more equity in the property and are more likely to continue payments despite financial challenges.

LTV and Down Payments

Your LTV ratio also affects down payment requirements. A higher LTV ratio poses a greater risk for the lender since they might not recover the property’s full value in case of foreclosure. As a result, borrowers with higher LTV ratios might need to make larger down payments. For example, a 90% LTV ratio may require a larger down payment than a 75% LTV ratio. The lender wants to ensure you have more equity in the property, reducing their risk. In contrast, a lower LTV ratio may not necessitate as large of a down payment. For example, with an 80% LTV ratio, you can put down as little as 10% of the purchase price and still qualify for the mortgage.

Mortgage Insurance and LTV Ratio

Another aspect influenced by your LTV ratio is the need for mortgage insurance. Typically, borrowers with LTV ratios above 80% require mortgage insurance, as it offers a layer of lender protection in case of default.

However, with a lower LTV ratio, you may not need mortgage insurance. This can save you money on monthly mortgage payments and help you qualify for a more considerable loan amount.

Understanding how your LTV ratio affects mortgage rates and down payments is essential for obtaining a mortgage. Making a larger down payment or exploring different mortgage programs can lower your LTV ratio and save money in the long run.

California Platinum Loans

  https://californiaplatinumloans.com

Start your refinancing journey with confidence: Mortgage Refinancing Demystified Maximize Your Home’s Financial Potential

unlocking potentail

Are you a homeowner seeking to optimize your financial situation? Mortgage refinancing might be the key. When replacing your existing mortgage with a new one, you can use better interest rates, lower monthly payments, or even tap into your home’s equity. We will explore the fundamentals of mortgage refinancing and guide you through making the most of your home’s financial potential.

Why Refinance Your Mortgage? 

Discover the benefits of refinancing your mortgage, from lowering interest rates and monthly payments to tapping into your home’s equity for extra cash. Learn how refinancing can help you meet your financial goals and make the most of your mortgage.

Mortgage refinancing can provide various benefits, including:

  • Lower interest rates: Secure a lower rate to reduce monthly payments and save money in the long run.
  • Shorten the loan term: Refinance to a shorter-term loan to pay off your mortgage faster and save on interest.
  • Transition from an Adjustable-Rate to a Fixed-Rate Mortgage: Enhance financial stability and enjoy predictable payments by opting for a fixed-rate loan.
  • Tap into home equity: Access your home’s equity through a cash-out refinance to fund home improvements, consolidate debt, or finance other expenses.

When Is the Right Time to Refinance? 

Timing matters in mortgage refinancing. Uncover the critical factors that influence the right time to refinance, such as market interest rates, credit scores, and home equity. Here are a few factors to consider in calculating your break-even point to ensure refinancing works in your favor.

  • Interest rates: Monitor market interest rates and refinance when they are significantly lower than your current mortgage rate.
  • Credit score: A better credit score can help you secure a more favorable interest rate.
  • Home equity: Ensure you have enough equity in your home to qualify for refinancing.
  • Break-even point: Calculate the break-even point (the time it takes for the refinancing savings to outweigh the costs) and ensure you plan to stay in your home long enough to benefit from refinancing.

Types of Mortgage Refinancing

Different refinancing options are available, including rate-and-term, cash-out, and cash-in refinancing. Understand how each choice impacts your loan terms, interest rates, and principal balance, enabling you to choose the best solution for your financial needs.

  • Rate-and-term refinance: Change the interest rate, loan term, or both without altering the principal loan amount.
  • Cash-out refinance: Borrow more than the existing mortgage balance, pocketing the difference as cash for various purposes.
  • Cash-in refinance: Pay down a portion of the existing mortgage principal to qualify for better loan terms or eliminate mortgage insurance.

The Mortgage Refinancing Process

From assessing your financial situation, researching lenders, gathering necessary documents, and closing the loan, follow these steps to streamline your mortgage refinancing journey and secure the best deal.

  • Assess your financial situation: Review your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and home equity to determine eligibility.
  • Research lenders and loan options: Compare offers from multiple lenders and select the best refinancing option for your needs.
  • Gather necessary documents: Compile proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, and other essential documentation.
  • Apply for refinancing: Submit your application and required paperwork to your chosen lender.
  • Lock your interest rate: Secure your interest rate with the lender to avoid potential rate increases during refinancing.
  • Close the loan: Review and sign the closing documents, pay any necessary fees, and finalize the refinancing process.

Mortgage refinancing can be an effective strategy for optimizing your financial situation and maximizing your home’s potential. You can successfully navigate the refinancing journey by understanding the different refinancing options and following the outlined process. To ensure you’re making the best decision, consider cget in touch with us for personalized guidance and support.

California Platinum Loans

  https://californiaplatinumloans.com