Wednesday, November 11, 2009

How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?

By Joshua Yost

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about how mortgage rates are determined, here's your opportunity.

Lenders have become stricter in their standards, demanding a minimum twenty percent down payment and a concrete credit score. Lenders offer lock in periods for both rates or points. Lenders make money through interest, so if you pay off the principle of the loan early, you are avoiding paying the rest of the interest that would have compiled. When you have a fixed interest rate, you will likely be responsible for a penalty that covers a percentage of the interest you would have had left.

Lenders frequently charge 1%, but you can always negotiate the mortgage rate origination fee lower. Also, if the origination fee is much higher than 1% you need to either negotiate it down, or find another lender with a more favourable overall mortgage rate. Lenders and servicers alike appear to be understaffed and the current staff are improperly and poorly trained to get the job done.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything about how mortgage rates are determined and how to compare fixed mortgage rates should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Interest rates are driven by financial markets and move almost like stock prices-often changing several times a day! Interest rates are different for various types of finances, and based upon the finance offered and the customer's requirement, it's important to look for the lowest interest rate for that particular loan type. There are two major varieties of loans: fixed rate and adjustable rate. Interest rates in Alabama have never been lower! Refinance today to lower your monthly payments or cash-out to do those much needed home repairs.

Mortgage rate tip #2 Lock in the rate When negotiating your mortgage rate, make sure your lender is prepared to lock in your rate for at least 30-60 days. This way you will be guaranteed a particular rate even if rates skyrocket the next day. Mortgage rate "locks" are agreements between you and your lender that settle ahead of time what your interest rate will be during the terms of your note.

Simple clerical errors, overlooked and lost documentation are all at the bottom of a number of rejected modification applications. Lenders generally charge lower initial interest rates for ARMs and Hybrid ARMs than for fixed-rate mortgages. This makes the ARM easier on your pocketbook at first than a fixed-rate mortgage for the same amount.

That's the latest from the how mortgage rates are determined authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level. - 29904

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