Tuesday, December 8, 2009

A Glimpse At Home Loans

By Graham McKenzie

Purchasing a home is a decision that can lead to financial security. However, financing is often a confusing process especially for first time home buyers. Obtaining information on the different types of home loans is one of the most important steps to getting started in the home buying process. There are many different types of products available.

Knowing your credit score before you even go a bank or mortgage company is imperative. People with high credit scores are most likely to get lower interests rates and to be approved for higher loan amounts.

Besides the credit score, having a steady job will also influence the type of loan you receive. Most banks and lenders will want to see copies of your W-2s, your tax papers and possibly your pay check stubs. Having a steady job shows you not only have a sense of responsibility, it shows you can pay back the loan.

There are many stipulations to getting a home loan. Many times, the bank will offer a second mortgage that will have a higher interest rate and is generally shorter than the standard 30 year contract. Many people will do this if the current interest rate is lower than it was when the home was purchased.

If there is no down payment, sometimes banks will allow borrowers to secure two different loans to cover the principal amount that is needed. The second mortgage will generally have a higher interest rate than the first mortgage and the terms for the second mortgage will be shorter than the standard 30 year time span. Many people will owe what is called a balloon payment at the end of the second mortgage's term, and most lenders will let borrowers refinance the remaining amount.

There are other types of home loans available. Some loans will have variable interest rates that go up and down each month depending on the market trends; therefore your mortgage payment will vary from month to month. There are also interest only loans.

In order to find out more about the offers from banks and lenders, do a little research. There are many different types of home loans with their own restrictions and rules. It is not only wise to know what type of loan is good for you, it is also very important to know your credit history and score before applying for a home loan. - 30462

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