The decision to purchase a home is probably one of the biggest commitments in life that a person will make. It entails taking on a large amount of debt over a long number of years. Because it is such a large financial responsibility, it just makes sense for an individual to compare mortgage rates before they go through with the process. A small change in the interest rate can save a person in Alabama thousands of dollars. Wirefly simplifies the process of discovering which home loans are best by comparing different scenarios and mortgage options so that individuals who are purchasing or refinancing a home get the best deal.
It is very difficult for people to be able to pay for a home loan with cash; therefore, they will probably need a mortgage to finance the purchase. There are several factors that determine interest rates. One thing that the lender will look at carefully is a person’s credit score. Borrowers have a better chance of obtaining the lowest rate if they credit score is high. In addition, the debt-to-income ratio is another factor that lenders consider. Lenders want to make sure that the borrower can make their payments. Here are the things people need to do to get the best interest rates. Most lenders offer Alabama homebuyers the option of getting pre-qualified for a mortgage. Individuals will then know exactly how much they can afford. The real estate agent or other people might suggest a certain lender. Potential homebuyers need to keep in mind that the agent wants to get the loan closed as quickly as possible, so he will get paid. Therefore, consumers need to compare on their own to find the best rate. It is important that borrowers take their time. This is a big decision, so people do not need to rush the process without really thinking about it and comparing. Individuals can compare locally, or they can choose a popular nationwide company. Wirefly can provide borrowers with the tools and options they need to get the best loan available. While looking for a loan, people might also need to work on raising their credit score before applying for a loan. This will give borrowers the best chance of getting the lowest rate.
One of the things consumers need to look at when choosing a home loan is a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan. With a fixed-rate loan, the interest rate will stay the same throughout the life of the loan. It will not change, so people will know exactly what they will pay each month toward their principal. Individuals in Alabama will have the option of a 30-year mortgage loan. However, some people might prefer to shorten the life of the loan to save money.
With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the rate will start off low for an introductory period. After that time frame ends, the rate could increase or decrease, depending on what the market does. This is called a “hybrid” product. It will begin as a fixed rate, and then it will change to an adjustable rate. For example, a 7/1 ARM means that for the first 7 years, the rate will be fixed. After that, the rate will change each year. If borrowers choose an adjustable-rate loan, they need to make sure they can make the payments if they increase.
Some homebuyers in Alabama require a little extra help when they are taking on a large mortgage. Typically, these are first-time homebuyers. The government has stepped in and helped homebuyers by creating the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which backs up lenders in cases when a buyer defaults on their loan. The advantage to a buyer is that they do not have to come up with a large down payment. They may be able to fund just 3.5 percent of the total purchase price. Another government backed loan is a VA loan. It has the advantage of not requiring a person to have any down payment. It also does not require a buyer to pay mortgage insurance. Veterans of the United States military are the only individuals who are eligible for a VA loan.
Many people choose to refinance their existing mortgage. Some reasons to refinance include to lower the monthly payment amount, shorten the life of the loan, or get a lower interest rate. When borrowers refinance, the lender will pay off the existing loan and create a completely new loan. Therefore, people will still need to pay closing costs and other fees. It is important for individuals to check to see if they are actually saving money by refinancing. People who are switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate are probably going to be saving money. Rates are more likely to increase over the future. Individuals can get the lowest rate by keeping their credit score above 700 and keeping a low debt-to-income ratio. However, in Alabama, even if you do not have a great credit score, low rates can still be found.
