Why Consider Fixed Mortgages?
The fixed mortgage loan is one of the most popular types of mortgages available. Offering a fixed interest rate from typically one to thirty years this type of mortgage offers financial security for many families. However, while there are many clear advantages to a fixed mortgage, there are also a few disadvantages that you should keep in mind. By educating yourself about both the pros and cons you can make the best decision as to whether a fixed mortgage is for you.
This type of loan is designed to give you the same interest rate that you signed up with for a set period of time. They are usually either 15 year mortgages or 30 year mortgages. A 30 year fixed mortgage will provide you with more money left over each month than a 15 year mortgage. However, the longer the mortgages, obviously the longer you will have to pay it back. Also the longer that you pay the mortgage back, the more interest you will pay overall.
There are some fixed rate mortgages that only offer a fixed rate for up to 12 months. These are typically offers designed to attract new customers who would otherwise have difficulty qualifying for a mortgage. The interest rate is usually quite low to start with but this “teaser rate” does not last long. Once the fixed interest rate has expired the rate will then start to differ according to the housing market. Unfortunately this is not always a good thing! Of course the disadvantage of this type of mortgage is that when the housing market lowers its prices, you will not benefit from a lower rate. Those with an adjustable rate mortgage will pay either higher and lower rates depending upon the housing market.
The main advantage of fixed mortgages is that you know exactly how much you are paying every single month. This is great for anyone trying to adhere to a budget, or anyone else where a rise in your monthly mortgage payments would cause problems. Many people fall into the trap of taking on an adjustable rate mortgage when they cannot afford any significant change in their payments. At least with a fixed mortgage you know exactly how much you need to pay every single month.
Another thing that you may not have considered is that with a fixed mortgage if your income increases you don’t have to pay anything extra. So you will still have a fixed rate mortgage with extra money to spend on whatever you like. However, if you plan to repay the mortgage early then you will usually find that there can sometimes be high fees included.
Overall, fixed mortgages are a popular choice with more than 70% of homeowners. There is a certain level of security that is included with a fixed mortgage and in this day and age that is definitely an advantage! However, before you do opt for this type of mortgage, make sure that you have looked into the other options available first. That way you will have the best idea of whether this type of mortgage would be your best option or not.
J. David Rogers worked in the mortgage industry for nearly a decade. What you’ve learned here today is just the beginning. Be sure to visit his site to learn even more about fixed mortgages and other types of mortgage loans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._David_Rogers
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