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 West Mclean, VA 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.
Buying a home is not cheap. Even the least expensive homes in West Mclean, VA cost a significant amount of money. A mortgage will probably be the most expensive bill that individuals will pay. It will be very difficult to pay for a home loan with cash, so most people will need to secure a loan to finance the purchase. The interest rate is how much money in interest a borrower will pay, and it is important for individuals to get the lowest rate. One factor that influences the rate is a person’s credit score. If a borrower has good credit, he is more likely to get a lower rate. It is important for people to get a reliable lender who will make sure you get a good rate on the loan. In some cases, a person’s real estate agent will recommend a lender they he would like you to use. It is not a good idea to just go with that lender. Keep in mind that the realtor wants to get paid, and the quicker the deal is closed, the faster he will get his money. It is important for borrowers to be patient. A lot of money is at stake, and individuals will probably be paying on the mortgage for years; therefore, do not rush the home loan process. People need to make sure they are not paying too much for the loan. Borrowers want to compare their options. They can look at their local bank in West Mclean, VA, or they can look at a nationwide company online. This is where Wirefly can be very helpful. We can help borrowers compare rates to ensure that they can see what rates are offered. If a person’s credit score is low, he might consider raising it before he applies for a home loan.
Mortgage loans in West Mclean, VA are designed for all types of buyers. Some individuals may be purchasing their home for the first time, and others may be refinancing to receive a lower interest rate. When a person goes to shop for a loan, they will find two main categories: conventional loans and government-backed loans. Conventional loans can be set up so that a person pays a fixed rate or a variable rate.
Fixed rate mortgages are typically offered in time spans that equal 30 years or 15 years. When a person decides to use a 30 year fixed-rate loan, they end up paying a fixed amount for the mortgage every month for the next 30 years. Their payment will go towards both principal and interest. Their interest rate will also stay fixed for those 30 years. In contrast, a 15 year fixed-rate loan has a time span that equals 15 years. This type of home loan will have a lower interest rate, but it will also have a higher fixed payment each month. An advantage of choosing a 30 year fixed-rate loan is that it makes a mortgage more affordable due to the lower monthly payments. However, a disadvantage is that a person will carry this type of loan for twice the time of a 15 year fixed-rate loan. A person must decide which is best for their budget.
An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is another type of conventional loan that is chosen by some individuals. It is easiest to show how this type of loan works with an example. A 3/1 ARM is a popular adjustable rate mortgage that is offered in West Mclean, VA. If a person chooses this option, they will pay a fixed rate for three years and pay a variable rate for the next 27 years of the loan. This option is usually a wise choice for individuals who will not be staying in a house for an extended period of time. If a person thinks that they will be living in the home for longer than five years, they may want to consider a fixed-rate loan as interest rates could continue to rise year after year. They would be stuck with higher mortgage payments if they initially chose an ARM.
There are other choices that you need to make rather than just a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate. Government-backed loans, such as FHA, USDA or VA loans, are available, or you can obtain a conventional loan. A conventional loan is not backed by the federal government. The requirements for a conventional loan are different than those for FHA, VA, or USDA loans.
The Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, insures loans that are run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. This is a section of the federal government. All types of borrowers are eligible to apply for FHA loans in West Mclean, VA, not just first-time homebuyers. These loans are less risky for lenders because the government insures them if you default on the loan. Normally, the down payment amount only needs to be 3.5% of the cost of the loan. With this type of loan, you do need to pay mortgage insurance, so your monthly payment will be higher.
If a person is considering the option of refinancing their mortgage in West Mclean, VA, they must realize that they will undergo the same financial scrutiny that an initial home purchase would entail. That's why it's important for people to keep track of their credit and make sure that they pay on time as their credit score is used to determine if they are eligible for a home loan. A credit score will also determine their interest rate. Higher scores indicate a stronger past history of paying creditors on time. When a person decides to refinance their home mortgage, they must also realize that it will include closing costs. These costs should be factored in to determine if it's advisable to refinance. It's typically a smart choice if a person can lower their interest rate by two or more points.
