What is a mortgage? It is a term that refers to a loan borrowed to purchase/maintain a house loan in real estate. Here, the borrower agrees on paying the lender in regular payments that are divided into interest and principal.
The property in a mortgage serves as collateral to help secure the home loan and ensure the requirements are met, including the down payments and the minimum credit scores.
Mortgage: How Do They Work?
As mentioned above, mortgages are used by individuals and businesses to purchase real estate without paying the cost upfront, but periodically. These are also known claims or liens against property in real estate, therefore, if any borrower stops the mortgage payment, then the lender is free to foreclose the property in question.
Mortgage: The Process
- The process is initiated by the mortgage lenders by applying to one or more lenders of mortgage
- Followed by this, the lender is expected to ask for evidence to reinstate the capability of the borrower to repay the loan. These “proof” documents can include the bank and investment statements, proof of current employment, and recent tax returns
- Post this, the lender usually runs a credit check
As and when the loan application gets approved, the lender is offered a loan of up to a certain amount, plus the interest rate.
It is ok for the homebuyers to apply for a mortgage post choosing to purchase a property or while in process, also known as the pre-approval. Here, the buyers are given an edge in a tight housing market since the sellers are aware of the repayment of the amount.
Once the seller and the buyer agree upon the terms and conditions, they or the representatives are expected to meet for closing. This is where the borrower makes their first down payment and signs the mortgage documents, and the seller transfers the ownership to the buyer.
The Types Of Mortgages In Real Estate
Mortgages are available in a variety of forms with the common types; 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. Having said that, there are a few mortgages that are for only five years while others can be expected to run for 40 years or longer.
To help you understand better, here are the different types of mortgages loans in real estate:
1) Fixed-Rate Mortgages
In a fixed-rate mortgage, the rate of interest is the same throughout, that is for the entire loan term. This is also known as the traditional mortgage.
2) Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
In the ARM or the adjustable-rate mortgage, the interest rate is fixed for the initial term and can then periodically change as per the prevailing interest rates. These are often below-market rates that make the mortgage quite affordable for the short term and at times, less affordable for the long term, that is if the rate tends to rise substantially.
In simpler words, with ARM, there are no limits, caps, and fluctuating rates of interest.
3) Interest-only Loans
Interest-only loans or the payment-option ARMs loans are rare types that involve complex repayment schedules that are best used by sophisticated borrowers.
4) Reverse Mortgages
As the name gives it out, a reverse mortgage is a difficult financial product, specially designed for homeowners or elders who wish to convert a part of their equity into cash.
Here, the homeowners are allowed to borrow against the value of the homes with a lump sum amount, line of credit, or fixed monthly payment. Nevertheless, in a reverse mortgage, the entire balance of the loan becomes due if:
- The borrower passes away
- Sells the house
- Moves away permanently
To Conclude: What Is The Need Of Mortgages?
In most cases, the cost of the house is often greater than the amount the households save. Due to this, the mortgage loans act as a savior as they allow the families or the individuals to purchase a house by putting down a relatively smaller down payment, that is, about 20% of the purchase price and obtaining the loan for the balance. These loans are further secured by the value of the property in case the borrower defaults.
Mortgage FAQs
- Is it possible for anyone to get a mortgage?
As long as the mortgage lender is provided with a proven perspective through an application and underwriting process, anyone can apply for a mortgage. You must make sure to have sufficient assets, a good credit score, and income relative to debts in order to carry the value of the house over time.
- What is the difference between a fixed and variable mortgage?
In a fixed-rate mortgage, the rate of interest is the same throughout, that is for the entire loan term. This is also known as the traditional mortgage.
On the other hand, in the variable or adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) the interest rate is fixed for the initial term and can then periodically change as per the prevailing interest rates.
- How many mortgages can one have on a house?
The lenders are generally issued with a primary mortgage before they are allowed to opt for a second. Here, the additional mortgage is also known as the home equity loan.
Nevertheless, there are many lenders who do not provide a subsequent mortgage backed by the same property. So, you must check with the mortgage lender before applying for the same.
- Where can one get a mortgage?
Here is how you can get a mortgage:
- The mortgages are offered through a variety of sources, such as banks and credit unions
- There are other specialized mortgage companies that specifically deal with home loans
- An unaffiliated mortgage broker can also help with the best rate among different lenders
