Perhaps buying a house is the single most important investment during the lifetime of a person. Unfortunately it is not easy to make an informed decision. All potential buyers do not fully understand the various issues involved in the whole buying process. One of the issues involves a decision to consider adjustable versus fixed rate mortgages.

There is no simple answer which of the two will be better for a person. Any decision depends upon individual circumstances and preferences. Though a fixed rate mortgage is a little expensive, many first time home buyers go for the same.

Fixed Rate Mortgages

A fixed rate mortgage is easy to understand and is characterized with a stable rate of interest. So it is more certain and one will not lose peace of mind during periods of fluctuating interest rates. Other benefits are that this involves low down payment and few calculations.

Fixed mortgages are linked more with bond markets. Because of the elements of certainty and easy understandability, these are more popular especially with first time home purchasers.

On the other hand, fixed mortgages are generally offered at high rates of interest. Since these involve fixed rates, one will not be able to benefit from falling rates of interest.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages

There are many types of variable mortgages like standard variable rate mortgages, discounted, cash back and tracker mortgages.

Many buyers have been immensely benefited from variable interest rate mortgages. Professionals generally opt for variable rate mortgages. Many studies have shown greater savings with variable than fixed mortgages. These carry low rates of interest and falling interest rates get immediately reflected in them.

However, Variable interest rate mortgages require a higher down payment and are uncertain and are not easy to administer. This may not be suitable for many buyers with weak hearts as one is apt to be worried from fluctuating rates of interest.

The Choice

During these times, it appears that interest rates have fallen to very low levels and that these may not fall any further or too much. In view of this, fixed rate mortgages may be preferable for the time being. An informed decision can be made in consultation with experts.

The ongoing credit crunch has hit hard every sector of the UKs financial market, especially mortgage lending. As lenders and building society’s are finding it harder to get hold of finance to back up their lending, more and more consumers are feeling the credit crunch’s effects.

With 11,000 less mortgages on the market than roughly this time last year, prior to the credit crunch – finding an affordable mortgage has become increasingly difficult.

Many popular high street lenders have made considerable interest increases to buyers who have less than a 25% deposit, with 100% mortgages being a thing of the past.

With around 30% of borrowers requiring a mortgage for at least 75% of the property’s value, such lending decisions are going to make it difficult for buyers to finance their new home; this is especially true for first time buyers.

Over the years the majority of lenders have relied heavily on the wholesale financial markets to fund their lending instead of using their savings base. Also, many of these lenders where pushed hard by share holders to obtain the largest customer base, and thus increase profits. It is these lenders that are being hit the hardest by the crunch.

Lenders who haven’t relied so much on the financial markets, namely building societies, were for awhile able to offer some of the best mortgage deals. However, the rush in custom and limited savings base has put many of these lenders in the same place as others.

If you are a first time buyer or intend on remortgaging than it’s more important than ever that you make the proper provisions and invest time in thoroughly researching the market.

To begin with you should take a good look at your credit history, ensuring there is nothing that might cause a lender to question your credibility. Secondly, take the time to save up a large deposit and try to ensure your future will be financial secure for the future.

When a marriage breaks down one of the biggest problem areas is finance. Each member of the couple has a feeling of insecurity immediately. Where, they wonder, will they live after separation and divorce? They will need to consider divorce mortgages – where the lender understands the situation from which the couple have come and does everything to help people make a new start.

A home, perfectly naturally, has a feeling of security, but as soon as that security is under threat, emotions are raised. A home is where you will have been with your spouse, and possibly raised a family too. So when things go wrong, it is no wonder that people put up their defences. However difficult it will be the subject of finances will have to be discussed between husband and wife, and divorce mortgages will have to be raised.

It is important to ensure that current payments on the house are maintained: existing mortgage payments, house and contents insurance, endowment policies. Arrangements to cover these costs should be made immediately, as non-payment will lead to anger, resentment, and worse – a possible blot on credit ratings.

Emotions will be running high, but it is important to discuss financial affairs sensibly with a view to the future for both parties. Independent legal advice is the best way forward as each seeks to secure a mortgage after divorce. If circumstances ended up meaning a court had to decide the division of finances then it may mean one party gets more money than the other, but both parties should realise that there is only so much to go round. Financial stress can be such that during separation and even after divorce, couples still consider living under the same roof to avoid the need for another mortgage after divorce.

If there is enough money in the pot to buy two houses, then mortgages after divorce would not present a problem, and a court would primarily be concerned about the welfare of any children.
However, if there is not enough money to fund two post-divorce mortgages, the court will of course consider selling the original home and dividing the proceeds as it sees fit. Again, the primary consideration will be for the needs of the children. A home has to be provided for any children, whatever the hopes and needs of the other parent.
It is unlikely that either party will ‘lose everything’ as the court has wide powers in aportioning assets. However, it could also rule that the deeds of the house are transferred in full to one party.

One or both parties can easily be left searching for a mortgage after divorce. It is very difficult thing to have to do at a time of great stress. Some building societies specifically provide divorce mortgages. Sometimes one party appears to take charge of financial affairs, and this can leave the other party feeling vulnerable and unsure. Mortgage brokers can help in this situation. Divorce mortgages cater for the fact that you may need to minimise your monthly mortgage payments until finances are under control. Divorce mortgages can provide additional features and benefits which will not be available when you choose a mortgage from a standard range.

House prices have been rising steadily for some time, and this situation has been fuelled by low interest rates. Danger signals should be seen by those buyers who have invested too heavily and who could face problems (and even repossession) if there is a rates ‘correction’.

Sales and prices do not, on the surface, show any signs of falling back, but rising unemployment and the resulting fall in demand could be a marker to future trends. If interest rates increase, anyone who has borrowed to the limit may find that repayments become a millstone. At the same time a negative equity situation, where the value of the house is exceeded by the size of the debt, would dictate against downsizing as a way out of the problem.

House prices are increasing at a very steady rate as demand provides a very profitable market for developers and estate agents. Homes priced well above the average are at the centre of the increases, but they are tending to pull other property prices along with them.

This is creating greater difficulties for first time buyers, which has resulted in relatively stable prices for starter homes in some areas. There is then an effect higher up the chain where those wanting to ‘move up’ the ladder have difficulty in selling their property.

Despite forecasts by economics consultants Capital Economics of prices dropping by 5% in 2006, there is no sign of this as yet. This forecast may however be the graffiti on the wall, to be ignored at your peril.

Although prices have continued to surge forward in most areas, with the Halifax Building Society predicting prices three times higher than forecast for 2006, some voices are urging caution.

Mortgage rate rises of around 0.25% are forecast by The Council of Mortgage Lenders for the immediate future, although things could improve in a couple of years. It is though an unwise man who puts too much credence in long term forecasts, especially in a situation with so many variants able to have an effect.

Short term forecasts are by their very nature a little more reliable but may still require a moderate pinch of salt. Economist Jim Cunningham of CML is expecting a continuing vigorous house market, but adds the rider that interest rates will have a considerable bearing on the outcome. Taking into account the above mentioned potential mortgage rate increase, house sales could continue to increase, but much more modestly than recently.

With gloomy forecasts like this being broadcast, it follows that lenders are viewing their operations more carefully, and are likely to be rather more cautious about the size of loan which they will consider.

Another interesting factor is the introduction of home improvement packs, which will add cost and possibly delays for sellers, and could result in a ‘blip’ in the market if the number of houses available should fall as a result. As was mentioned above, there are many variants which can affect the market!

None of the above should be taken as suggesting that everyone should sit tight and wait for improving conditions. If you wish to go into the market with your house then do so, but in a slightly less relaxed manner than could have been the case last year. Large debts are a worry at any time, and an increase in interest rates could depress the market when buyers are faced with mortgages which are increasingly costly.

‘Bricks and mortar’ have always been a reasonably secure investment in the long term, but short term fluctuations can make life distinctly uncomfortable for investors. The Roman saying ‘Caveat emptor’ (let the buyer beware) shows that even in those far off days, Hadrian could have had problems financing his wall.

Special bad credit mortgages are available for teachers. Educators have access to some exclusive mortgage products that are not available to other individuals. There are several low-interest mortgages open for teachers with bad credit. These teacher-specific bad credit mortgages have several advantages that ordinary mortgages do not enjoy.

A bad credit mortgage is an affordable way to clear your bad credit. You are very often asked what your credit rate is when you apply for a mortgage or home loan. Your credit worthiness is determined after considering the credit score contained in your credit report. A credit score less than 620 is considered a bad credit. However, many loan providers do not consider bad credit a hindrance in granting you a loan. A teacher with a credit score ranking below 620 can also obtain a mortgage thanks to special bad credit mortgages. There are different mortgages available for teachers with bad credit. Teachers can find a bad credit mortgage broker or lender via the Internet.

Different bad credit mortgage lenders have different requirements. They usually lend money after determining three important factors: they view the credit, check whether the person is capable of repaying the amount, and check the assets and establish the capability to undertake stronger down payment.

Many mortgage lenders are considerate to teachers, as teaching is a safe and sound profession involving little risk. As teaching is a long-term career, a teacher is treated as a low-risk applicant. Some lenders even take the risk of not accepting any deposit from teachers. Also, teachers enjoy many advantages such as low application fees.

The Fed has released several reports over the last few years that express, in detail, the differences between mortgages offered to minorities and mortgages offered to whites. While the industry tries to maintain that they offer fair business practices, the results don’t support this at all.

Minorities are more likely to be denied a home loan, often pay higher interest rates than whites and frequently must provide a larger down payment. The gap between minority home owners and whites continues to narrow at a snail’s pace, but steps are being taken to help change the situation.

Loan Rejection


African-Americans and Latinos suffer a large percentage of rejections when applying for mortgages, research suggests. Latinos have the highest denial rate, nationwide, with African-Americans coming in 6th, behind Latinos and other minorities. Lenders say it has nothing to do with minority status and much more with credit ratings and debt loads that are not taken into account by the surveys.

Local and national programs have been instituted to help minorities achieve home ownership, including Self-Help, HUD and other programs. Wachovia and BB&T also offer several programs on local levels geared towards providing sustainable mortgages for minorities.

Higher Interest Rates for Minorities


African Americans and Latinos are much more likely than whites to have higher interest rates, according to a study by the Federal Govt. The study shows that the disparity lies across the board, in all income brackets, but is especially prevalent in the instance of minorities with higher incomes. As strange as it seems, high earning minorities are more likely to get a higher interest rate mortgage than lower earning applicants. The study shows that discrimination certainly plays a role in lending, today.

Legislation, though slow moving, is before law makers to help correct the situation and several groups are lobbying Washington for more action and penalties for lenders practicing racial discrimination. Again, lenders say the study did not take into account credit ratings or debt load for the applicants.

Down Payments


Due to the nature of the loans they are able to attain, minorities are sometimes required to put down larger down payments than whites. This is a major reason for the lower percentage of home ownership among minority groups. The same study cited above released their findings that many minorities are able to pay the equivalent of a mortgage payment in monthly rent, but are unable to save enough money to make a large down payment.

The President’s much maligned “zero down” plan is aimed at providing homes for minorities with little or no money down through the American Dream Down Payment Fund. This program is designed encourage home ownership in minorities, helping to close the gap between minority home owners and whites.

Conclusion


While steps are being made, they are not enough to close the gap between minority home ownership and that of whites. Minorities face a myriad of discriminatory practices in the housing and lending industry and only a concerted effort by citizens and lawmakers will make a difference. Old stereotypes need to be wiped away and new practices instituted to change the face of the lending industry.

First-time home buyers usually experience a mixture of feelings during the process of buying their first house and along with the excited anticipation they often also become stressed out and sometimes even intimidated by the whole process. First there is the decision about which home to buy, then getting the offer accepted, lining up inspections and making moving arrangements. Then there is the whole issue of the mortgage loans and the paperwork and “hoops” that they are required to jump through to complete the transaction.

The task of getting a borrowing is made even more challenging because of the various options that people have for mortgage home loans. It is important in the process of home-buying to obtain a clear understanding of the various types of mortgages that are available and to know the different benefits and risks associated with each type of home financing.

In order for a person to truly have confidence that the choice they are making in mortgage loans is the best for them is to learn about the industry and the various options that are available to the home buyer. The following few paragraphs outline some of the major points to be aware of when choosing a loan and a clarification of the differences between the loans that are adjustable and the loans that have a fixed-rate.

With borrowings that are commonly referred to as “fixed-rate mortgages,” the amount of interest charged does not change at all during the life of the loan, which is typically 15 to 30 years in duration. This in turn means that the monthly mortgage home loan payments, which include the interest and principal, will stay the same. This helps the homeowner to effectively budget for their mortgage payments regardless of what happens in the mortgage market.

During periods when mortgage loan rates are trending upward, fixed-rate home mortgage loans can be the best option because the interest rate is “locked in.” This protects the borrower from future rate hikes and means that they will not be subject to the fluctuations in the mortgage market.

Adjustable-rate home mortgage loans are commonly referred to as “ARMs” and the interest rate that is charged on these borrowings is periodically adjusted based on the market and financial indexes. The best time to choose adjustable rate home mortgages is when the mortgage rates are falling but you don’t want to wait until they bottom out before you purchase your house.

There are a number of different types of adjustable-rate mortgage loans on the market and selecting one with the terms that best meet your needs can also be rather tricky. Not only do you need to take into consideration the direction that the mortgage market is headed, you also need to have an idea of what your income levels will be in the future.

One of the most popular types of adjustable rate home mortgage loans is what is referred to as the 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage. With this setup, the borrowing rates are fixed for the first ten years of the mortgage home loan. At the start of the eleventh year, the interest rate on the borrowing will be adjusted to reflect the current fluctuations in the market.

Depending on how the market has changed this could mean that your payments will increase or decrease. Each year after that and until the mortgage is fully repaid or you take out a refinance loan, the interest rate and your payment will continue to change in accordance with the market and the terms of the borrowing.

The best adjustable rate house mortgages will also have a rate cap so that the interest loan rates cannot jump up more than a certain percentage. For instance, if you had an ARM with a yearly cap of 1%, then that is the most it can go up, even if the overall rates in the mortgage industry had gone up more.

While the 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage is popular because it gives a new homeowner ten years before having to worry about their payments increasing, there are also adjustable mortgage loans that offer many other terms. Some will be fixed for five years, then change each year after that. Still other adjustable mortgages are fixed for only one year and the rate is adjusted every six months.

The best advice is to find a rate and terms that you are comfortable with, but also to make sure that you fully understand how a rate change can affect your monthly payment. In the long-run it might be better to choose an adjustable rate mortgage home loan that has a slightly higher interest rate to start out with but that is adjusted infrequently.

Many people have gotten into financial difficulty by committing to an adjustable home financing arrangement that started out with very low loan rates but which quickly became unaffordable because of frequent increases in their interest rate.

If you are unclear about how the fluctuating mortgage market might affect your monthly payment, then it is a good idea to spend some time with an accountant who can help you to make sense of the numbers. When it comes to mortgage loans, keeping an eye on the long-term costs instead of looking for a “deal” can often help you avoid financial traps and difficulties.

Mortgages for people with bad credit are not easy during the early years. Having a bad credit used to be the biggest hindrance for getting approval for mortgages or loans; thus, causing numerous people to feel frustrated and disheartened.

Now, there is this good news. People with bad credit can still get loans and it is not that difficult anymore. There are chances now for such people to gain success in getting their desired loans. At present, numerous companies have been engaging in loans and mortgages for people who have bad credit. Even big lending companies have now joined the fray. These companies saw a great opportunity to earn from granting loans and mortgages for people with bad credit.

These types of companies are called bad credit mortgage companies or sub-prime mortgage companies. They entertain applications from indebted people. What they do is that they consult and depend on scores given by FICO in order to determine a person’s worthiness in obtaining credit. There are agencies which can provide these credit scores. The credit score of 620 is considered as a bad credit. Bad credit mortgage companies can still grant loans for a person who has the credit score of 620 and below that; however, if it goes below 500, his application will not be approved.

Because of this type of operation, those who are looking forward to obtain mortgages for people with bad credit have every reason to rejoice. It is because they have something to turn to again in times of financial difficulty. However, they should be on the lookout for those companies who will not hesitate to fleece and take advantage of their situation. The motive of such companies is clearly seen by the unusual rates they bestow on clients; rates which are a lot higher than what is appropriate. Another strategy these companies put in effect is asking for a down payment in order to prove that these people are determined to get the loan they are applying for. They may also be required to pay for mortgage insurance with higher interest rates.

Companies that specialize in mortgages for people with bad credit are making extensive advertisements everywhere. You will find their ads on TV, radio stations, print ads, posters, flyers and even on the internet. They give away application forms off-line and online. Companies who do these stuffs are those who are earning well from this type of industry but people should be very optimistic when settling for loans, especially those who have history in bad credit. They should always seek for lenders who do not simply desire to earn and take advantage of their situation but those who also have the intention of helping them.

A guide to 15 different types of mortgages on offer in the UK. From Standard Variable Rate mortgages to more unconventional mortgages such as Current account and self certification mortgages

1. Standard Variable Mortgage

The most common type of mortgage. Mortgage payments depend on the lenders SVR. This is usually influenced by the Bank of England Base Rate.

2. Fixed Rate Mortgage

A mortgage with a period of 2-4 years where the interest rate on mortgage payments is fixed. There may be a slight premium for security, but it avoids interest payments becoming un affordable.

3. Capped Mortgage

This is like a fixed rate mortgage. It states a maximum interest rate but it can fall under some circumstances.

4. Self Certification Mortgage

A mortgage where there is not any need to prove your income through published accounts. Often taken by self employed.

5. Repayment Mortgage

A mortgage where you pay both, interest on the loan and capital repayments. Most mortgages are repayment mortgages. It means at the end of your mortgage term you will have paid off your mortgage debt.

6. Interest Only Mortgage

Mortgage where you only pay interest on loan and do not repay any capital. This requires a separate investment plan to be able to pay off the mortgage capital at the end of the mortgage term

7. Investment Mortgage.

A type of interest only mortgage but where taking out a mortgage also involves taking out a complementary investment plan to be able to pay off the mortgage debt.

8. Endowment Mortgages

Similar to an investment mortgage. There were many problems with endowment mortgages in the UK because often the investment failed to be sufficient to pay off debt.

9. Base Rate Tracker Mortgage

Similar to a standard variable rate mortgage. This is a mortgage where the interest rate is fixed to a certain discount compared to the Bank of England Base Rate

10. 100% and 125% mortgages

Usually it is necessary to pay a deposit of upto 10% of the house price. However with rising house prices many lenders are now offering a mortgage for the full amount. In some cases lender offer more than 100% to enable spending on the house itself.

11. Joint Mortgage

A Joint mortgage involves buying a house with others to increase the chance of getting a mortgage. Also known as co buying mortgages.

12. Adverse Credit Mortgages

Help for people looking for mortgages with bad credit ratings

13. The Never Ending Mortgage

A new and quite small type of mortgage where there is no necessity to pay off the mortgage at all. Instead you can pass your mortgage onto your children.

14. Reverse Mortgage

This is where you can receive income from the value of your house in return for the lender receiving an increasing share of the value of your house.

15. Buy to Let Mortgages

This involves getting a mortgage to buy a house with the specific intention of renting it out. These mortgage are more dependent upon the state of the Housing market

16. Offset / Current Account Mortgage

This is when your mortgage is combined with your current account at a bank or building society. If you have savings in your current account these are automatically used to reduce the mortgage capital you owe and therefore lower the level of mortgage interest payments.

For most people, buying an overseas property is a dream. However, with all the intricacies and complicated procedures with overseas banks, developers and solicitors, a lot of people get discouraged with the concept. However, the overseas property mortgage in the UK has undergone a sudden surge in the recent years.

This can be attributed to the growing number of people wanting to buy properties abroad for reasons of settlement or property investment and actually do something to achieve it. The majority of these people are retirees seeking a more peaceful abode, while at the same time enjoying tax benefits.

Overseas Investment Mortgages

A good number are simple investors who have seen how promising overseas investments are fast becoming. The strength of the pound is a major contributor to this improving trend. Also, the mortgage market both in the UK and in overseas banks has also become more flexible. If you are one of those seeking to buy properties overseas, you will probably want some mortgage to finance your investment.

In terms of getting a mortgage, you will be faced with two very common choices: getting an overseas mortgage or settling for a local one in your local UK bank.

An overseas mortgage is available in most countries with an established overseas property market. This includes most of Europe (Spain, France, Switzerland, and Italy) and the United States of America. Relatively new to the industry are Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Turkey, among many others.

Similarities Between Overseas and UK Mortgages Overseas property mortgages are much like your ordinary one that you get from any UK bank. You are taking out a loan that is secured against your own property. You have to apply for a loan, wherein you need to submit necessary documents to prove your income. In both cases, your documents and finances will be reviewed, and your mortgage will be approved if everything looks seamless. The entire procedure for getting an overseas property mortgage is very similar as well.

Differences Between Overseas and UK Mortgages

There are major differences that can be seen between getting a UK mortgage and an overseas loan. It is important to note that the very nature of the market abroad means that everything about it works quite differently from the normal and typical approach that the UK market has adopted. For example, many lenders in other countries in Europe generally do not offer mortgages based on interest only or on the concept of buy-to-let.

They base the mortgage amount on your actual earnings rather than the potential rate you may receive. Consequently, the income multiplier that is all so common in the UK is not typically used in banks abroad. Instead, the affordability model is predominant. This model in turn, relies on the debt-to-income ratio that you have. You need to prove that no more than 40% or less of your income goes into paying debts and mortgages (including the one you are applying for).

By far the most obvious distinguishing difference between a UK-based and an overseas mortgage is the currency that the mortgage is to be denominated in. So if you buy a property and get a mortgage, you will be earning in sterling pounds but you will have to pay your mortgage in a foreign currency (USD, euros, and so on).

Advantages of an Overseas Mortgage

Getting an overseas mortgage has considerable advantages. Foreign banks and lenders have become very flexible when it comes to lending to UK buyers. This is largely part of their strategy to draw in more investors and property buyers. As if that was not enough, interest rates in the Euro zone for example are sometimes lower than rates in the UK.

Overseas mortgages are effectively back-supported by the foreign property market. So if you buy a property in Spain on a Euro mortgage, your interest rates will likely be based around the rates in the Euro zone as set by the European Central Bank. Today, most of these rates are less than those offered in the UK. Considering this and depending on the amount of loan, you may have a big difference in your monthly amortization and repayment.

Disadvantages of an Overseas Mortgage

The main disadvantage that can be discouraging about overseas mortgages comes from the fact that it uses another currency. This adds a relatively thick layer of risk into your investment. With this set-up, you earn in sterling pounds and pay in another currency. The sterling pound equivalent of your debt in another foreign currency will surely fluctuate with time as the exchange rates go up and down. If you are unlucky, and the rates move against you, the sterling equivalent may become so low that you actually end up with so much more debt than you originally had.

Another disadvantage to be pointed out with getting an overseas mortgage is the physical and communication barrier that exists. If you buy a property in Cyprus, for example, you would need to visit the country at least once to arrange your paperwork or to personally attend to matters regarding your mortgage. (You can ask a lawyer or solicitor, but nothing matches being fully aware.) Also, in countries where only few people can speak good English, communication will prove to be difficult.

There is definitely no room for miscommunication in mortgage application and processing, either oral or written. You will need to demand all transactions and documents be written in English. Which one is better? One can not say that getting a UK mortgage is better than getting an overseas mortgage. What is good for you may not be good for another. While UK based mortgages are generally easier to proceed to (considering how used you are with the system), the rates can be very slightly higher.

On the other hand, overseas mortgages may prove lower in terms of interest rates, but the additional procedures, permissions, and other complicated systems may take more effort, time and money on your part. The best thing to do is to consult an independent specialist who can offer you objective advice on your options considering your current circumstances. Remember that all decisions about investing abroad should be informed and wise, and more importantly, realistic.