Compare The Best Mortgage Rates in Linden, AL

Comparing Mortgage Rates in Linden, AL

When it comes to getting a home loan, either to buy a home or refinance the terms on a current mortgage, interest rates are very important. A low interest rate can save the borrower a substantial amount of money over the term of the loan. Those looking for the best mortgage rates in Linden, AL can use MyRatePlan to get all the tools and other info they need. When borrowers do their homework and compare home loan rates before committing to anything, they can ensure they don't end up paying more interest than necessary.

The Types of Home Loans Available in Linden, AL

Since there's an extensive range of different buyers out there, it makes sense that there are also quite a few different loan products on the market, including fixed-rate mortgages and variable home loans. Those are two of the most common types of mortgages, and each will suit different types of buyers.

When the buyer gets a fixed-rate home loan in Linden, AL, their interest rate stays the same throughout the whole loan term, whether that lasts for 10, 20 or 30 years. With the interest rate staying the same, the monthly payment amount also stays the same. A fixed-rate mortgage is a safe option, because the buyer never has any surprises with how much their home payment is.

As their name suggests, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) in Linden, AL don't have one set interest rate. Instead, the interest rate can go up or down. The most common type of ARM is a combination of an ARM and a fixed-rate mortgage, sometimes referred to as a hybrid ARM. For an initial period, the mortgage has a fixed interest rate. After that, the mortgage's interest rate adjusts on a predetermined schedule. For example, a buyer could get a 6/2 ARM. The six means that the loan has a fixed rate for the first six years. The two means that after that initial period, the interest rate adjusts every two years. The issue with ARMs is that the borrower's monthly payment could go up.

FHA Loans in Linden, AL

When you are purchasing your first home or looking for a different house, you will have to make the decision between a fixed and adjustable-rate mortgage. However, there are other choices that will have a major bearing on your decision. You may have to choose a conventional type of loan or use a government-insured home loan. The federal government will not protect a conventional home loan in any way or form. This is what distinguishes them from the home loans that are backed by the government. These government loans are known as FHA, USDA and VA.

HUD, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development, manages the FHA, or Federal Housing Administration. HUD works under the federal government. An FHA loan in Linden, AL is a type of loan that is made available to every borrower in the area, not just those who are looking to purchase their first home. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the backup of the government to pick up the slack. The advantage of this type of mortgage is that you will be permitted to make a very low down payment to purchase a home, usually as low as 3.5% of the final purchase price. The disadvantage is that you will need to pay mortgage insurance, which will cause your monthly payments to go up.

Refinancing Home Loans In Linden, AL

When you choose to refinance your mortgage in Linden, AL, it is imperative that you fully comprehend that you are actually applying for a whole new mortgage. This could mean that you might have to pay closing costs and various other fees once your application gets approved. If you are trying to refinance in order to get a lower interest rate on your mortgage, you should take into consideration if the extra fees and the closing costs are going to offset any savings you might see from refinancing to a lower interest rate. The only exception to this rule is if you're trying to refinance from an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed-rate loan.

With adjustable-rate loans, it is very likely that at some point in the near future your rates will go up instead of down. When you're trying to look for a new rate on your next home loan, you want potential lenders to view you as low risk. You can do this by maintaining your credit score above 700 and keeping the ratio of your debt-to-income as low as possible. Doing this will ensure that you can get the best rate possible when applying for a fixed-rate loan. Keep in mind that even if you don't have the best credit, you may still be able to get approved for a home loan in the Linden, AL area for a low interest rate by using MyRatePlan.