Compare The Best Mortgage Rates in Phenix City, AL

Comparing Mortgage Rates in Phenix City, 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 Phenix City, 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 Phenix City, 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 Phenix City, 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 Phenix City, 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 Mortgage Loans In Phenix City, AL

It will be up to you whether you choose to go with a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage loan. However, there are other choices to choose from as well. You might get to choose whether or not you want to use a conventional type of loan or government-insured type of loan such as a VA or FHA loan. Conventional home loans from private lenders are ones that are not insured or even guaranteed by the government in any such way. This is the biggest difference between the three types of government-backed home loans such as FHA loans, USDA loans and VA loans.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, manages the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA. In Phenix City, AL, FHA loans can be available for many types of home loan borrowers, even if this is not your first time buying a home. Through these loans, the government will ensure your lender against any losses that could be a result from the borrower defaulting on the loan. One advantage of this type of loan is that the program will allow you to make a low down payment on the purchase price starting at 3.5 percent. A disadvantage of this program is that you will have to pay for mortgage insurance, which will increase the amount you'll have to pay each month.

Refinancing Mortgages in Phenix City, AL

In Phenix City, AL, refinancing a mortgage loan is like applying for a new one. The end result of this is that one may have to pay closing costs or any other fees required. This is, however, done when the loan is approved. If one seeks to refinance for the sake of enjoying lower rates, they should carefully consider the consequences of refinancing. The extra costs may offset some savings that one sees from refinancing. The exception to this rule is when one is refinancing from an adjustable rate loan to a fixed-rate loan. The reasoning is that the rates are more likely to go up in the future rather than going down.

Appearing as low-risk is the best strategy for those looking to refinance their mortgage. This can be achieved by keeping one's credit score above 700, keeping one's debt-to-income ratio low, and applying for a fixed-rate loan facility.