Compare The Best Mortgage Rates in Bensalem, PA

Comparing Mortgage Rates in Bensalem, PA

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 Bensalem, PA 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.

Getting the Best Mortgage Rates in Bensalem, PA

Shoppers who are in the market for new homes in Bensalem, PA are almost always going to require mortgages to fund their purchases. The most inexpensive homes on the market still tend to cost $50,000 or more, and since people typically don't have that much money sitting around, it's difficult to get a home and pay cash for it. That makes securing a home loan an important part of the homebuying process, and this can be a complicated task, particularly for first-time buyers. It's wise to be patient and avoid rushing anything, because it can take time to find the best mortgage option. Real estate agents usually recommend mortgage lenders they've worked with before to homebuyers, but those homebuyers should do their own research before applying for a home loan. Even though a real estate agent can be helpful, their ultimate goal is to get the deal closed on the home quickly, not find a buyer the lowest interest rate. For that, the buyer should get an idea of rates online with the MyRatePlan mortgage rate tool, which is ideal for locating the lowest mortgage rates in Bensalem, PA. Another important factor in securing a low interest rate is a high credit score for the borrower.

The Types of Home Loans Available in Bensalem, PA

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 Bensalem, PA, 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 Bensalem, PA 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 Bensalem, PA

Apart from the fixed-rate and adjustable rate mortgages, there are also other loan products for home buying. One has the liberty of deciding whether to use a government-insured mortgage loan, or a normal type of loan. A normal or conventional loan is a type of loan that is not at all guaranteed by the government. This is its main distinguishing feature from government-backed home loans. This government-insured home loans include FHA and USDA loans.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Mortgage insurance program is run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This is one of the many departments of the government of the United States. FHA loans are also available in Bensalem, PA, and are available for all categories of borrowers. Basically, with this type of loan, the government insures the lender against all losses that may arise as a result of the borrower's default. The program allows a borrower to make a down payment of as low as 3.5% of the buying price. The disadvantage of this arrangement is that one has to pay for mortgage insurance, effectively increasing the monthly payments.

Home Loan Refinancing in Bensalem, PA

If you wish to refinance a mortgage in Bensalem, PA, you should understand that the actual process involves applying for a separate, new mortgage. Keep in mind that you may need to pay for certain fees such as closing costs when completing this process. If your primary goal is to get a lower rate of interest via refinancing, take a moment to consider if the fees will allow you to offset the potential savings you want.

There is one exception if you wish to refinance by changing a fixed-rate loan into an adjustable-rate loan. Here, it is more common that rates will increase rather than decrease in the future. If you want the best possible rate on your home loan, the lending company needs to view you as a low-risk candidate. You should keep debt-to-income low and your credit score stable and high to give yourself the best chance at a fixed-rate loan. With all of that said, it is still possible to get home loan approval in Bensalem, PA even if you don't meet all criteria.