Compare The Best Mortgage Rates in Harlingen, TX

Comparing Mortgage Rates in Harlingen, TX

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 Harlingen, TX 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.

What Loan Types are Available in Harlingen, TX?

Buying a home can be confusing. There are multiple loan products in Harlingen, TX that can be used for buyers who need a loan to purchase their house. Take a look at a few of the most common types of loans that are available and consider the ones that are best suited for your personal situation.

Fixed-rate mortgage loans - A fixed-rate mortgage loan will always have the same interest rate for the duration of the loan. With this type of loan, you never have to worry about your monthly payment changing. It will be the same exact payment amount, every month, every year, without fail. This is even the case for long-term financing options. An example of this is a 30-year fixed-rate loan.

Adjustable-rate mortgage loans - Adjustable-rate mortgage loans are also known as ARMs. Their interest rates may adjust periodically. An ARM will usually fluctuate every year after the initial fixed period is up. ARMs are also referred to as a “hybrid” product because they start with a fixed interest rate and then switch to an adjustable one. One example of an ARM loan is a 5/1 loan. A 5/1 loan will start off with an initial fixed interest rate for the first five years and then adjust once a year to a different rate.

FHA Mortgages in Harlingen, TX

While you will need to decide between a fixed- or adjustable-rate home loan, that isn't the only choice you need to make. You also must choose whether you'd prefer a loan that is backed by the government, such as an FHA loan, or a conventional loan instead. When we say conventional, we mean a mortgage that is not guaranteed or insured by the government. This is the primary difference between conventional loans and FHA, VA, and USDA loans, all three of which are backed by the government.

HUD, also known as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is the governing body for all Federal Housing Loans. As these are federal loans, they are available to prospective homeowners in the Harlingen, TX area and include every buyer type, not just the first-timers. The government takes on the responsibility of ensuring the lender should any losses occur thanks to the buyer. An advantage for consumers is that you can make a potentially very low down payment. A disadvantage is you must maintain mortgage insurance, which will raise your overall payments.

Refinancing Home Loans in Harlingen, TX

With mortgage refinancing in Harlingen, TX, what the buyer really does is apply for an entirely new mortgage. That new mortgage then pays off their old mortgage, and since the new mortgage has a lower interest rate, the borrower ends up paying less overall. The new mortgage can have fees, such as closing costs, and the borrower should consider how much those will cost when evaluating how much money they could save by refinancing. This isn't necessary if a borrower is refinancing an ARM with a fixed-rate loan, which is always smart because interest rates usually go up. When a borrower wants to refinance, they must prepare financially and make themselves look as low risk as possible. They can do this by getting a credit score over 700 and having as low of a debt-to-income ratio as possible. That being said, many borrowers that are applying for mortgages in Harlingen, TX can still secure low interest rates even without meeting the absolute toughest standards.