Compare The Best Mortgage Rates in Poulsbo, WA

Compare Poulsbo, WA Mortgage Rates

When looking to buy a new home, it is important that one is well equipped with the necessary information. It helps, in the long run, to reduce the cost of transacting. Therefore, getting the best mortgage rates is of paramount importance. Needless to say, affordable rates are also important to those seeking to refinance their current home loans. MyRatePlan endeavors to assist you in finding the best mortgage rates in Poulsbo, WA.

The Types of Home Loans Available in Poulsbo, WA

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 Poulsbo, WA, 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 Poulsbo, WA 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 Home Loans Available in Poulsbo, WA

Besides fixed-rate mortgages and ARMs, there are also other categorizations that can apply to home loans, including whether the loan is backed by the government or not. Traditional mortgages are only made through the lender and don't involve the government, but with some mortgages, the federal government either guarantees or insures the loan. Examples include FHA loans, USDA loans and VA loans.

FHA loans get their name because they are backed by the mortgage insurance program of the Federal Housing Administration, an organization that's controlled by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD for short. One benefit of FHA loans in Poulsbo, WA is that it's not just first-time homebuyers who are able to apply, as they're a valid loan option for any borrower. For the lender, the advantage with these loans is that the government is providing insurance, and this will cover what the lender would lose in the event of a borrower default. Borrowers benefit by not needing as large a down payment, as down payments can be just 3.5 percent with FHA loans. However, the borrower needs to cover the cost of mortgage insurance, meaning they have bigger monthly payments.

Refinancing a Home Loan in Poulsbo, WA

Although the term is technically refinancing, how this process really works is the borrower applies for a brand-new mortgage, which they use to pay the previous mortgage. The point of refinancing is that the new mortgage has a better interest rate than the old one, and this means that the borrower saves money by paying less interest on the remainder of their loan. The borrower should note any extra costs that come with the new mortgage, as there could be fees and closing costs involved. It's important that they do the math to make sure they're actually saving money when those fees are taken into account. However, if the borrower is making the switch from an ARM to a fixed-rate home loan, that's always a good move because they're not at the mercy of what happens with interest rates, which tend to increase, not decrease. When refinancing a mortgage, it's important for the borrower to get their credit score over 700 and minimize their debt-to-income ratio to look as low risk as possible to potential mortgage lenders and secure the lowest possible interest rate. The good news is that even a borrower who doesn't meet all the highest standards could still find a mortgage in Poulsbo, WA with a low interest rate.