Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Hybrid Home Loan and its Working

Also referred to as the delayed first adjustment ARM (adjustable rate mortgage), a hybrid loan features a fixed rate of interest for a set number of years before changing into a traditional ARM for the remaining amortization schedule. As with all types of home mortgage products, hybrid loans come with positives and negatives. Here's a rundown of the particulars of most hybrid mortgages and what you can expect. First time home loans and interest only home loans can be such types.

Hybrid Loan Details :
» The Fixed Period. Just as the name implies 7/1 ARM has a fixed rate for two, three, five or seven years, respectively. Once this fixed period ends, the home loan will reset based on the conditions of the remaining term. You can always refinance at this point.
» The Adjustable Period. If you don't refinance, your mortgage will enter into its adjustable rate period. The rate will adjust at regular intervals following the fixed period and is based on the prevailing market rates.
» Why Choose a Hybrid? A hybrid home mortgage allows you to choose how much fixed rate and how much adjustable rate mortgage you're looking for. In general, the shorter the fixed period, the lower percentage rates you will pay. For example a 3/1 ARM has a lower start rate than a 10/1 ARM.

source : http://www.loanpage.com/

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

New home construction loans

New home construction loans are used by borrowers when choosing to build a new house. With this type of lending program, financial agreements are designed differently than standardized agreements. A new home construction loan is designed for the unique needs of builders, whether the individual is a licensed contractor or buyer in the market for a newly designed house.

New home construction loans allow interest-only payments during the building process with the amount coming due or rolled into a mortgage payment upon the building's completion. If the individual has arranged for the agreement to be construction-to-permanent financing, then there is only one application and one closing which will save a great deal of time. Completion of the agreement will be based upon the legal issue of a certificate of occupancy.

These financial packages are usually based on variable rate loans which allow for the funds to be dispersed on a "draw schedule" basis, according to the stages of construction and the needs of the buyer, contractor and/or the lender. The consumer can also lock in a certain rate on the new home loans during the building process, but rate locks are only effective for 30-60 days.

If the individual has locked in a loan rate for a new home construction loan and they see that rates decrease during construction, then they will be relieved if the original agreement includes a float-down feature that allows a reduction in the rates, even if this can only be done once. Float-down features may require the consumer to select higher rate agreements, but they are also a safeguard, especially if the rate lock is going to affect the building process.

source : http://www.christianet.com/homeloans/newhomeconstructionloans.htm