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Home Mortgage Loans For People With Bad Credit – Pro’s And Con’s Of Interest-Only Loans

Buying a home with poor credit is just as easy as buying a home with perfect credit. Years ago, many people with a low credit rating believed homeownership was unattainable. Fortunately, there are various loan programs designed to help people with low income, bad credit, and no down payment purchase a house. Included among these programs are interest-only loans.

What are Interest-Only Mortgage Loans?

Interest-only mortgage loans became popular in the early 2000’s. The concept of interest-only loans is very unique. Ordinarily, monthly mortgage payments consist of a portion of the payment being applied to the principal balance, and a portion applied to the interest. In order to payoff a mortgage in 15 or 30 years, a specific amount of money must be paid each month.

On the other hand, if you obtain an interest-only mortgage loan, you pay only the interest for the first few years. Interest-only periods vary. Homeowners may opt for a three, five, seven, or ten year interest-only loan. After the interest-only period ends, the homeowner must begin making payments toward the principal and interest.

Why is an Interest-Only Loan Beneficial?

If you live in a booming housing market, an interest-only loan may be your only option for buying a home. Many are attracted to these loans because the initial mortgage payments are low. For example, a 200,000 conventional loan has a monthly payment of about 1200. With an interest-only loan, the mortgage would be about 800 a month. Hence, if you are buying in an overpriced market, affordable living is within reach.

Pitfall of an Interest-Only Loan

Once the interest-only period ends, you still owe the original loan amount. When homeowners begin making payments towards the interest and principal balance, mortgage payments may increase 40%. Most homeowners are unable to afford a mortgage increase. If you plan on living in your home for several years, an interest-only loan may not be a good option. On the other hand, if you earn a sizeable income and can afford a higher mortgage, you may benefit from this type of loan.

Another option involves selling your home before the interest-only period ends. If home values in your area have increased significantly, you may capitalize from the equity. However, if the housing market takes a nosedive and home values decline, you may be unable to sell your home.

California real estate prices have jumped so much in recent years that refinancing mortgages has increased potential savings. With higher equity ratios, you can cash out part of your equity at favorable rates. But dont limit your lender search just to in-state lenders. Look to online financing companies to give you the best deal on a refi.

Tap Into Increased California Home Values

With Californias hot housing market, home equity has shot up for most homeowners. Higher equity ratio makes refinancing easier. With a large equity base, lenders are more likely to offer low rates.

That means you can consolidate your high interest debt, renovate your home, or finance a college education at a reasonable price. And in most cases you can use the mortgage interest as a tax deduction.

Dont Just Look At In-State Lenders

Financing companies based across the nation are competing to get your refinancing business. Offering lower rates online than in their regular offices, you cant afford not to shop online for a lender.

Online lenders will give you free loan quotes that you can compare with other offers. As long as you dont give a lender permission to access your credit report while requesting quotes, it wont affect your credit score.

What To Look For In A Mortgage Lender

Great rates are the first thing people look for in a lender, but you want to be careful about fees. 3% is average for closing fees, so watch out for anything higher. You can also use the APR to evaluate loans and find which is truly the lowest costing loan.

A good lender will also give you prompt service. With most lenders you can ask questions any hour over the phone, email, or instant messenger. They are also prompt in mailing out information and contracts.

Once you are ready to commit to a lender, the process will take about two weeks. Most of the application is completed online with only the most basic information needed. Then the contract is mailed out the next day. Funds are often dispersed in less than two weeks directly to your checking account.