When it comes to owning property many people around the world will tell you that this is a lifelong dream. While once an opportunity that seemed to be reserved for either the wealthiest or the most miserly among the general population home ownership is now something that is accessible to a larger segment of the population than ever before.
This is good news for many but for some can lead to confusing encounters with mortgage protection insurance brokers and serious sharks along the way. The best advice that anyone can give someone attempting to embrace the dream of real estate ownership is to deal with a reputable company when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. Even when dealing with reputable lending companies you must watch out for those who do not have your best interest at heart.
You're in the right place for mortgage advice. First of all, avoid lenders that are encouraging you to take a loan for more money than you are comfortable repaying. Foreclosures are at a record high when it comes to the mortgage industry at the moment because of predatory lending practice on behalf of some mortgage brokers. These practices include convincing people to borrow more money than they could realistically hope to pay over time and have any quality of life as well as convincing homebuyers to take out adjustable rate mortgages in the beginning in order to procure lower rates.
Shop around before you decide to buy when it comes to investment property mortgages. This doesn't mean to actually apply for mortgages all over town but do the research and compare rates before applying with any one company. Talk to several different brokers and find out what they have to offer you that the other company down the road cannot or will not offer. Keep in mind that mortgage companies will offer everything under the sun from free toasters to free vacations in order to get you to go with their company. The proof is in the terms however. The small gift is not worth it if you're going to pay a 6.9% interest rate instead of a 5.9% rate. You will have paid for that toaster many times over in the process of paying the mortgage.
Even after you've applied for a mortgage, if the deal seems to be going south check out your other options. There tend to be many issues that arise along the way. You are not marrying the mortgage broker. Most of the time, you're not making any commitments to your mortgage broker. You will however be living in the house you select. If there is a problem with the mortgage company for the specific home you want do not hesitate to change in order to get the home you desire for your family rather than allowing the mortgage company to dictate what kind of home you can buy.
I mention this because we had a very similar problem when we purchased our turn of the century home. The mortgage company didn't think the home was worth the risk because of its age. We saw the beauty and the potential in our home that is coming along quite nicely and managed to be approved and financed in short order with another mortgage company. As this happened to us, then the chances that it may work for others is a good possibility.
In all honesty, it is nearly impossible to buy a home in this day and age without taking out a mortgage. It is best however if you see the process as a learning experience rather than an abject lesson in intimidation. This is your home and your money that will be spent in order to purchase the home. You're asking for a loan, but to be blunt, your business is needed by them. Just as you previously did when finding your home, don't hesitate to shop around for the top possible deal with a mortgage.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Mortgage Advice for Real Estate Property
