Home Equity

Adjustable Rate Mortgage and Home Equity Credit Lines Have a Niche in the Home Loan Industry

Anyone who thinks that adjustable rate mortgage loans don't have a niche in the mortgage market, better think again. Adjustable rate mortgages are also called ARM's by loan officers, underwriters and savvy consumers. ARM's have significantly increased in popularity over the last few years, with the advent of loans like the payment option ARM, and the interest only loan that offers a fixed interest rate for a period of 3, 5,7, or 10 years before converting to adjustable rate loans. Clearly ARMs have a place in the mortgage industry, but they should not be abused, and borrowers should know exactly what they are getting themselves into.

Good loan officers will discuss and consider factors such as how long you plan on dwelling in this home, and how much of a payment you can afford each month for a mortgage payment. Be careful getting yourself into an adjustable rate mortgage just to qualify for a home loan. You should be able to afford the fully-indexed payment so that when the intro fixed rate converts to a variable rate you will be able to afford the new mortgage payment. So you may want to consider purchasing a house that cost less if that is the case with you.

How stable is your job? Taking on an adjustable rate mortgage or variable rate home equity credit line always has its risk, so you want to make sure that your income, and employment are stable. If your pay is erratic, then an ARM may not be for you.

Find a mortgage broker or home equity lender to work with that you can trust. It is imperative to partner with a loan officer who understands your needs, and is smart enough to help you get approved for the best possible loan.

It is crucial that you know the specifics of your loan before you sign loan documents. Review the good faith estimate with your loan officer and your accountant. Find out what the pre-payment penalty terms as well. You need to know what it will cost you if you refinance in the next few years. You also need to know what it will cost you if you decide to sell your home in the next 2 years. Get these terms in the beginning of the loan process, so that you can make a sound decision when shopping loans online.

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Home equity loans drying up for some - Personal finance- msnbc.com
Some homeowners are finding that even with great credit and 20 percent or more home equity, getting a line of credit on that equity can be difficult or impossible.
Equity in Americans? homes falls to historic low - Mortgage Mess ...
The equity Americans have in their most important asset ? their homes ? has dropped to its lowest level since the end of World War II.
Use of home equity hits a four-year low - Real estate- msnbc.com
The amount of money Americans pulled out of their homes is at a four-year low as homeowners battle falling home values and stricter standards among lenders, Freddie Mac said ...
Morgan Stanley to freeze home-equity lines - Mortgage Mess- msnbc.com
Morgan Stanley told thousands of clients this week that they will not be allowed to withdraw money on their home-equity credit lines, according to a news report.
Late payments for home equity loans rise - Real estate- msnbc.com
Late payments on home equity loans climbed to a 1˝-year high in the opening quarter of this year, while delinquencies on credit card bills fell, painting a mixed picture of how ...
Late payments rise on home-equity loans - Stocks & economy- msnbc.com
Late payments on certain auto and home equity loans climbed in the final quarter of last year, while delinquencies on credit card bills largely held steady, suggesting some U.S ...
BofA tackling debt worries by cutting home-equity lines - Top Stories ...
Bank of America Corp. is tightening up its home-equity lending business, turning down applications and turning off credit lines in struggling housing markets.
Should I get a home equity credit line? - Answer desk- msnbc.com
Free money In this week's video Answer Desk, msnbc.com's John W. Schoen has some advice on how to avoid giving the government more of your money than you need to.
Morgan Stanley to freeze home-equity lines - Today Technology & Money ...
Morgan Stanley told thousands of clients this week that they will not be allowed to withdraw money on their home-equity credit lines, according to a news report. ... Morgan Stanley ...
The New Yorker: When owning isn?t better - The New Yorker- msnbc.com
The housing boom undoubtedly makes lots of first-time home buyers happy. Unfortunately, it may end up prolonging the current downturn. By  The New Yorker's James Surowiecki.

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