Saturday, November 29, 2008

A Look at the Lowest Fixed Rate Mortgages

By Gugu Martini

Considering whether you need a 30 or 15 year fixed mortgage rate is important for people looking to buy a home and concerned about their monthly payments. Many of us are buying homes later in life these days so it is not unreasonable to have the house paid off early. There are always things to take into account before signing documents. It is always a good idea to confirm that the interest rate does not alter during the term of the mortgage.

It is always wise to avoid agreements that do not appear to have any negative aspects because they invariably have but are hidden. Interest rates remain the same throughout the life of the loan for 15 year fixed rate mortgages. This is of great benefit for anyone that does not like surprises. When we were looking to buy a home, my wife and I decided to go for a loan with a 15 year fixed mortgage rate.

Even though it was important for us to pay off our loan at the earliest possible opportunity, we did not want high, unrealistic monthly payments which we would have trouble maintaining. Considering longer term fixed rate mortgages was one option if we could not afford a 15 year plan. We did not really like the prospect of having a mortgage as we approached retirement so were really hoping to get one of the loans with 15 year fixed mortgage rates. There was a lot of pressure to have the house paid off as soon as possible.

It took some time but we finally chose to go ahead with the 30 year mortgage plan. Although a number of things had to be pondered over, eventually the choice was made for us.Finding out my wife was having a baby made making the choice so much easier! The contribution my wife made to the monthly finances would be unreliable since she intended to raise our child at home. Our monthly payment would have been too high if we had committed ourselves to the 15 year fixed mortgage plan. For us it just was not feasible as we would just be in over our heads. Despite the trepidation of having a longer term loan, it did reduce the repayments considerably.

We found that if we could make a few extra payments throughout each year then it would gradually reduce the principle sum owed. By doing this you can also reduce the term of the mortgage by quite a few years. This is well worth it in the long term but it does require some discipline. Taking our needs and abilities into account was more important than our desire for a shorter term mortgage plan. All things considered, it all worked out for the best in the end.

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