Friday, March 23, 2018

Navigating Home Loan Options and Rates



With the Spring Home buying season around the corner, there may be some confusion over the different types of home loans available for those making the big purchase.

Financial One Credit Union is here to help – both with providing answers and with financing your new home.

Types of Home Loans: 

1. Adjustable Rate Mortgage

ARMs give you a fixed interest rate for a certain number of years (the “adjustment period”) at a very reasonable rate. Following that period, your mortgage then becomes what is called a variable rate mortgage, where the rate adjusts on an annual basis based on market conditions, usually +/-1%.

2. Fixed Rate Mortgage

With these loans, the interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan – usually for 15 or 30-year terms. Fixed rate mortgages are more stable over the long-term even though you may see a higher interest rate than you’d get at the beginning adjustment period of an ARM.

3. Home Equity Loans

These loans take advantage of the equity you have in your home and are available if you owe less on your home than it is worth. Home Equity loans give you large amounts of funds to use for a variety of reasons and are available through Financial One Credit Union as lump sum loans (up to 100% loan to value) or as a Home Equity Line of Credit (up to 80% loan to value variable rate).

Interest Rates

Interest rates fluctuate daily based on changes in financial markets. Your individual interest rate will be determined based on your credit score, your income vs. debt ratio, down payment amount, the amount being borrowed, and the term of the loan. If you have any questions about how interest rates are calculated or why they fluctuate, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Rates at Credit Unions are Often Better than Banks

According to Investopedia, Credit Unions are able to turn income into savings for their members. “Since profits to stockholders aren't a part of the company vision, credit unions are free to pass surplus money on to members.” In addition, Credit Unions don’t need to answer to stockholders; we are member-owned and are concerned with benefiting members over anything else.

Apply now for a Home Mortgage Loan from Financial One Credit Union, or view our current rates here.