This article is about the loans you can use for refinancing your mortgage. Since these are loans that banks have specifically designed for paying off mortgages, they are also known as the common types of mortgage refinance loans that are available in the market.

According to Variability of Interest Rate

Fixed-rate mortgage refinance loan: This type of home refinance loan is one where the interest rate is locked-in to a fixed amount for the whole duration of the loan. Simply put, the home refinance loan will be kept at a constant interest rate for the whole life of the balance.

Variable-rate mortgage refinance loan: This type of home refinance loan is one where the interest rate varies with a certain, predetermined index. The interest rate, in this case can be equivalent to the index or greater than the index by a fixed margin. In this type of mortgage refinance loan, there is usually an introductory rate period where the interest rate is fixed for a few years (3 and 5 years are common) at a very low rate. After this introductory period has passed, the rate becomes a true variable rate subject to the whims of the market. However, theres usually a cap or interest rate ceiling to protect the consumers from excessive index rate increases.

According to Payment Terms

Interest-only mortgage refinance loan: This type of mortgage refinance is one where you will be asked to pay only the interest for a certain period of time. After the set interest-only payment period has passed, you will have to start making payments towards the principal.

Balloon-type mortgage refinance loan: This type of refinance loan is one with an initially low, fixed interest rate (the actual period varies from lender to lender but this period doesnt usually exceed 10 years). After the period for the low interest has passed, however, full payment is required on loan balance.

Fully-amortizing mortgage refinance loan: This type of refinancing loan is one where monthly payments are a combination of interest charges and payments towards the balance. This type of loan is ideal for people who wish to add to their equity as well as reduce the balance with every payment.

Home equity mortgage refinance loan: This type of loan is one where you actually apply for a loan using the equity you have stored in your home as your security for the loan. In this case, you give up your equity for money which you can get as outright cash or as a revolving credit line. Such a loan usually has a very good interest rate. However, this type of loan is ideal for mortgage refinancing ONLY if you have enough equity in your home to pay off your original mortgage lender. This can happen if your home has appreciated considerably. If you dont have enough equity to pay off your original lender, you will only be taking on a second mortgage, not a refinancing loan.

1. What are different types of mortgages and in what way do they work?

There are a mass of different types of mortgage products on the market, so make sure that your broker explains the differences between the different types of mortgages and how they can benefit you. For example may lender these days offer fixed rates, discounts and cashback over a number of terms. Also make sure that you get an outline of the varying ways of paying the capital off. This at first might seem to be a complicated area, but once you have the basics explained everything will become a lot clearer and you will start to see how different products will suit your personal circumstances better than others.

2. What is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR)?

In accordance to regulations the APR is meant to appear in all adverts alongside the headline mortgage rate. The APR is used to provide customers with the true cost of loans and empower them to be able to compare different deals. Do remember that APR is unreliable and is no substitute for personal prepared quote that outlines all upfront and ongoing costs.

3. What is the interest rate that I will be charged?

In the cases of fixed, capped or discount rate then your broker should tell you what the initial rate you will paying and how long you will be on that rate for.

4. So what happens at the end of the fixed or discount rate period?

It is important to know what will happen when your fixed or discount rate period ends. Will you be switched on to the standard variable rate or will the lender offer you another discounted or fixed rate deal. Also remember remortgaging is a good option.

5. Standard Variable Rate What is that?

Because house prices are at a record high many people (probably including yourself) are now thinking of their mortgages in the long term as well as the upfront rate. For this reason it is worth knowing what current customers are paying. It is highly unlikely that when you come to the end of your fixed or discount rate period you will be on the same SVR as current customers. But you can use the information to see how the lender compares against others in the market.

6. What are the Early Redemption Charges or Early Repayment Charges attached to the product?

Most mortgage deals will involve some kind of repayment charge. So you will have to a fee to the lender if you repay your mortgage early or switch to another lender within a set time period. Make sure you find out precisely what you will have to pay and what would happen if you moved home during the mortgages term.

7. What will my monthly payments be at the quoted interest rate?

Your broker should tell you exactly what your monthly payments are going to be. They should also tell you what you would be paying at the SVR as to give you an indication of what you will be paying after your products term comes to an end. Get the broker to work out the payments on interest rates of up to 11% as well. This way if the interest rates rise substantially you will be able to see if you can afford the mortgage.

8. Are there any other conditions attached to the mortgage?

Different lenders will have different deals, incentives and clauses. Lenders will offer better discounts, fixed rates or cashbacks if you are prepared to take the lenders building and contents insurance. This is something that will be worth considering. Just make sure that you are informed about the terms and what would happen if you moved your insurance cover.

9. Are there any Higher Lending Charges?

With some lenders there may be a Higher Lending Charge (HLC) if you are borrowing more than a certain amount of the value of the property. Make sure you know what the charges are and how much the fees are. Some lenders will add HLC charge to the loan others will charge it upfront.

10. What are the arrangement or broker fees?

Your broker should tell you about every payment you will have to make to arrange your mortgage. This will give you an idea of the whole cost of the deal rather than just an upfront rate. This will also allow you to shop around and find the best deal.

So next time you are looking for a mortgage make sure you have these ten questions to hand.

Mortgage refinance refers to changing the current loan with some other loan. It is capable of giving a positive edge if your credit history is not up to the mark. Your personal lender must be knowledgeable of your history and can suggest you favorable terms of refinance mortgage loan.

There are various types of refinance mortgage loan which you can find in the market. Through these loans you can refinance your mortgage.

1. Fixed Rate: Here, the interest rate on the base amount is fixed through out the years of the payment of the loan.

2. Adjustable Rate: This type of loan has changing interest rates depending on the market condition. In this type of refinance mortgage loan, there is generally an introductory rate period where the interest rate is fixed for a few years (3 and 5 years are common) at a very low rate. After this introductory period has passed, the rate becomes a true variable rate, focused on the rates of the market.

3. Fully-amortizing loan: Through this loan the monthly payments are changeable with interest rates, and towards the balance.

4. Balloon Home Loan: The interest rate here is fixed for a set period of time. Afterwards, it works as an adjustable interest rate.

5. Home Equity Loan: This is a fixed rate loan allowing you to tap into your equity while giving you a fund to spend. This type of loan is ideal for mortgage refinancing only if you have enough equity in your home to pay off your original mortgage lender.

When applying for a refinance mortgage loan you need to be careful and to be fully informed. You should know that whether it beneficial for you or not:

- While applying a refinance mortgage loan you must understand about that loan and do some research on it. – You must have a full control over your debts, and there is no hidden cost. – Make sure that your repayments will be reduced and not increased. – Your lenders fully inform you about the consequences of the steps you are taking. – You are better off as a result of the solution you have chosen.

Several mortgage companies can be able to assist you through relationship with lenders with a mortgage refinance loan. But make sure about the company’s performance.

Whatever refinance mortgage loan you have chosen, with fixed interest rates or with variable interest rates, you have to study all the related data to avoid errors which may lead to the loss of real estate. It is also important to find appropriate mortgage loan rates and interest rates among an enormous variety of mortgage loan companies and lenders.

ARM Features

An ARM starts with a low interest rate, up to 3% lower than a fixed rate mortgage. With lower rates, you usually qualify to borrow more than with a fixed rate home loan.

ARMs usually start with a fixed rate period and end with fluctuating yearly interest rates, increasing or decreasing your monthly payment. So a 3/1 ARM means 3 years of fixed rates with interest rates changing every year after that. Interest rates are based on an index, usually the rate on the T-bill or LIBOR, and the margin the lender adds to the index.

ARM Safeguards

In order to protect borrowers from sky-rocketing monthly payments, mortgage lenders put in place safeguards. For example, a point cap limits how much interest rates can rise monthly and over the life of the loan. There are also ceiling limits on how low rates can go, protecting the lender.

Another safeguard is a dollar cap on monthly payments. However, if interest rates rise higher than the dollar cap allows, you may end up with a longer loan. Many financing companies also allow you to convert your ARM to a fixed rate mortgage after a predetermined period.

ARM Considerations

While an ARM has many benefits, there are other considerations to look at. For instance, interest rates can rise 4% or more over the course of your home loan. If you plan to stay in your home for several years, a fixed rate may offer lower interest costs in the long term. ARMs are also unpredictable, which makes planning long term financing goals difficult.

Before you apply for an ARM, make sure you are comfortable with the level of risk involve. However, if you expect your income to rise in the future or to move, then you may be saving yourself a lot of money in interest payments with an ARM.