Tips to Save Money on a Mortgage

The excitement of homeownership is often countered by the burden of long-term debt.  Imagining life in 30 years, still forking out hundreds or thousands of dollars each month, can be an overwhelming thought.  Each loan has unique terms, but most allow a few options for homeowners to save money on the total cost of a mortgage. Pay Extra Toward the Principal The most common strategy to save money on a mortgage is to pay it off ahead of schedule.  This technique allows owners to avoid a great deal of the cost of interest and shorten the life of the loan.  Homeowners who plan to save money on their mortgage by paying it off early should consider these tips. Some loan … Read more

How to Make Preparing to Apply for a Mortgage Go Smoothly

Preparing To Apply For A Mortgage

There are a few things that you can do to make applying for a mortgage go more smoothly and give yourself a better chance of success. By preparing to apply for a mortgage correctly, you can receive the best interest rate that you qualify for and save money on your mortgage. The key is that you should start working early when you decide that you want to apply for a mortgage. Here are a few ways that you should do when preparing to apply for a mortgage. Compare Mortgage Loans The best way to get the best interest rate is to compare different mortgages with each other. Using a mortgage calculator, you can find out how much you can expect … Read more

Reader’s Question: Should You Pay Your Mortgage Off First or Invest for Retirement?

Understanding The Types Of Mortgages Available To Save You Money

Here is the next installment in our the Reader’s Questions Series which highlight questions emailed to me by you, the readers of Money Q&A. This one deals with whether you should pay your mortgage off first or invest for retirement. Be sure to find out at the end of this article how you can receive a free copy of Dave Ramsey’s book, The Total Money Makeover if your money question is chosen to be featured in an upcoming blog post. If you’re not familiar with Dave Ramsey’s book, you should run right out and get it. It is one of the best personal finance books that everyone should read. Now….on to our reader’s question. Should you follow Dave Ramsey’s baby steps to the letter? Or, can you switch … Read more

The Benefits Of Using A Mortgage Calculator

If you are considering getting a home loan, it is essential that you do your research and fully understand what you are getting in order to find the best mortgages and interest rate for you and your family. For many types of home loans, you can research great mortgages ahead of time by using a mortgage calculator to figure out your major costs and expenses. How to Use a Mortgage Calculator When you are using a mortgage calculator, you need a couple of basic pieces of information: the mortgage amount, the mortgage term (usually 15 or 30 years, but could vary), and the interest rate. With these key pieces of information, you can get an estimate of what your monthly … Read more

How to Compare Home Loans Between Several Mortgage Lenders

Compare Home Loans Between Several Mortgage Lenders

To obtain the best mortgage deal, it is helpful to understand something about the loan process itself. For example, knowing what closing costs are involved can help you negotiate better terms. Before you delve into the details, first look at your options by contacting several lenders. Brokers can also introduce you to several banks or lending institutions that can help you compare one another. By contacting more than one mortgage lender, you open yourself up to a wider selection of choices in which to make the best mortgage decision for you and your family. Compare Home Loans With Apples To Apples Look at loans with the same terms and for the same amount. That way, you can decide if you … Read more

Understanding the Types of Mortgages Available to Save You Money

Understanding The Types Of Mortgages Available To Save You Money

You need to make sure you understand the types of mortgages you have and the various types of available notes. The thought of losing your home can because a good deal of anxiety. If you are struggling with your bills or you or someone in your family has been added to the ranks of the unemployed, then you are entitled to feel a bit concerned. However, do not let these kinds of thoughts override common sense and practicality. Understanding the types of mortgages available before you sign on the dotted line can help you avoid costly mistakes. What Is A Fixed Rate Mortgage A fixed-rate mortgage, for example, is a note where the interest rate or APR is a fixed … Read more