What Type Of Mortgage Loan Is Right For You?

Homebuyers and homeowners need to decide which home Mortgage loan is right for them. Then, the next step in getting a mortgage loan is to submit an application ( Uniform Residential Loan Application ). Although we try to make the loan simple and easy for you, getting a mortgage loan is not an insignificant process.

Below is a short synopsis of some loan types that are currently available.

CONVENTIONAL OR CONFORMING MORTGAGE Loans are the most common types of mortgages. These include a fixed rate mortgage loan which is the most commonly sought of the various loan programs. If your mortgage loan is conforming, you will likely have an easier time finding a lender than if the loan is non-conforming. For conforming mortgage loans, it does not matter whether the mortgage loan is an adjustable rate mortgage or a fixed-rate loan. We find that more borrowers are choosing fixed mortgage rate than other loan products.

Conventional mortgage loans come with several lives. The most common life or term of a
mortgage loan is 30 years. The one major benefit of a 30 year home mortgage loan is that one pays lower monthly payments over its life. 30 year mortgage loans are available for Conventional, Jumbo, FHA and VA Loans. A 15 year mortgage loan is usually the least expensive way to go, but only for those who can afford the larger monthly payments. 15 year mortgage loans are available for Conventional, Jumbo, FHA and VA Loans. Remember that you will pay more interest on a 30 year loan, but your monthly payments are lower. For 15 year mortgage loans your monthly payments are higher, but you pay more principal and less interest. New 40 year mortgage loans are available and are some of the the newest programs used to finance a residential purchase. 40 year mortgage loans are available in both Conventional and Jumbo. If you are a 40 year mortgage borrower, you can expect to pay more interest over the life of the loan.

A Fixed Rate Mortgage Loan is a type of loan where the interest rate remains fixed
over life of the loan. Whereas a Variable Rate Mortgage will fluctuate over the life
of the loan. More specifically the Adjustable-Rate Mortgage loan is a loan that has a
fluctuating interest rate. First time homebuyers may take a risk on a variable rate for qualification purposes, but this should be refinanced to a fixed rate as soon as possible.

A Balloon Mortgage loan is a short-term loan that contains some risk for the borrower. Balloon mortgages can help you get into a mortgage loan, but again should be financed into a more reliable or stable payment product as soon as financially feasible. The Balloon Mortgage should be well thought out with a plan in place when getting this product. For example, you may plan on being in the home for only three years.

Despite the bad rap Sub-Prime Mortgage loans are getting as of late, the market for this kind of mortgage loan is still active, viable and necessary. Subprime loans will be here for the duration, but because they are not government backed, stricter approval requirements will most likely occur.

Refinance Mortgage loans are popular and can help to increase your monthly disposable income. But more importantly, you should refinance only when you are looking to lower the interest rate of your mortgage. The loan process for refinancing your mortgage loan is easier and faster then when you received the first loan to purchase your home. Because closing costs and points are collected each and every time a mortgage loan is closed, it is generally not a good idea to refinance often. Wait, but stay regularly informed on the interest rates and when they are attractive enough, do it and act fast to lock the rate.

A Fixed Rate Second Mortgage loan is perfect for those financial moments such as home improvements, college tuition, or other large expenses. A Second Mortgage loan is a mortgage granted only when there is a first mortgage registered against the property. This Second Mortgage loan is one that is secured by the equity in your home. Typically, you can expect the interest rate on the second mortgage loan to be higher than the interest rate of the first loan.

An Interest Only Mortgage loan is not the right choice for everyone, but it can be very effective choice for some individuals. This is yet another loan that must be thought out carefully. Consider the amount of time that you will be in the home. You take a calculated risk that property values will increase by the time you sell and this is your monies or capital gain for your next home purchase. If plans change and you end up staying in the home longer, consider a strategy that includes a new mortgage. Again pay attention to the rates.

A Reverse mortgage loan is designed for people that are 62 years of age or older and already have a mortgage. The reverse mortgage loan is based mostly on the equity in the home. This loan type provides you a monthly income, but you are reducing your equity ownership. This is a very attractive loan product and should be seriously considered by all who qualify. It can make the twilight years more manageable.

The easiest way to qualify for a Poor Credit Mortgage loan or Bad Credit Mortgage loan is to fill out a two minute loan application. By far the easiest way to qualify for any home mortgage loan is by establishing a good credit history. Another loan vehicle available is a Bad Credit Re-Mortgage loan product and basically it's for refinancing your current loan.

Another factor when considering applying for a mortgage loan is the rate lock-in. We discuss this at length in our mortgage loan primer. Remember that getting the right mortgage loan is getting the keys to your new home. It can sometimes be difficult to determine which mortgage loan is applicable to you. How do you know which mortgage loan is right for you? In short, when considering what mortgage loan is right for you, your personal financial situation needs to be considered in full detail. Complete that first step, fill out an application, and you are on your way!

For additional information about mortgage loan types, mortgage loan products or a bad credit mortgage loan and where to apply for a Bad Credit Mortgage Loan [http://www.ezlendmortgage.com/bad-credit-mortgage-loan.html] visit [http://www.ezlendmortgage.com] a popular website providing information, tips, mortgage advice and resources including information on independent help finding the best conventional mortgage, adverse mortgage lenders, subprime mortgages, and a Refinance Mortgage Loan [http://www.ezlendmortgage.com]

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How to Choose your UK Mortgage

This quick guide shows you potential mortgage choices for each type of borrower. Please note that this is a general guide and we should stress that you are always better off talking to a specialist mortgage adviser

General

One thing that applies to almost all types of mortgage is the choice of a fixed rate mortgage or one with a variable interest rate.

The best choice depends on your own circumstances and to an extent on interest rate levels at the time, but things to consider are:

* Can you afford to have your payments go up each month? This could happen with a variable rate mortgage.

* Are rates generally low at the moment? It could be a good time to get tied into a fixed rate mortgage.

* Do you want the security of a fixed monthly payment for several years? Fixed rate periods from 1 to 10 years are available.

* Are you having difficulty borrowing enough money? An interest only mortgage can mean lower monthly repayments ie you can borrow more against your salary. But there are drawbacks.

To understand which option will suit your circumstances, discuss your options with a UK mortgage specialist, who will advise you on suitable choices.

Here are some specific tips depending on your particular mortgage needs

First Time Buyers

As a first time buyer, you are likely to have some particular requirements. You will probably have a very small deposit or possibly no deposit at all. You may be having to push your budget to the limit just to afford a mortgage, but are determined to get a foot on the property ladder.

There are several suitable solutions:

· 100% mortgages to many lenders offer 100% mortgages aimed at first time buyers. These are normally repayment mortgages and can be a good option to get you started.

· If you have a deposit, but can't afford large monthly payments, an option to consider might be an interest-only mortgage, where your monthly payments only consist of interest, and you don't make any payment towards the capital sum.

· Choose a mortgage term longer than 25 years to it may seem daunting but many lenders will offer mortgages with terms up to 40 years.

Any of these choices can be a good way to get started in home ownership, with a view to moving to a better deal in 2-5 years time when you have some equity in your property and are perhaps able to afford larger monthly payments. Remember, very few people stick with the same mortgage for 25 years anymore. It is normal to change mortgages for a new deal every 2-5 years.

Self-Employed Mortgages

Getting a mortgage for self-employed people has always been a bit more of a challenge. Even if your business is well established, it can be hard to prove your income and since mortgage lenders assess your ability to pay based on net income, you could find that they underestimate your borrowing ability.

So what are the choices?

· Self-Certified Mortgages. It is not necessary to provide audited accounts and to prove your income, although you will still be required to provide some evidence that you can afford the monthly payments.

· If your business is well-established, and you can provide 3 years or more of audited accounts, showing a stable income, you should not have too many problems. Lenders are more flexible than they once were.

As with other specialist mortgages, it can be worth getting the advice of an Independent Financial Adviser to make sure you get the best deal for you.

Already a Homeowner?

If you are already a homeowner (with or without a mortgage) then you might want to release some equity from your home to give you a cash lump sum.

This means that if you have paid off a significant amount of your mortgage and/or property prices have risen, you can benefit from some of the "profit" that is locked into your house without having to sell the house.

Lenders provide a variety of packages for doing this, but they are generally described as "equity release" mortgages.

Typically you will be able to borrow up to 95% of the equity in your home, given to you in a lump sum which you then pay back like a normal mortgage. This can be used to pay for home improvements, lifestyle changes, home repairs to almost anything, really.

Get a Better Mortgage Deal

Don't forget that just because you have a mortgage, it doesn't mean that you can't get a better one that will cost you less, or alternatively a mortgage with a shorter term so that you can pay it off sooner.

Hunt around to whether you want to find a more competitive interest rate, a long-term fixed rate deal or you want to increase or decrease the remaining duration of your mortgage to you will probably find a lender who is able to offer just what you want, and could save you a significant amount every year.

Discussing your requirements with an IFA can often help uncover the best mortgages, which sometimes come from quite minor building societies.

Big Bonuses, But a Low Basic Salary?

If this is you, then you might find it difficult to get a repayment mortgage that meets your requirements. This is because bonuses and overtime are hard to predict, not guaranteed and are normally excluded from your assessed income by mortgage lenders. This means you could end up being offered a much smaller mortgage than you think you can afford.

The solution to this could be a flexible mortgage. A relative of the interest-only mortgage, flexible mortgages have monthly payments which are interest-only, but allow you to make ad-hoc repayments towards reducing the capital sum.

For example, if you get a quarterly bonus, every 3 months you could make a payment towards reducing the capital sum of your mortgage, whilst paying smaller, interest-only payments each month [from your salary].

Flexible mortgages like these can be helpful for anyone with an unevenly distributed income who receives occasional large payments, rather than solely receiving salaried income.

Are You An Expatriate?

As an expatriate, your mortgage needs are a little different. Buying property abroad is difficult with a UK mortgage, although there are some high street lenders that have affiliated with foreign lenders, particularly in Spain, to provide easy access to mortgages in some other countries.

On the other hand, many expatriates look to buy a property in the UK in preparation for their eventual return. This is more straightforward and there are several big lenders who can assist with this.

The best approach is probably to find an IFA who has experience of setting up this kind of mortgage and see what they can offer you. There may be some complications but it should certainly be possible.

Buying To Let?

Buying to let has become very popular in recent years. Whether you count yourself a professional landlord or are just looking to buy a second property to rent out as an investment, buy to let mortgages are fairly mainstream now and as such are quite widely accessible.

You may notice some differences to residential mortgages:

· Can only borrow up to around 75% of property value

· Mortgage terms may not be extendable beyond 25 years, often less still for interest-only deals.

As with all mortgages, you will have to undergo a credit check and will have to provide some evidence that the property you are buying is a suitable business proposition to i.e. you can rent it for a suitable amount and/or can make the payments yourself if needed.

Want To Let Out Your Home Temporarily?

There are times when homeowners want to let their home on a temporary basis to perhaps they are moving abroad for a year or two, or elsewhere in the UK, but want to maintain their main home and rent it out to cover the costs of the mortgage.

Most residential mortgages will allow you to do this to exact terms and conditions will very from lender to lender, but as long as you tell your lender you want to let, you will probably find they are happy for you to do so.

Are you a Muslim, Looking for a Sharia-Compliant Mortgage?

Islamic mortgages used to be almost impossible to obtain in the UK, but in the last 5 years, the number of lenders offering mortgages that comply with Sharia law has grown considerably. It is now possible to get an Islamic mortgage for your house from several high street lenders with no more difficulty than a regular mortgage.

Islamic mortgages available in the UK fall into two main categories. By far the most popular are mortgages based on the Ijara principle. Also available are mortgages based on the Murabaha principle but these tend not to be affordable to most borrowers, especially younger people just starting out.

Getting Divorced, Need Two Mortgages?

Getting divorced can be a difficult and traumatic experience, often not least because of the financial complications. These can cause people with previously exemplary financial records to get into problems, and can sometimes make it difficult for the divorced individuals to get mortgages.

A few lenders now offer mortgages aimed specifically at the needs of the newly-divorced, with a number of features designed to help people back onto their feet, financially:

· Fixed interest rate for up to 5 years

· First few months at 0% interest

· The lender will include maintenance payments (alimony) in their assessment of your income when determining the amount that can be borrowed.

· Can borrow 100% of property value if needed

· Choice of repayment or interest-only mortgage

There are not many of these packages around (Yorkshire Building Society offers one example), but they can really help divorced people through the difficult process of finding a new home and re-establishing their financial situation.

This article is written by MortgageSorter, a UK mortgages website that has been helping normal people understand []UK mortgages for over 5 years. It has a special section on UK []Mortgages for people with a bad credit history and has the []latest best buy UK mortgages.

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Exclusive Mortgage Lead Info Guide

Before understanding all about exclusive mortgage leads we will first try to define mortgage leads and then we will proceed further. This article will provide you with all the basics that you need to know about exclusive mortgage leads with its advantages and will help you identify the differences between exclusive mortgage leads and Non-exclusive mortgage leads.

Mortgage is generally defined as a method of using property as security for the payment of a debt. Many mortgage lead generators are available in the market either online or offline to help mortgage consumers to pay their debt. So, the mortgage consumer will browse through the net for internet mortgage lead generators using search engines. By filling up a normal mortgage form, the mortgage consumer's details will be passed on to the mortgage lenders who are willing to lend loans. The mortgage lenders will then sort those leads and get in touch with the mortgage consumers for loans. Among the various mortgage lead generators available nowadays finding the right place really would be tiring. But it is advisable to go through many companies offering mortgage leads and then settle on one reputed mortgage lead generator and mortgage lender.

The true definition of exclusive mortgage leads is defined as the leads that are only sold once to a mortgage lender. When mortgage consumers buy mortgage leads on exclusive basis, the same leads will not be sold to any other mortgage lead generators or mortgage lenders. A great writer once said "East or West, home is the best". It is human nature that all of us would like to own a beautiful home. For some it's easy but to most others it may seem to be the ripe grapes. Hence the prime motive of these mortgage lead companies is that, they will help those disabled to fulfill their dream.

In common, when a prospective homeowner approaches a mortgage lender for a mortgage loan, she will be asked to fill up a 'Form of request' for the loan, Known as the 'Mortgage lead'. After carefully assessing the application and if it qualifies, the mortgage lender approves the loan. Since this is time consuming, people seek the help of mortgage lead generators to develop the lead and submit it to the mortgage lender. Hence in this way, the process of mortgage lead generator to send the mortgage lead form signed by the mortgage consumer to only one appropriate mortgage lender for mortgage loan is called as Exclusive mortgage leads.

Let us now look at some differences between exclusive mortgage leads and non-exclusive mortgage leads. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of exclusive mortgage leads, the following points are some benefits and main differences from that of non-exclusive mortgage leads.

• The benefit of exclusive mortgage leads is that the mortgage consumer will face only less competition making the close rates higher than other leads. But in non-exclusive mortgage leads the competition is higher.
• The data is shared only with one mortgage lender and hence the mortgage consumer has no choice to select some other mortgage lender if it's an exclusive mortgage lead program. Coming to Non-exclusive mortgage leads the mortgage consumer's details are shared with many mortgage lenders so that the consumers will have more options to choose from.
• Non-exclusive mortgage leads are less expensive than exclusive mortgage leads but the confidentiality ratio is high in exclusive mortgage leads than non-exclusive mortgage lead. Hence to conclude if the mortgage consumer has a good credit profile, the chances of his or her dream home coming true are greater. Exclusive mortgage leads are a gateway through which mortgage lead generators and mortgage lenders build their business and reputation.

Jay is a freelance writer, specializing in finance subjects. For more informationJason recommends visiting [http://www.nrleads.com]

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Glossary of Common Terms Used During the Mortgage Process

APR - This stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It enables you to compare the full cost of the mortgage. Rather than just being an interest rate, it includes up front and ongoing costs of taking out a mortgage. The formula for calculating APR is set by Government Regulations and therefore enables direct comparison of the cost of mortgages.

Capital and Interest Mortgage - This is when part of your monthly payment contributes to paying off the outstanding mortgage in addition to paying the interest on the mortgage. The payments are structured so that at the end of the term, your mortgage will have been completely paid off. For this reason this type of mortgage is also called a Repayment Mortgage.

Capped Rate - This is a mortgage where the lender agrees that the interest charged will never exceed a specific percentage. This deal lasts for a set period of years. After the set period, the rate usually reverts to the lenders standard variable rate. During the capped period, the interest charges can move up and down with the lenders interest rate - but cannot exceed the capped rate.

Cashback - An amount, either fixed or a percentage of a mortgage, which you can opt to receive when you complete your mortgage. The lender may well claw back this money through a higher interest rate.

CAT marks/standards - CAT stands for Fair Charges, Easy Access and decent Terms. They were created by the Government in an attempt to provide consumers with simple, clear financial products with straightforward, easy to understand terms. A CAT mortgage will have no arrangement fees, no redemption fees and will have interest calculated daily. It will also have a minimum loan of just £5000, offer you repayment flexibility and the mortgage should be portable should you move home. Finally, you will not have to buy the lender's insurance products and there will be no penalties should you find yourself in arrears but can subsequently catch up.

Completion - This is end of the house buying process, when the funds are transferred and the keys are handed over. Happy moving!

Contract - A contract is a binding agreement between the buyer and seller. In the context of house buying, after the contract is signed by both the buyer and the seller it is then 'exchanged' between the respective solicitors for a set completion date. At that point, the contract is legally binding on both parties.

Conveyancing - This is the legal process in which property is bought and sold. You can do it yourself or hire a solicitor or specialised conveyancer to perform the tasks for you. The buying of a freehold is much less complicated than the buying of a leasehold.

Discounted Rate - This is where the lender makes a guaranteed reduction off the standard variable rate for an agreed period of time. After the discounted period ends, the mortgage usually moves to the lenders' standard variable rate. Watch out for redemption penalties that overhang the initial discount period.

Early Redemption Charges - Redemption is when the borrower pays off the capital and the interest on the mortgage and thus owns the property outright. Early redemption fees are the charges incurred for paying off the mortgage early, either to buy the house outright, move or re-mortgage. Always ask about early redemption charges before you agree a mortgage.

Endowment - Endowments are life assurance policies with an investment element designed to pay off the outstanding capital on an interest-only mortgage. There are a few types of endowments, such as 'with profits', 'unitised with profits' and 'unit-linked'. In the 1980s, these were sold by salesman who seemly suggested that these policies were "guaranteed" to pay off the mortgage at the end of the term. However, the investment returns on these policies have fallen to below what was previously considered to be the norm. Consequently, many policies are not worth what was originally forecast and may not fully repay the money borrowed at the end of the mortgages' term.

Equity - In housing terminology, equity is the difference between the value of the property and the money owed on the property. So if the property is valued at £200,000 and you owe £150,000 on the mortgage, you have equity of £50,000. If you sold at that moment, you would receive £50,000. Should the value of the home be less than the mortgage outstanding then you have negative equity.

Freehold - Owning the freehold means that you own the total rights to the property and the land on which it is built.

HLC - This is the Higher Lending Charge (it was previously known as a Mortgage Indemnity Guarantee). It is levied by around three quarters of all lenders on clients who cannot afford to put down a deposit of 10% of the price of the property. In practice it is a type of insurance aimed at protecting the lender should you default on your mortgage when the value of your home is less than the capital you borrowed. The insurance only provides cover for the lender, not you, and typically costs £1,500.

Homebuyers Report - A property survey aimed at providing more information than a mortgage valuation but less information than a full structural survey. It will help the borrower to decide whether to purchase and help the lender to decide how much to lend.

Interest Only Mortgage - This is a mortgage where your monthly repayments only pay the interest on the mortgage. Therefore, at the end of the mortgage you still have to repay the full sum you borrowed. You are advised to have a separate investment vehicle into which you make payments aimed at building up a fund capable of paying off the mortgage capital at the end of the term. Typical investments include ISA's, a pension or an endowment policy.

IFAs - Stands for Independent Financial Advisor. These advisors are regulated by the Financial Services Authority. To be classified as "independent" they have to be able to offer you the full range of products from all financial product providers. They are not entitled to describe themselves as "independent" if they can only offer products from a restricted panel of financial companies. A Financial Advisor can be one man band or work for very large companies. Before they make any recommendation, an IFA must carry out a detailed fact find so they fully understand your financial circumstances. They can then make their recommendations to suit your personal circumstances.

ISA - An ISA is an Individual Savings Account, which is a tax-free method of owning shares, building up a cash savings account or a life assurance policy. You can use an ISA to build up a capital sum to repay an interest only mortgage.

Leasehold - If your property is leasehold, ownership of the property reverts to the Freeholder at a set date. Many houses were originally sold on 999 year leases which means that 999 years after the initial date of the Leasehold, ownership of the property reverts to the Freeholder. Building in multiple occupation such as apartments, are always sold on a leasehold and usually have a much shorter leasehold period - 100 and 125 years is quite common. Often, with a block of apartments, the apartment owners individually own the leaseholds whilst a management company, in which they hold shares, owns the freehold. These days, however, leaseholders who live in the property have the legal right to buy their freehold under terms laid down by UK law.

Life Insurance - This can also be called Term Insurance or, when specifically linked to proprty purchase, as Mortgage Protection Insurance. It is designed to pay a tax free lump sum in the event of your death to enable your mortgage to be repaid in full. There are a number of variants such as Level Term Life Insurance and Decreasing Term Life Insurance. At the outset you take out insurance for the full sum you have borrowed from your mortgage lender and for the same number of years as you have agreed on your mortgage. These insurance policies do not have any investment or surrender value. The premiums are based on a number of factors - the main ones being the amount of cover you need, your age, health and how many years you want to be insured for.

Lock-In Period - This is the minimum period you have agreed to stay with the lender. Depending on the deal, it could be as low as six months up to the whole of the term. Should you wish to repay the mortgage or remortgage during the lock-in period, you will invariably have to pay redemption penalties. Always make sure you know how long you are locked in for with your mortgage.

LTV - Literally means Loan to Value. This is a measurement of the mortgage amount against the value of the property or the price that you are actually paying. A £157,500 mortgage on a property for which you paid £175,000 would be a LTV of 90%. Lenders tend to charge a Mortgage Indemnity Premium on mortgages with a loan to value of anything about 75%. Some don't so ask about this.

MIG - This has now changed its name to HLC. See above.

Mortgage - A mortgage is a long-term loan taken out in order to buy a property with repayment secured on that property. So if you don't keep to the repayment terms, the lender can repossess the property, sell it and retain the money they are owed. Any balance is then paid to you. If the property is sold for less than you owe your lender, you still remain liable to repay the shortfall.

Mortgage Advisor - On October 31st 2004 the selling of mortgages in the UK came under the remit of the City watchdog, The Financial Services Authority (FSA). As from that date any person providing mortgage advice had to be registered with the FSA and abide by its rules of conduct, methods of operating and training programmes etc. The objective has been to improve life for the consumer by offering better protection, clear information and access to redress for poor advice.

Negative Equity - Negative equity is when the value of your home is less than the amount that you owe on your mortgage plus any other loans secured against it. It can happen very easily if you take out a 100% mortgage or if property prices fall. (Also see Higher Lending Charge)

Portable - This is a measure of how easy it is to move a mortgage from one property to another should a property move be required. This is vital if you are moving during your lock-in-period and wish to avoid redemption penalties.

Repayment Mortgage - This is the same as a Capital and Interest mortgage - see above.

Searches - During the conveyancing process, the buyer has to be sure that the seller has title to the property and identify any matters may affect the prospective owners ownership of the property. For example, whether the property is affected by any proposed road building, whether there are preservation orders affecting the property, is it a listed building and has it been built in accordance with planning conditions and building regulations. Searches will also show whether there are mines under or close by the property. This information is obtained by the person undertaking the conveyancing from HM Land Registry and the relevant Local Authority. These investigations are collectively known as "Searches".

Self-Certification - Should you have difficulty in providing documentation that "proves" your income to a prospective mortgage lender, you may need a self-certification mortgage. In essence you personally certify what your full income is. If you receive high bonuses, or work seasonally or on commission, or are self-employed this may be your best option. You declare your income plus some evidence that your declaration is reasonable. Ideally lenders want to see as much guaranteed income as possible. To compensate the lender for the increased risk they are taking on a self-certified mortgage, they will charge you a higher rate interest, typically 1% over their standard variable rate.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (commonly known simply as Stamp Duty) - You pay Stamp Duty Land Tax on property like houses, flats, other buildings and land. If the purchase price is £120,000 or less, you don't pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax. If the price is more than £120,000, you pay between one and four per cent of the whole purchase price, on a sliding scale.

Upto £120,000 - No duty payable

£120,001 to £250,000 - 1% duty payable*

£250,001 to £500,000 - 3% duty payable

£500,001 and over - 4% duty payable

*If you're buying a property an area designated by the government as 'disadvantaged', you don't pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax if the purchase price is £150,000 or less.

Did you know? Stamp Duty was originally introduced by William of Orange when he was King of England.

Structural Survey - The most thorough report you can get on the condition of the property you are considering to buy. The surveyor will look in detail at the inside and outside of the property and will tell you if the property is structurally sound. All major and minor defects in the building will also be listed and should tell you what maintenance work may be needed either now or in the future. You should make sure the scope of the survey is agreed in writing before you commission it. Should the survey identify problems, use them to negotiate a reduction in the price before you exchange contracts.

Variable Rate - This is when the interest rate you pay on your mortgage can go up or down depending on changes to the lender's standard variable rate. If you have a variable rate mortgage your monthly mortgage payments will change whenever the lender changes the interest rate.

Valuation - This is where a valuer appointed by your proposed lender, visits the property in order to estimate its current value. This value is then used by the lender as a basis for its security and to calculate its Loan to Value Ratio. The borrower never sees the valuation. With some mortgage deals the lender absorbs the cost of the valuation but in many cases the borrower has to pay upfront.

Michael Challiner has 15 years experience in financial services marketing at senior level. Michael now works as the editor of Kings Remortgage Brokers [http://www.kings-college-brokers.co.uk]

Futher reading Mortgages Home Page [http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/mortgages/]

Futher reading Mortgage Topics [http://www.life-assurance-bureau.co.uk/mortgages/faqs/mortgage-faq-home.htm]

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Mortgage: Effective Household Investment for Financial Autonomy

If finances had a copyright, we would have bought it by now. But it is hardly sold anywhere near the place we live. So, when we decide to take a mortgage it becomes highly perplexing for it is something you are not used to. Taking out a mortgage is not like an everyday errand. Mortgage in the simplest terms mean long-term loan used to finance the purchase of real estate. As the borrower, or mortgagor, you repay the lender, or mortgagee, the loan principal plus interest, gradually building your equity in the property. In a mortgage, you can use your property but not the title of it. When you pay the mortgage, you own the property.

You must have heard that interest rates on mortgage are at their lowest. There is no doubt that they are declining, lending new opportunities to homeowners to get the financial funding they require. Mortgage has become more competitive and easy to get. Competition among loan lender is rising therefore it has lot of potential for homeowners. So it is no surprise to know that mortgage is mounting among people.

Today's consumers have many different mortgage types to select from. Mortgages have been flavoured with different interest rates for the benefit of the mortgage applicants. The more recognized mortgage types are fixed, variable and balloon mortgage.

Mortgage has been publicized everywhere as a real good loan plan for every homeowner. However, it is essential to realize that mortgage is in itself a very exhaustive term. There are innumerable sub categories.

Mortgage types are meant to be for your benefit. Two major types of mortgages are available - repayment and interest only mortgage. Repayment mortgage is the traditional, old fashioned mortgage where the property is guaranteed and is yours only at the end of the loan term provided you repay the loan. The monthly payment on Mortgage compiles capital repayment and interest payments. Capital repayments repay the loan amount your have taken. Interest payments provide repayments for the interest on the loan. Every month you keep on paying a little of both the loan and the interest till the whole loan is repaid.

Interest only mortgage is a relatively new term. In an interest only mortgage the capital is not repaid directly. The capital on a mortgage term is repaid at the end of the mortgage term while simultaneous investments are made to an investment fund. The idea is to make this fund flourish so that at the end of the term there is enough money to pay the mortgage and also leave capital for your personal usage. The term 'interest only mortgage' might seem inviting but the capital has to be paid at the end of the mortgage term.

Interest only mortgage comes in all shapes and sizes. However, this kind of mortgage is not meant for every borrower. Each Interest only mortgage is meant to cater to the needs of a specific kind. It is very fundamental to learn about the interest only mortgages before you apply for one. The interest only mortgages are endowment mortgage, individual savings account mortgage, pension mortgages.

In this highly elaborate work structure of mortgages it is pivotal to find the precise mortgage. Precise mortgage type requires some basic steps which begin with knowing what you want. Loan borrower must be very clear about their requirements and their limitations. Once you know which mortgage type to take - make comparisons. Compare the mortgage types. Mortgage is essentially a buyer's market. Shop around. Compare the APR. The real comparison is through comparing the APR, which is the annual percentage rate. The APR takes all the costs into account: the application fee, the mortgage lenders valuation and so on.

A mortgage broker is a good idea with respect to mortgage. A mortgage broker is a licensed company or an individual that gets the best mortgage plan available at the best possible rates. Mortgage broker signifies convenience. They will do the legwork for you. Usually mortgage brokers don't cost any extra fee because they usually work on the fees given by the mortgage lender. However, sometimes you can get a better deal by going to the mortgage lender directly.

Mortgage and bad credit are very compatible. The only thing a loan borrower can do is to be open and honest about their bad credit status. Hiding your credit status would only go against your mortgage claim, when there are in fact easier ways to get a mortgage with bad credit.

Mortgage is like easy if you make the right choice. Getting a good mortgage is directly dependent on your knowledge of a mortgage. To know every nook and cranny of mortgage can be not possible. Since even the most judicious professionals may also not be aware of some of the mortgage details. However, basic mortgage knowledge will not only protect you against fraud and abuse but also stimulate financial gains. So maybe you don't have the copyright to financial sense; you can still find a mortgage.

After having herself gone through the ordeal of loan borrowing, Natasha Anderson understands the need for good quality loan advice. Her articles endeavor to provide you the wise counsel in the most elementary way for the benefit of the readers. She hopes that this will help them to locate the loan that beseems their expectations. She works for the Uk secured loans web site.

To find a Secured loan or mortgage [http://www.ukfinanceworld.co.uk]that best suits your needs visit [http://www.ukfinancewprld.co.uk]

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How You Can Learn to Predict Mortgage Rates, Too

How you can learn to predict mortgage rates, too.

Many people, particularly, first-home buyers, tend to shop around for the cheapest mortgage rate that they see not knowing, or understanding, that these rates dip and fall. If you get an understanding of how mortgage rates work, you will be in a far better position to land one that really works for you and may even be cheaper than the one you're ready to commit to, say, today.

Here's how mortgage rates work.

The firs thing you should know about these rates is that they are unpredictable. They change. A high rate today may be low tomorrow. At one time, these rates were more stable. They were set by the bank. But since the 1950s, Wall Street took over and adjusted them according to supply and demand. Or more accurately, Wall Street linked them to bonds. So that when bonds - that are bought and sold on Wall Street - drop, mortgage rates do, too.

How can I know today's bonds rates?

It sounds simple: let's keep up with the prices of bonds and we'll know when to shop for our mortgage. Unfortunately, only Wall Street has access to this knowledge (called "mortgage-backed securities" (MBS) data). And they pay tens of thousands of dollars for access to it in real-time.

Here's how you can make an educated guess:

Calculate according to, what's called, the Thirty-year mortgage rates.

These are the events that lower rates in any given 30 years:

• Falling inflation rates, because low inflation increases demand for mortgage bonds
• Weaker-than-expected economic data, because a weak economy increases demand for mortgage bonds
• War, disaster and calamity, because "uncertainty" increases demand for mortgage bonds

Conversely, rising inflation rates; stronger-than-expected economic data; and the "calming down" of a geopolitical situation tend to elevate rates.

The most common mortgages and mortgage rates

You'll also find that mortgages vary according to the level of your credit rating. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to win a lower mortgage rate.

Mortgage rates also vary by loan type.

There are four main loan types each of which has a different level of interest. In each case, this level of interest hinges on mortgage-secured bonds. The four loan types together make up 90 percent of mortgage loans doled out to US consumers.

Which mortgage loan do you want?

Here is the list:

1. Conventional Mortgages - These loans are backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac who have set regulations and requirements for their procedures. The Fannie Mae mortgage-backed bond is linked to mortgage interest rates via Fannie Mae. The Freddie Mac mortgage-backed bond is linked to mortgage-backed bonds via Freddie Mac.

Mortgage programs that use conventional mortgage interest rates include the "standard" 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate for borrowers who make a 20% downpayment or more; the HARP loan for underwater borrowers; the Fannie Mae HomePath mortgage for buyers of foreclosed properties; and, the equity-replacing Delayed Financing loan for buyers who pay cash for a home.

2. FHA mortgage - These are mortgage rates given by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The upside of these loans is that you have the possibility of a very low downpayment - just 3.5%. They are, therefore, popular and used in all 50 states. The downside is that the premium is split in two parts.

FHA mortgage interest rates are based on mortgage bonds issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA). Investors, by the way, tend to call GNMA, "Ginnie Mae". As Ginnie Mae bond prices rise, the interest rates for FHA mortgage plans drop. These plans include the standard FHA loan, as well as FHA specialty products which include the 203k construction bond; the $100-down Good Neighbor Next Door program; and the FHA Back to Work loan for homeowners who recently lost their home in a short sale or foreclosure.

3. VA mortgage interest rates - VA mortgage interest rates are also controlled by GMA bonds which is why FHA and VA mortgage bonds often move in tandem with both controlled by fluctuations from the same source. It is also why both move differently than conventional rates. So, some days will see high rates for conventional plans and low rates for VA/ FHA; as well as the reverse.

VA mortgage interest rates are used for loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs such as the standard VA loan for military borrowers; the VA Energy Efficiency Loan; and the VA Streamline Refinance. VA mortgages also offer 100% financing to U.S. veterans and active service members, with no requirement for mortgage insurance.

USDA mortgage interest rates - USDA mortgage interest rates are also linked to Ginnie Mae secured-bonds (just as FHA and VA mortgage rates are). Of the three, however, USDA rates are often lowest because they are guaranteed by the government and backed by a small mortgage insurance requirement. USDA loans are available in rural and suburban neighborhoods nationwide. The program provides no-money-down financing to U.S. buyers at very low mortgage rates.

Mortgage rates predictions for 2016

Wondering what your chances are for getting a mortgage for a good rate the coming year? Wonder no further.

Here are the predictions for the 30-year trajectory:

• Fannie Mae mortgage rate forecast: 4.4% in 2016)
• Freddie Mac forecast: 4.7% Q1 2016, 4.9% Q2 in 2016
• Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) forecast: 5.2% in 2016
• National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecast: 6% in 2016.

In other words, mortgage rates are projected to rise slightly in 2016.

Yanni Raz is a hard money lenders and trust deed investments specialist as well as a blogger and contributor. The goal is to educate other real estate investors before they are getting into bad real estate deals.

Yanni Raz's main Blog: Hard money lenders

You can read his articles and learn more about the market.

Good Luck.

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Second Mortgage & Bad Credit Loans

Do you have a low or bad credit score and are in need of a loan and have faced rejection from the banks and other lenders? If you want to consolidate debt, complete home reno's, payoff credit cards or whatever the case may be, second mortgages are an excellent option that can help you out now and in the future. By consolidating your debt with a second mortgage and eliminating all of your credit card debts and other consumer debts you will be making some serious improvement to your credit rating.

The bank puts a lot of emphasis on your credit score when determining whether or not to give you a loan, as you may have already found out, if your credit score is below 650 you will likely have trouble getting a loan from the bank. As mentioned above, using a second mortgage to consolidate your debts will "clean up" your credit report and make significant improvement to it. You need to look at it as a stepping stone process, where you consolidate your debts with the second mortgage, then continue to rebuild your credit, and then refinance the first and second mortgages into one new low rate first mortgage with an institutional lender like a bank.

Finding a second mortgage bad credit loan can be difficult because finding a lender to take on this more risky position can be difficult. Speak with an experienced mortgage broker in your area and you will receive professional advice and service, and can feel confident that you have a solid financial plan.

Mortgage brokers have access to many second mortgage lenders to find you the best second mortgage rate possible. Your broker will thoroughly inform you on the lending terms and the financial plan to refinance you out of the second mortgage into one new low rate mortgage that you may not currently qualify for with your current credit score.

Second Mortgage lenders do not put as much emphasis on your credit score as an institutional lender like a bank does. However, a second mortgage lender still wants to see that you can service the loan and may require that the some or all of the second mortgage proceeds are used to payoff other high rate debt.

Get A Second Mortgage To Refinance With Bad Credit

So how does a second mortgage work? The second mortgage lender is mainly concerned with the amount of equity in your home because this is what the loan size is going to be based upon. The lender will only lend up to a certain loan to value ratio which is often around 80%, with some lenders going as high as 85%. What does this mean to you? If you own a $300,000 home, and you currently have a first mortgage of $200,000, this mean the second mortgage lender will be willing to provide you with up to $40,000 as a second mortgage secured against the home ($40,000 + $200,000 = $240,000 which is 80% of the home's value ($300,000). To start the process you will need to fill out an application and have an idea of the approximate value of your home. If the mortgage broker feels you can qualify for a second mortgage the next step is to review your credit report and order an appraisal on the home. The second mortgage lender will require an appraisal to be completed on your property by one of their approved home appraisers and you will be responsible for the cost of the appraisal which averages around $300. Once the appraisal is completed and there are no significant issues with the home, then the second mortgage lender will issue what is called a mortgage commitment which will have all of the terms of the loan and it is your mortgage broker's responsibility to ensure you fully understand the terms. If you agree with the terms of the loan, then the next step is to have everything sent off to a lawyer to finalize the transaction. This is the same process as you went through when securing your first mortgage. The lawyer will finalize the transaction for you and once everything is completed he or she will then release the funds to you.

How can a mortgage broker help you? Brokers have relationships with Bad Credit Second Mortgage Lenders who will work with homeowners to provide as much LTV as possible, and have helped many clients get second mortgages in order to access equity and take care of financial emergencies.

Can You Refinance A Second Mortgage?

Yes! refinancing out of your second mortgage once your credit is better is critical and must be planned for, second mortgages are often short terms of 1-2 years. You should not plan on renewing your second mortgage, if the funds are used properly from the second mortgage you will be able to combine the two mortgage loans into one new first mortgage with an A or B lender by the time the term is up. You must be aware of the costs of doing this, if you are breaking one of your current mortgage terms to do this refinance, make sure you calculate the penalty of doing this into whether it is worth it. You will also be looking at more legal costs and possibly a new appraisal but more often than not, refinancing the two mortgages into one is your best option as second mortgages often come with a high rate.

Hi! My name is Bryce, I graduated with a B.A. in Business from Lakehead University, and have been working as a home appraiser for the last few years in Ontario, Canada and I'm the guy behind HowToImproveHomeAppraisalValue.com and I want to teach you how to maximize your home appraisal value. Visit: http://howtoimprovehouseappraisalvalue.com/ for more info

If you are looking for mortgage loan advice my mortgage site: https://winnipegsecondmortgages.com/

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Mis-Sold Mortgages - Fact Or Fiction?

Between 1998 and 2007, house prices in the United Kingdom rose dramatically, generating large increases in home equity for many homeowners but also making housing unaffordable for other people. Between 2002 and 2007, house prices in the UK rose by 90%, faster than any Eurozone nation except Spain.

Mortgage lenders weren't at any risk of making losses on the money that they gave to their customers. Many lenders therefore made it very easy for the borrowers to get mortgages without considering their credit, employment or financial status.

This is the reason why sub-prime mortgages became very easy to obtain. There are some instances that mortgage lenders were accepting up to 125% of the value of a property and some that were more than ten times what the customers earn every year.

The commissions that the advisers were collecting were also much higher than those obtained but their high street counterparts. This is what caused an abuse in the mortgage industry. What followed was the mis-selling of mortgages to innocent customers who wanted to own property. The drive behind it was the high commissions mostly offered by the sub-prime mortgages. The mortgage advisers are recognized professionals and they are regulated by FSA almost the same way as accountants and solicitors are regulated. This means that the advice given by the advisors has to follow some statutory principles that are geared towards the fair treatment of customers. The rules have been put in place by FSA in the type of mortgage advice that should be given meaning that the customer must be aware of the benefits, risks, features and the total costs.

So what is a mis-sold mortgage

A mortgage that wasn't sold to a customer in the right manner is what is referred to as a mis-sold mortgage. This can either be because the borrower didn't get the best advice from the lender, or because they were not given correct information and felt cheated into accepting a product that wasn't ideal for them. This has led to steep increase in the number of consumers not being able to make the monthly payments for the mortgage because of their financial situation.

The reason for mis-selling mortgages

There are numerous reasons as to why the mis-selling of mortgages occurs. The major reason is that the brokers or the lenders wanted to gain more money without taking into consideration the financial situations of their customers. In some cases the brokers were themselves barred from accessing some mortgages that were also available this means that the brokers weren't qualified to sell mortgages to everybody. These are clear indications that the brokers were also not in the best position to find the ideal mortgages for all the customers.

Determining whether your mortgage was mis-sold.

There are many things that can tell whether your mortgage was mis-sold or not. The main thing to take a look into is whether you can afford the monthly repayments of the mortgage. This will tell whether your advisor ensured that you will be able to afford them or not. You should also determine if you will still be paying the mortgage even after retiring yet you don't have an extra source of income to assist you in keeping up with the repayments.

You can also know if your mortgage was mis-sold if you took a mortgage with a fixed rate but the person advising you didn't tell you about the payments being increased when the fixed term comes to an end. If you went for an interest only mortgage that is based on the reduction of monthly payments then the mortgage was mis-sold. The same also applies if you took an interest only mortgage but then you can't find a way of repaying it after the term comes to an end or you weren't made aware of it. Your advisor should have recommended a self-certification mortgage when he was aware that you are unable to prove your income or that self-certification is not necessary to you, this means that the mortgage was mis-sold. The same also applies if they sold you a sub-prime mortgage yet you had not credit problems previously. In case you re-mortgaged with the aim of clearing the debts that exist and you weren't informed of the possibility of having to pay more within the same term or that the debts could be used as security against your home.

The major cause of mis-sold mortgage is the wrong assessment of customers by brokers and lenders. This led to the giving of poor advice and poor mortgages that leave the customers in poor financial situations than they were in at the beginning.

Are you entitled to compensation?

The answer is yes. If you think that you didn't get the best deal on the mortgage that you have and that you are really struggling to make the monthly repayments or you thing that the lender or the broker didn't stick to the FSA then you have a right to make a claim. The compensations will not only be made for the amount that you have already lost but also for what you might lose in the future. In case you have a Right to buy, interest-only, self-certification or sub-prime mortgages then there are high chances that they are mis-sold. In addition if you thing that you will still be paying the mortgage even after you retire then there is a high probability that you are entitled to a claim.

How you can make a mis-sold mortgage claim

Of course you can always make a claim yourself and have very right to do so. However, a note of caution! Unlike PPI, claims for mis-sold mortgages can be complex and time consuming. A reasonable knowledge of the mortgage market is required as is a lot of patience. Claims of this type tend to take 6-8 months to complete.

If you are in any doubt as to the status of your mortgage, we recommend contacting a mortgage claims specialist. They will advise you (ensure they are no win no fee) on how to obtain the right documents and assess if you have a case or not.

Brad Martin has extensive experience in the Claims Management industry and advises both clients and organisations on claims protocol. He writes for several respected industry magazines. http://www.missoldmortgageclaims.co.uk

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Learn How to Navigate the Mortgage Maze in Israel

If you're planning to finance your apartment purchase by borrowing money from the bank, you'll need to know how to navigate the mortgage maze in Israel. Your mission - and you really should accept it - is to find the best possible mortgage deal with the least amount of headache-causing red tape.

Mortgages for New Immigrants

If you are a new immigrant (oleh) you may be entitled to a mortgage at special interest rates. The best place to get up-to-date information is a mortgage bank. The rules change frequently and you should find out exactly what you are entitled to as an oleh, before you sign a contract to buy an apartment. Remember to bring along your teudat zehut and teudat oleh as proof of your new immigrant status.

Shop Around for Extra Financing

If the oleh mortgage is not sufficient, you can apply for an additional mortgage to make up the amount you need.

The oleh mortgage is subsidized by the Government and the conditions are the same no matter which bank you use. However, any additional mortgage comes from bank funding and conditions may vary between banks. For this reason you would be wise to compare the mortgage conditions at several banks if you need any additional funding.

Check Out Your Mortgage Options

If you're investigating your mortgage options here's what you need to do: 

1. Submit a mortgage request to several banks. You'll need to fill out an application form and submit bank statements and pay slips for the past three months.
2. When your mortgage is approved in principle, ask each bank to explain your mortgage options, including interest rates and monthly payments, etc.
3. Compare your mortgage choices. Don't hesitate go back to the banks and negotiate for an improved offer.
4. Choose the bank you would like to use for your mortgage. You can then begin the actual mortgage process by requesting a teudat zachaut (essentially a certificate of entitlement which shows that you qualify as a new immigrant) for the oleh mortgage. It is easier to process all your mortgages at the same bank.

Make sure that you know how long any mortgage offer from a bank is valid. If you don't process the mortgage within the time limit, you could lose the deal offered by the bank.

Push the Paperwork

After the bank has approved your mortgage application you'll need to start processing the paperwork in order to actually get the money. The bank will ask you for a copy of your contract and proof of ownership of the apartment. There are forms which you will need to sign in the presence of a lawyer and other forms which require the signature of the seller. Your contract should stipulate that the seller will do everything needed to provide the documentation required for your mortgage.

If you are buying a second-hand apartment (and also sometimes in the case of a new apartment), your bank will ask an assessor to value the apartment. If the assessor values the apartment at less than the contract price, your mortgage will be reduced accordingly. It is often a good idea to get the assessment done before you sign the contract. This ensures that your mortgage budget is realistic.

Other Mortgages with Special Rights and Conditions

In addition to the special mortgage for new immigrants, there are other mortgages with special rights attached to them. You may find, for instance, that attractive mortgages are available for property in a particular area. These mortgages, like the oleh mortgages, are given through the banks. Don't forget to ask about other special mortgages when you are shopping around the various banks.

If you are a foreign resident, you may still be eligible for a mortgage from an Israeli bank. Again, there are many options and you would be wise to shop around for the best mortgage deal for foreign residents.

Mortgage Transfers - Don't Give Up a Good Deal

Instead of paying off your mortgage when you sell your apartment, you may be able to transfer it to your new home instead. Many, but not all mortgages are transferable. If, for instance, you have a special rights mortgage which is tied to a particular area of the country and you are buying a home in a different area, that particular mortgage may not be transferable or, if it is, you may lose the preferential conditions which apply.

Before you can transfer a mortgage, your bank will ask that you comply with several preconditions. One common requirement is that you have already transferred a certain amount of money to the seller of the apartment you are purchasing. If you know in advance that you will be transferring a mortgage, your real estate lawyer will help you plan your payment schedule to take account of any bank prerequisites.

Get Registered

At the close of the deal, your mortgage will be registered in the land registry at the same time that your rights in the property are registered. If your mortgage is not registered in the land registry for any reason, your bank may impose a fine. It is quite possible that, if the registration of the rights in your name has been delayed, that you are being fined without being aware of it. Your real estate lawyer will be able to check on the status of the registration of your rights in the land registry for you.

It's Never too Late to Change

If you feel that you chose the wrong mortgage or you see that the conditions offered today are better than those offered to you when you first took your mortgage, you can either renegotiate your mortgage or replace part of it with a mortgage with better conditions. It's never too late to improve your mortgage conditions.

While it is certainly possible to navigate the mortgage maze on your own, you may find it helpful to consult a professional mortgage broker or your real estate attorney to help you save time and to ensure you understand the small-print details.

Find out everything you need to know about buying and selling real estate in Israel at http://www.levinlawoffices.co.il. Nicole will answer your questions and help you navigate the legal maze without losing your sanity.

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Understanding Mortgages - What Is a Mortgage?

When a person purchases a property in Canada they will most often take out a mortgage. This means that a purchaser will borrow money, a mortgage loan, and use the property as collateral. The purchaser will contact a Mortgage Broker or Agent who is employed by a Mortgage Brokerage. A Mortgage Broker or Agent will find a lender willing to lend the mortgage loan to the purchaser.

The lender of the mortgage loan is often an institution such as a bank, credit union, trust company, caisse populaire, finance company, insurance company or pension fund. Private individuals occasionally lend money to borrowers for mortgages. The lender of a mortgage will receive monthly interest payments and will keep a lien on the property as security that the loan will be repaid. The borrower will receive the mortgage loan and use the money to purchase the property and receive ownership rights to the property. When the mortgage is paid in full, the lien is removed. If the borrower fails to repay the mortgage the lender may take possession of the property.

Mortgage payments are blended to include the amount borrowed (the principal) and the charge for borrowing the money (the interest). How much interest a borrower pays depends on three things: how much is being borrowed; the interest rate on the mortgage; and the amortization period or the length of time the borrower takes to pay back the mortgage.

The length of an amortization period depends on how much the borrower can afford to pay each month. The borrower will pay less in interest if the amortization rate is shorter. A typical amortization period lasts 25 years and can be changed when the mortgage is renewed. Most borrowers choose to renew their mortgage every five years.

Mortgages are repaid on a regular schedule and are usually "level", or identical, with each payment. Most borrowers choose to make monthly payments, however some choose to make weekly or bimonthly payments. Sometimes mortgage payments include property taxes which are forwarded to the municipality on the borrower's behalf by the company collecting payments. This can be arranged during initial mortgage negotiations.

In conventional mortgage situations, the down payment on a home is at least 20% of the purchase price, with the mortgage not exceeding 80% of the home's appraised value.

A high-ratio mortgage is when the borrower's down-payment on a home is less than 20%.

Canadian law requires lenders to purchase mortgage loan insurance from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This is to protect the lender if the borrower defaults on the mortgage. The cost of this insurance is usually passed on to the borrower and can be paid in a single lump sum when the home is purchased or added to the mortgage's principal amount. Mortgage loan insurance is not the same as mortgage life insurance which pays off a mortgage in full if the borrower or the borrower's spouse dies.

First-time home buyers will often seek a mortgage pre-approval from a potential lender for a pre-determined mortgage amount. Pre-approval assures the lender that the borrower can pay back the mortgage without defaulting. To receive pre-approval the lender will perform a credit-check on the borrower; request a list of the borrower's assets and liabilities; and request personal information such as current employment, salary, marital status, and number of dependents. A pre-approval agreement may lock-in a specific interest rate throughout the mortgage pre-approval's 60-to-90 day term.

There are some other ways for a borrower to obtain a mortgage. Sometimes a home-buyer chooses to take over the seller's mortgage which is called "assuming an existing mortgage". By assuming an existing mortgage a borrower benefits by saving money on lawyer and appraisal fees, will not have to arrange new financing and may obtain an interest rate much lower than the interest rates available in the current market. Another option is for the home-seller to lend money or provide some of the mortgage financing to the buyer to purchase the home. This is called a Vendor Take- Back mortgage. A Vendor Take-Back Mortgage is sometimes offered at less than bank rates.

After a borrower has obtained a mortgage they have the option of taking on a second mortgage if more money is needed. A second mortgage is usually from a different lender and is often perceived by the lender to be higher risk. Because of this, a second mortgage usually has a shorter amortization period and a much higher interest rate.

Cynthia Legault works as an Executive Assistant at Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP). CAAMP is Canada's national mortgage industry association and the leading provider of value, service and advocacy for mortgage professionals. Feel free to visit their website at http://caamp.org/ to learn more on how they can help you to get your mortgage licensing/licenses in Ontario.

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