What Is a Mortgage?
A mortgage is a loan that a person takes out to purchase a home. It is secured by the property being pledged as collateral. The cost of a mortgage varies, depending on the type, term, and interest rate. Rates may also vary according to the borrower’s qualifications. There are two types of mortgages: fixed rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages.
Mortgage lenders will verify the information in the applicant’s application to make sure that they are eligible for the loan. The credit-to-income ratio (DTI) will be reviewed to ensure that the applicant can afford the monthly payment. Normally, the DTI should be lower than 50 percent. If the DTI is too high, the mortgage lender will not approve the application.
Mortgages are a common type of loan. They can be used for buying or refinancing a home. These loans are secured loans, and the borrower promises to repay the loan over a set period of time. These loans are often the largest loans an individual will take out. The benefits of a mortgage include equity and value appreciation in the property.
Conventional mortgages are generally offered by private lenders. However, some are backed by government entities. Generally, these loans require a 3% to 10% down payment and a good credit score. There are two basic types of mortgages: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. For more information, see mortgage rates and types.
ARMs differ from fixed-rate mortgages in several ways. The main difference is the introductory rate period, which is usually shorter than the fixed-rate mortgage. ARMs also allow borrowers to make extra payments to their principal to save interest. These loans can range from a few years to more than thirty years.