Global House Price Downturn Accelerated At End Of 2008 According To The Global Property Guide

It has been a dismal year for house prices, according to the Global Property Guide’s latest survey of publicly-available house-price time-series for the year 2008. And seen from a global perspective, the downturn is still accelerating.

The collapse of the world’s housing markets can be seen from three points of view, and unfortunately, all of them reinforce the bad news.

During 2008, the downward price momentum accelerated, as compared to 2007.

Only 2 countries saw positive momentum in 2008 (a slower downward house price movement than last year, or faster upward movement), while 28 countries saw their housing market momentum deteriorating, compared to the previous year. The two countries with a positive momentum were Germany and Switzerland.



During 2008, house prices fell in most countries.

During 2008 only 8 out of 32 countries saw house prices rise, after adjustment for inflation, while 20 countries experienced house price falls.

In contrast, during the year 2007, the downturn was just beginning, and only 6 countries saw house prices fall, while 24 countries saw house prices rise (all figures inflation-adjusted).

Many house-price falls during 2008 were extremely severe. Countries with house price falls of over 10% during 2008 were Latvia (Riga) (37%), Lithuania (Vilnius) (27%), the US (20%), the UK (18%), Iceland (16%), Ireland (12%), and the Ukraine (Kiev) (12%) (all figures inflation-adjusted).

During the final quarter (Q4) of 2008, the downward price momentum significantly accelerated, as compared to Q3, suggesting that the situation is deteriorating.

During 2008’s final quarter, 9 countries saw house price falls of 5% or more during just that quarter. Price drops of more than 10% during this single quarter occurred in three countries - in Latvia (Riga), which saw price falls of 15%, in Ukraine (Kiev) (13%), and in Hong Kong (15%). Other countries with Q4 house-price falls of 5% and over, included the UAE (8%), Lithuania (7%), Iceland (7%), Singapore (6%), Bulgaria (5%), and the UK (5%) (all figures inflation-adjusted, except UAE).

These price falls were much greater than during the previous quarter, Q3. During that previous quarter, only two countries experienced house-price falls (inflation-adjusted) of 5% or more, and no countries experienced house-price falls of more than 10%.

REGIONAL SURVEY BY GLOBAL PROPERTY GUIDE

Europe has major problems

The Baltic countries of Latvia and Lithuania suffered the hardest price falls both in nominal and real terms. In Riga, Latvia, the average price of standard-type apartments plunged 37% during 2008. Prices have been going down in Latvia since late 2007, after a remarkable increase of about 70% in 2006. The most alarming decline took place in the 4th quarter, when prices declined by 15%, the steepest quarterly drop in real terms in any country. These price falls were triggered by increased interest rates, and by the tightened credit rules which Latvia imposed in 2007.

Average prices of apartments in Vilnius, Lithuania, fell by 27% during 2008. House prices started slowing in mid-2007, and crashed in early 2008.

House prices in the UK plummeted by 18% in 2008. Although mortgage interest rates dropped slightly, to 4.48% in December 2008, the number of loan approvals for house purchases fell 58% in 2008.

There is serious trouble in Iceland (house price fall of 16% during 2008), Ireland (12%), Ukraine (12%), Malta (9%), Portugal (8%), France (8%) Finland (7%), Norway (6%) and in Spain (6%).

North America’s woes

In the US, the centre of the global financial crisis, in 2008 house prices fell 20% according to the Case-Shiller house price index, which emphasizes urban areas. OFHEO and FHFB figures, which are associated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans and have somewhat lost credibility, suggest a smaller decline of 6% and 3% respectively, during 2008. The US government recently approved a $ 787 billion economic stimulus package, of which $275 billion will be allocated to rescue the ailing housing market.

Canada has been much less affected than the US.

Pacific heads down

Both Australia and New Zealand saw house price declines during 2008, of 7% and 8% respectively.

Asia no longer insulated

Housing markets in Asia have not been insulated. Singapore, Hong Kong and Philippines recorded house price falls during 2008.

Singapore’s private residential prices dropped 9% during 2008, in sharp contrast to the 26% price increase of experienced during 2007. The developed countries’ economic troubles adversely affected Singapore’s exports, and during 2008, output in the manufacturing sector, particularly of electronics, precision engineering and chemicals, shrank by 10.7%. Singapore was officially in recession in Q3 2008.

Hong Kong has been badly hit by the crisis. House prices were down by an average of 6% in 2008. But during the last quarter, Hong Kong experienced a severe decline in prices of 14%.

In Makati, Philippines, prime 3-bedroom condominium prices fell by 2% during 2008, after an 11% price rise during 2007. Nevertheless construction of high-rise residential buildings continues, with residential condominium stock rising by 7% during 2008, according to Colliers Philippines.

Japan recorded modest Tokyo condominium price rises of 1.2% during 2008. On the other hand, land prices in Japan’s six major cities fell by 6% y-o-y to Sep-2008.

In Shanghai, China, house price rises slowed to 5% y-o-y by the end of 2008, after peaking at 30% y-o-y to May 2008. However Shanghai is likely to be somewhat exceptional, and Xinhua News Agency reported house prices declines in 70 major cities during 2008. Shenzhen suffered the hardest fall, with prices down by 18% during 2008

UAE on shaky ground

In Dubai, UAE, despite the bleak global picture, saw surprisingly large dwelling price rises of 41% during 2008. However during the year’s final quarter, prices fell by 8% in nominal terms. This downturn is attributable to strongly tightening lending criteria, an increase in interest rates, multiple layoffs, and alarm among buyers.

Forecast: No recovery in 2009

History suggests that in a crash, housing markets take many years from peak year to full recovery. In view of this and of the pessimistic IMF forecast for the global economy, no real recovery is likely in the global housing markets this year.

The IMF has predicted that the world economy will grow by 0.5% in 2009, the lowest level in 60 years. GDP in advanced economies is expected to decline by 2% during 2009. The United Kingdom and Japan will be hit the hardest. Output in the UK may contract by 2.8%, while Japan’s may fall by 2.6%.

Growth in emerging economies is expected to slow to 3.3% in 2009, down from 6.3% in 2008. Developing Asia is forecast to be the least affected, with growth of 5.5%. China’s economy is predicted grow by 6.7% in 2009, but this is a substantial decline from 9% growth during 2008.

We cannot be optimistic for five reasons:

• Valuations still clearly remain stretched in most countries, in terms of price/rent ratios.

• Economic growth is slowing or negative in many countries, which is negative for housing values.

• There are no signs that banks are becoming more willing to lend.

• The unprecedented nature of the financial system’s collapse has greatly added to the difficulties facing the world’s housing markets.

• Some national governments are experiencing difficulty in refinancing their national debt, putting their currencies under pressure. Currency instability is likely to aggravate housing sector problems in countries where many loans were taken out in a foreign currency.

The positive news is that the US government and several others are acting with vigour, as has the IMF. Nevertheless, there is a long tough road ahead.

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Description of the Global Property Guide:

The Global Property Guide (http://www.globalpropertyguide.com) is an on-line property research house, specializing in analyzing residential property valuations around the world.

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Requests for Comments:

Requests for comments are best made by telephone to +(63) 917 321 7073. UK-based callers should telephone before lunchtime. Our local time is Hong Kong time, i.e., standard time + 8.00

Economics Team:

Prince Christian Cruz, Senior Economist

Phone: (+632) 750 0560

Email: prince@globalpropertyguide.com

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Matthew Montagu-Pollock

Phone: (+632) 867 4220

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Learn How to Flip a House and Become Financially Stable

Do you want to learn how to flip house and make a huge profit?  By definition, to flip a house means to buy a house at a depressed price and then to sell that property very quickly for a much higher price.  This process allows an individual to make huge sums of money without a lot of upfront capital and without a lot of financial risk.  Using this method you can become financially independent very quickly – often on the very first transaction.  Many people think that long complicated real estate techniques are utilized or difficult financial terms have to be understood.  However, this is not the case.  It is a simple and easy process. Just follow some basic steps and you too can learn how to become financially stable.

The first step is to understand how to identify and locate properties with depressed values.  There are several reasons that a house may have a depressed market value.  The owner may have defaulted on the mortgage for the house.  In this situation, the bank or mortgage institution forecloses on the distressed property and assumes ownership over that property.  In order to recoup a portion of the defaulted mortgage, the financial institution will put the house up for sale.  Desperate to recoup their financial losses, the financial institution will often price the house much lower than market value.  These houses present great opportunities.

There are several other reasons a house may have a depressed value.  A sudden death might leave a house in financial limbo.  If there is a last will and testimony, then the property may revert to another owner.  However, if this transfer of ownership is not specified, then the house may be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  These real estate auctions offer great opportunities because the price that a house at auction sells for is usually much less than the market value of the house.  Even if the property reverts to other ownership after an owner death, the new owner is often highly motivated to sell.  Anytime a seller is motivated to sell, the asking price will fall.  Other reasons that a house might have a low asking price include the house falling into disrepair, a house being condemned, or a house being in an unsavory location.  In all these instances the price of the house may be so low that a high profit margin can easily be attained.

The next step is to secure the money to purchase the house.  This is not as hard as you may imagine.  In all of the situations described above, the owners of the houses, be they financial institutions or private owners, are extremely motivated to sell.  Private owners will often offer owner financing, accept little to no down payment, or even hold off payment until the house has been flipped.  Motivated financial institutions will offer short term loans in order to move accumulated assets.  Once the house has been acquired for a low cost, the final step is to sell the house at a higher price.  Follow these simple steps to learn how to flip a house and become financially stable.

The Convenience Of Having To Rent Back House

When situation dictates that you just have to sell your house, you would need to comply with that. Still, you can make a difference when you choose to stay in the house and you would only need to worry about how you would pay your rent. Of course, this would be within your means.

It is very convenient to rent a house that was originally yours when you have to sell it to someone else. Find out how this is true and you would realize how wise you are to make such a decision.

No moving hassles when you rent back house

If there is something hard about having to change houses is the inconvenience that having to move comes with. However, when you are staying in the house that you have sold, the only thing that you would have to move is maybe just the title. The rest would remain.

Dream house still yours when you rent back house

Certainly, you looked around when you wanted to buy a house and you got a match for your dreams when you settled on this house. You would still have the privilege of maintaining all these when you choose to stay right in the same house. You will still feel the same about the house.

Buy back in future easily when you rent back house

If you have the intentions of buying back the house in future, it would be best that you maintain your stay in the house. You know, when you let someone else come in, they may see that thing which drove you into the home and they may want to buy it before you.

When you only need to sell and rent back house

Situations differ; you may be pushed to give up your beloved house just because of financial stress. However, you need to enjoy the house still and this is possible when you become the tenant. However, you need to find out how this can be when you are trying to work out things.

Rent back house when next property not ready

Among the many reasons that would make you sell your home is that fact that you would have identified a better home elsewhere. Sometimes it would take some time to be ready and that is when you would stay in the sold house as a tenant until the new home is ready.

Rent back house as children complete school

If your children are in crucial classes, you can probably find it good that you stay back in the house even after selling it so that they complete their education before you move to next location. This is a convenient reason to think about staying back.

Rent back house for confidentiality

Even after selling your house, you may not want your neighbors and friends to know about it still. You would choose to keep this transaction dark by maintaining your stay in the house for the time being.

If you want to be part of the convenience that comes with the rent back house options, you would certainly give it a try.

 

Searching for Colorado Online Mortgage Quotes

Going on the internet is a great way to start a search for Colorado mortgage rates, especially if you want a true mortgage quote from a Denver mortgage company.

Getting a Colorado online mortgage quote is a practical answer for borrowers who are looking for a Denver mortgage company and has many built-in advantages.

The Ease of Getting A Colorado Online Mortgage Quote

Online, it’s easy to apply with a Colorado or Denver mortgage company. Colorado online mortgage quote applications will take borrowers only minutes to fill out when they

have their information ready. With an online application, there is no time on hold. Instead, you’ll get a call back with loan options and Colorado mortgage rates in just a short time. The process is made to save a borrower lots of time. Borrowers will have the ability to find out exactly what a Denver mortgage company needs, so there is no time wasted with a lender waiting for the right information needed to give a true mortgage quote.

Colorado Online Mortgage Rates Help A Borrower Get A True Mortgage Quote,

Colorado online mortgage quote providers give a better quote because they have a complete and accurate profile from a lender, which assists in getting a true mortgage quote. When a lender can see exactly what is needed to make a specific and precise quote for an individual Colorado mortgage rate. With all of the information, a borrower and lender can get a true mortgage quote.

Why does that make a difference? When customers contact a potential Denver mortgage company, they are looking typically at one thing — the rate. But Colorado mortgage rates are different for different customers. No two are ever the same. So a Denver mortgage company giving a flat rate is impossible. There is no way to guarantee to  rate without having information like the amount of the loan, the price, the credit and debt status. With all of this information ahead of time, like with an online application, a Denver mortgage

company can prepare a Colorado online mortgage quote based on the detailed facts, not assumptions.

What to Watch Out For When Shopping for Colorado Online Mortgage Rates

Getting an Colorado online mortgage quote doesn’t dismiss person-to-person communication. Instead, it is a tool for accuracy and a faster way to get an accurate quote. A borrower must still communicate with a live Denver mortgage company associate. There is still a need to look over all of the information carefully to ensure there is the best overall Colorado online mortgage quote for the borrower, with not only the Colorado mortgage rate, but closing costs and other fees. A borrower should also make sure that the lender is a Denver mortgage company with the knowledge of Colorado real estate and not just an out-of-state company with out-of-state contacts.

No matter who a borrower chooses or how they start the process, they will need to put the company they ultimately pick to the test and ensure they will get a true mortgage quote and a flexible product.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Fixed-rate Mortgage

It is a decision that is almost as important as which house you purchase – which type of mortgage to get. Choosing the right mortgage for your specific needs can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the term of the mortgage. Your two basic options when it comes to a mortgage will be a fixed rate (FRM) or an adjustable (ARM) mortgage, although you may also be able to qualify for other options such as an FHA loan or a VA loan.

Most home buyers take out a fixed rate mortgage – around 70% of all mortgages are fixed rate as opposed to adjustable. A fixed rate mortgage is exactly what it sounds like: the interest rate on your loan will not change, regardless of the economy or whether interest rates rise or fall. The terms and conditions of a fixed rate mortgage are also protected by law. An adjustable rate mortgage will go up or down depending on the interest rate at the time. Whether you should choose a fixed rate or adjustable mortgage depends on the general state of the economy along with your financial situation and the risk you are willing to take.

If interest rates are low when you take out a mortgage, or if you just do not want to take the risk of them increasing, you are probably better off with a fixed rate mortgage. If you have a large mortgage, whereby even a slight rate increase may mean a big increase in your monthly mortgage payment – you are perhaps better off with a fixed rate. If you are simply the cautious type who does not like taking a risk, a fixed rate mortgage is typically the best option for you.

The obvious advantage is that the interest rate does not change – and neither will the amount of your monthly payment. You always know exactly how much you will be paying each week and can thus budget more accurately; the amount of your monthly payment will only increase if the amount of insurance rates or the amount of property taxes increases. Some borrowers consider it easier to plan for other big expenses, such as college funds and retirement, with a fixed rate mortgage.

A fixed rate mortgage does not take into account the cost of living or inflation. In other words, as time goes by and you are perhaps earning more money and everything else costs that much more – your mortgage payment is going to stay the same. Arguably, this can mean more money in your pocket – in 20 years from now, you may be earning more money than you are now, but your monthly house payments are going to stay the same.

The biggest disadvantage of a fixed rate mortgage is that you run the risk of missing lower payments when the interest rate goes down. The difference in the amount that you pay each month can be substantial if you have an adjustable rate mortgage and the interest rate is lowered. This not only saves you money each month, but also potentially helps you pay off your mortgage sooner. Of course, nobody can ever accurately predict when interest rates are going to drop, although it is sometimes possible to have some indication and base your decision upon that.

A change in the interest rate can make a huge difference in determining the amount that you end up paying for your home. A homeowner with a 30-year mortgage can enjoy average savings of around $50,000 over the term of their mortgage with the interest rate being lowered by just one point. And an increase in the interest rate of just one or two percent can mean monthly payments that are between $50 and $250 higher, depending on the cost of your home. The decision to take a fixed rate or adjustable mortgage may also depend on whether you are taking out a 15 or 30-year mortgage.

One compromise of sorts is to take out a fixed rate mortgage and then refinance your loan when interest rates are lowered. Another option with a fixed rate mortgage (or an adjustable rate mortgage) is to pay extra each month towards the principal, thus saving a large amount in interest charges – as well as making the term of the mortgage shorter and owning your home sooner. Make sure that any extra amount that you pay is going towards the principal and not the interest.

It is a huge decision – whether to play it safe and take the fixed rate, or take a chance and go with the adjustable rate mortgage. Ultimately, the decision is yours; but be sure to get some good financial advice before deciding. A fixed rate mortgage has many advantages and disadvantages; you just have to decide which is best for your financial situation.

Comparing Colorado Jumbo and Conforming Mortgages

Comparing Colorado Jumbo and Conforming Mortgages

There are differences between a jumbo Colorado mortgage and a conforming Colorado mortgage and learning what those are will inform you about which Denver mortgage is the best for you. Information about your mortgage will help you as a customer, so you will be able to work out a fair deal with a lender when you are in the market for a Denver mortgage.

Jumbo & Conforming Colorado Mortgages Defined

There are two companies, named Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that are empowered by the government to buy mortgages. Because of how they were created, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae make the standards for the mortgage business. So they have decided what makes a conforming loan and what makes a jumbo loan.

The difference between a conforming loan and a jumbo loan is the size of the loan you are looking for. A conforming loan is the smaller of the two. The most expensive loans are called jumbo mortgages.

The boundary between the two different kinds of loans moves from year to year and stems from the mortgage and housing market. The line now for a Denver mortgage and Colorado mortgage to be considered a conforming loan is a price of less than $417,000 for a single family house with a first mortgage and an amount of $208,500 for a second mortgage. Multi-family properties will have higher limits. Any amount above this is officially a jumbo Colorado mortgage. The limit will be different in states outside of Colorado, but these amounts cover all of the state. There will be a change to the limits to Denver and Colorado mortgages because of the stimulus package.

All About Colorado Jumbo Loans

The amount of the loan is the key factor in determining if a Denver mortgages is a jumbo loan. The jumbo mortgage products in Colorado are otherwise just the same as a conforming loan. The loan terms can be changed in many different ways, including fixed rates, adjustable rates, and interest-only programs. All of it will depend on which program you sign up for when getting a Colorado jumbo mortgage loan from a lender

Don’t forget that since the market is so small for jumbo mortgages there will be a tighter rein on the qualifications. This is true of Colorado mortgages as well. Since the borrower is taking out such a large sum, they will have to meet such strict standards such as a higher credit score and lower loan to value ratios.

When you look at the price and the loan amount of the house you are interested in, you will be able to see whether or not you need a jumbo Denver mortgage or a conforming Colorado mortgage. When you know what type of loan you need, you then find a mortgage lender in Colorado who can work with you. As always, it’s best to work with a Denver mortgage lender who has experience making customers happy with their loan selections. The lender will work with you on finding the right home loan option, whether it is a conforming mortgage or a jumbo Colorado mortgage. In the end, you will be connected with the best product for you.

This article is written by J.B. of 1st American Mortgage and Loan, LLC, a Colorado mortgage lender who offers access to information on obtaining a Colorado mortgage loan as well as other information on loans inColorado online mortgage quotes, and rates through his website TrueMortgageQuote.com http://www.truemortgagequote.com).

All About Denver Adjustable Rate Mortgages

There has been a lot of talk about adjustable rate mortgages these days. Are they to blame for the housing crunch and the problems that people are facing? Not necessarily. There are still adjustable rate mortgages out there that can be the best options for hopeful Denver home owners. These can be goodDenver mortgage products.

How Does An Adjustable Rate Colorado Mortgage Work?

If you want to understand a Colorado mortgage with an adjustable rate, it is a mortgage which has an interest rate will change at a certain point, depending on other key interest rates rules connected to home lending. During the loan, the adjustable rate Denver mortgages will move up and down and effect the interest paid on the loan.

There will be a period in which the interest rate on a Colorado mortgage product is fixed. After that, the adjustable rate loan (also known as an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, or ARM) will change depending on the current rate (and the terms of the Colorado mortgage deal as well as current market conditions). The fixed rate the loan starts with is usually much lower than a person would have gotten if they had qualified for a fixed-rate loan. So, for a certain amount of time, the rate will be fixed and the payments will be consistent, predictable and very low, but after that period, in sometimes two to five years, the interest rate and mortgage payment will change at set periods of the loan.

Are There Any Adjustable Rate Denver Mortgage Worries?

Of course, there is a risk that goes along with an adjustable rate Denver mortgage, but this is what allows lenders to give borrowers a lower rate at the beginning of the term. This is what makes them different than fixed-rate Colorado mortgages, which may have a higher initial rate.

The risk with the loan comes because what the interest rate will eventually become is unknown at the outset of the loan. So then the mortgage payment becomes equally unpredictable. If you have an adjustable rate Colorado mortgage that goes into its adjustment period, you will see your mortgage payment fluctuate. But there is a ceiling to how much the rate can change and how often the rate can be adjusted.

In order to avoid the risks of an adjustable rate Denver mortgage, the best thing to do is refinance your loan before the end of the fixed-rate period of your loan. Now there is a risk since there is no way to predict when and if and how your loans will adjust. When you refinance your Colorado mortgage, there is a chance your fixed rate will move up.

Positive Aspects of Adjustable Rate Colorado MortgagesThere are some periods in life in which the adjustable rate Denver mortgage could be beneficial to you and your finances. It all depends on your particular situation at the time. Here are some scenarios in which an ARM might work:

• If you plan on selling your home soon

• If you won’t stay in your house for the length of the loan

• If you need to a influx of additional cash-flow

• If you have a low credit score, which won’t allow you to get the best fixed rate. However, you can use the fixed-rate period of the ARM to improve your credit and refinance for a good fixed rate.

• If you have another way out of a mortgage before the rate goes up.

• When you still have good terms and a ceiling on the interest rate.

There are good lenders out there who will be able to work with you in handling your ARM. There are Denver mortgage lenders who have built up a good reputation working with customers to deliver them good mortgage products that won’t be a financial burden.

If you want to discover the advantages of ARM products by working with a Colorado mortgage lender , you need to find someone who has an established business, rather than someone who has not been around a long time and may have more questionable Denver mortgages for sale.

This article is written by J.B. of 1st American Mortgage and Loan, LLC, a Colorado mortgage lender who offers access to information on obtaining a Colorado mortgage loan as well as other information on loans inColorado online mortgage quotes, and rates through his website TrueMortgageQuote.com http://www.truemortgagequote.com).

Getting Help With the Tom Martino Troubleshooter Mortgage

Tom Martino has been an advocate of consumer rights for more than 30 years. Now, Tom Martino mortgage help is being offered trough the Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage referral system.

The Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage referral system has grown out of Tom Martino’s troubleshooter.com and referrallist.com. The members of the Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage referral network must meet the strict consumer-centric standards set by Tom Martino. And, the Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage referral system is just one of the services of the troubleshooter network. In addition to the troubleshooter home loan, Tom has many types of business and other service providers. Tom is nationally known as a trustworthy resource for business location and good service.

Why You Should Use a Tom Martino Troubleshooter Mortgage

First to know, the Tom Martino mortgages are not provided by Tom Martino or the troubleshooter network. When people talk about a Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage or a Tom Martino home loan they mean that the lender is a member of the troubleshooter mortgage network. The company has met Tom Martino’s mortgage standards for ethical practices, customer service, and reliability. A Tom Martino mortgage, then, has met the troubleshooter stamp of approval.

How a Home Loan Provider Becomes A Troubleshooter Home Loan Provider

To get onto the Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage lender or broker referral list, a company has to live up to the strict standards set by Tom Martino and his network. It’s not easy. Tom Martino requires companies to:

•Be prescreened before getting the Tom Martino home loan badge of approval

•Be monitored during the entire period of their inclusion on the Tom Martino mortgage referral list

•Stick to a strict code of ethics set by Tom Martino

•Keep a track record of great customer service to become a troubleshooter home loan member

•Agree to settle customer disputes along with the Tom Martino mortgage

arbitration team.

Troubleshooter home loan members who don’t do this are taken off the referral list and stripped of the honor of being able to have the troubleshooter mortgage badge.

Why You Can Trust a Tom Martino Troubleshooter Mortgage

You should be confidence that you can have trust in a Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage. Tom and his troubleshooter network have a national following. When you are shopping for a Tom Martino mortgage, you should know that the lender has had to live up to standards to become and stay a Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage provider. It’s not easy; it takes a commitment from the company to the standards and to the customer to be considered a Tom Martino troubleshooter mortgage provider. The great customer service of the Tom Martino home loan provider won’t be an illusion. If the company wants to be a Tom Martino home mortgage provider they have made a serious commitment about becoming customer-centric and they want to be able to provide a troubleshooter home loan that will be no trouble for the borrower.

How a Fixed Rate Mortgage Can be Beneficial When Buying a Home

If you are just about to buy a house, one of your most important decisions, almost as important as which home you buy, is what type of mortgage to take out. You basically have two choices; a fixed rate mortgage (FRM) or an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) Choosing a mortgage that best fits your specific needs can potentially either save or cost you a great deal of money over the term of the mortgage.

Around 70% of homebuyers today choose a fixed rate mortgage, rather than an adjustable rate mortgage. A fixed rate mortgage is exactly what it sounds like. The interest rate on the loan doesn’t change, regardless of whether interest rates in general go up or down. An adjustable rate mortgage may go up or down, depending on the interest rate at the time. Your decision may be influenced by your overall financial situation, the present state of the economy and the cost of your house.

The overall amount that you end up paying for your home can be greatly influenced by even a small change in the interest rate. A lowering of the interest rate by just one point can mean that a homeowner with a 30 year mortgage can enjoy average savings of around $50,000 over the term of their mortgage. An increase in the interest rate of just one or two percent can mean monthly payments that are between $50 and $250 higher, depending on how much you paid for your home. Whether you are taking out a 15 or 30 year mortgage may also influence your decision to take out an adjustable rate or fixed rate mortgage.

The biggest benefit of a fixed rate mortgage is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that regardless of how bad the economy is the rate on your mortgage loan won’t increase; neither will your monthly payment amounts. In fact, the terms and conditions of a fixed rate mortgage are protected by law. A fixed rate mortgage is an ideal option for those buyers who just don’t want to take a risk, or consider themselves the cautious type when it comes to finances.

Another benefit of a fixed rate mortgage is that it makes it easier for the homeowner to budget the expense. Your mortgage payment is probably your single biggest expense and you always know exactly how much the monthly payment will be. Some buyers believe that this makes it a little bit easier to plan and budget for some of life’s other big expenses. Certain things like college funds and retirement for example. With a fixed rate mortgage, the amount of the monthly payment will only increase if there is an increase in the amount of insurance rates or property taxes.

A fixed rate mortgage is not affected by inflation or the cost of living. Supposing you have a monthly mortgage payment of $700; this amount will still be the same after five, ten, and twenty years have gone by. Even though everything else has increased in cost, your mortgage payment will stay the same. One way to offset this is to consider the possibilities in the future. Chances are you could have a more disposable income as time passes. You could be earning a higher salary, but still paying the same every month for your home.

If you prefer the safer option of the fixed rate mortgage, one solution would be to take out a fixed rate mortgage and then refinance your loan if and when interest rates are lowered. This approach keeps your options open. If interest rates go down sufficiently to justify the cost of refinancing, you can do just that; if rates stay where they are or go up you will be glad you have the fixed rate mortgage.  Some financial experts advise that it is only worth refinancing if the interest rate will be at least 2% lower than your current rate, although that decision entirely is up to you.

Another strategy that can be applied towards either a fixed rate or adjustable mortgage is to pay an extra amount each month towards the principal. By doing this regularly, you can potentially save a large amount in interest charges. It can also make the term of the mortgage shorter and you may be able to own your home sooner. Make sure that you specify that any extra amount that you pay is going towards the principal and not the interest. By doing this, if you have a fixed rate mortgage and the rate is not as low as it could be, you are getting ahead a little bit.

Ultimately the decision of whether to take a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage is yours. Although several factors may influence your decision, one of the biggest questions to ask yourself is how much of a risk you want to take.

Mortgage Relief Programs in Colorado