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Mortgage rates are amortized over a preferred loan term and depend on your qualifying annual income. To determine this, mortgage companies adopt ratios to evaluate your mortgage monthly payments of both principal and interest. Some companies offer some flexibility, but which one is best for you?

Choosing the Right Mortgage

There will always be a mortgage to suit your needs. It is a matter of understanding the mortgage rates, so don't jump into the bandwagon when you hear that mortgage rates are lower at this time.

Aside from the lower interest rates to study, include in your estimates the fees you have to pay before and during the closing of the loan. That should include expenses with the documentation requirement for the loan.

Your Mortgage

Lenders carefully analyze three things when you take out a mortgage:

1. your credit history
2. your financial situation
3. amount you need to borrow
4. amount for your down payment

Mortgage rates are the terms you apply during the loan term in paying for your home. Depending on the lenders' evaluation of the above criteria, you may have several or few options for mortgage rates. Give the list a rundown before you go to a lender.

The Types of Mortgage Rates

There are generally four types of mortgage rates. Each have different monthly amortization plans, and come with their separate advantages and disadvantages, precisely why you should be cautious in selecting the appropriate loan tailor-fitted to your financial circumstance.

Fixed Rate Mortgages

This traditional type of loan provides you the option of choosing a loan term of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. The interest rates do not change throughout the term. For this loan, you will be required by the lenders to give 5% of the home's total cost during the closing.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

Lower interest rates for the first few years are offered by this particular loan, depending on the terms you have agreed to. Some ARMs will adjust to a fixed rate mortgage while some will not.

Because this type of loan is capped, interest rates will go and stay as high until the last day you pay off the loan. It would be a smart move to get this type of loan if you foresee a steady increase in wages in the future because you can always refinance later.

Balloon Mortgages

This loan is right for you if you want a short loan term or planning to stay in the home for a few years (five to seven years) because it offers lower mortgage rates for a repayment period of 7 years.

If after the loan term you still have a sizable balance unpaid, or if you decide to stay on and have an unpaid balance, you can refinance. You can borrow from either the same lender or a different one.

Jumbo Loans

Lenders give this option to those who pass the criteria because of the higher monthly payments. Borrowers must have excellent credit histories with the income to match. This loan permits a higher amount to allow borrowers to buy homes in the million-dollar range.

How much you can afford for the monthly payment, attendant fees, when you can break even, and your financial situation and prospects are just some of the few things you have to examine before you can get the right mortgage with the matching mortgage rates.