An Introduction To Mortgage Loan Rates
May 9, 2009 by John Bear
Filed under Bad Credit Loan
Basically, a mortgage is a loan that uses real estate as collateral. A mortgage loan rate, on the other hand, is the interest rate charged on a mortgage. Now, mortgages are classified into two types: the residential mortgage, and commercial mortgages. In the case of a residential mortgage, the property of the borrower with a self-occupied residential property is provided as collateral.
A loan for which real estate other than a residential property occupied by a borrower is provided as collateral to secure payment of the principal and interest, or just the interest, is known as a commercial mortgage. In this case, the collateral is usually a store, commercial building, office, or other business real estate.
Commercial mortgages are usually made by businesses that require the money for working capital, purchasing new equipment, or maybe an expansion. Since a business can be formulated as a partner of a limited liability firm, the assessment of the business’ creditworthiness by a financial institution is relatively more complex.
The residential mortgage loan rates differ from the commercial ones as the rates are usually higher for commercial mortgages and this is due to the risk associated with residential mortgages and the default percentage is lower compared to commercial mortgages.
Mortgages can be classified as fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgages. Both of these mortgages may be obtained for residential and commercial properties. The initial interest rate of an adjustable rate is actually lower compared to the fixed rate mortgage.
Since mortgage loan rates are primarily governed by the Federal Reserve Board, and so if the board decides to change the interest rates, the mortgage lenders must adjust their interest rates accordingly. The rates are also influenced by many economic and market factors such as inflation.
Lower rates can also be availed if you just pay a 20% down payment or more of the loan amount but if you a 5% down payment or less of the loan amount, you may possibly only qualify for a higher interest loan.
Generally, mortgage loan rates fall between 5% and 13%. Long term loans have slightly higher interest rates than the short-term ones, and the difference is usually below 1%. Loan rates may also differ with mortgage loan types like home equity loans, FHA loans, VA loans, commercial loans, home improvement loans, and bad credit/sub prime mortgage loans.
