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How do I know how much house I can afford? Answer |
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What is the difference between a fixed-rate loan and an adjustable-rate loan? Answer |
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How is an index and margin used in an ARM? Answer |
| 4. |
How do I know which type of mortgage is best for me? Answer |
| 5. |
What does my mortgage payment include? Answer |
| 6. |
How much cash will I need to purchase a home? Answer |
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DEFINITIONS Answer |
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How do I know how much house I can afford? |
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Generally speaking, you can purchase a home with a value of two or three times your annual household income. However, the amount that you can borrow will also depend upon your employment history, credit history, current savings and debts, and the amount of down payment you are willing to make. You may also be able to take advantage of special loan programs for first time buyers to purchase a home with a higher value. Give us a call, and we can help you determine exactly how much you can afford. |
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What is the difference between a fixed-rate loan and an adjustable-rate loan? |
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With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate stays the same during the life of the loan. With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the interest changes periodically, typically in relation to an index. While the monthly payments that you make with a fixed-rate mortgage are relatively stable, payments on an ARM loan will likely change. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of mortgage, and the best way to select a loan product is by talking to us. |
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How is an index and margin used in an ARM? |
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An index is an economic indicator that lenders use to set the interest rate for an ARM. Generally the interest rate that you pay is a combination of the index rate and a pre-specified margin. Three commonly used indices are the One-Year Treasury Bill, the Cost of Funds of the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank (COFI), and the London InterBank Offering Rate (LIBOR). |
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How do I know which type of mortgage is best for me? |
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There is no simple formula to determine the type of mortgage that is best for you. This choice depends on a number of factors, including your current financial picture and how long you intend to keep your house. NORTH AMERICAN FUNDING CO can help you evaluate your choices and help you make the most appropriate decision. |
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What does my mortgage payment include? |
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For most homeowners, the monthly mortgage payments include three separate parts: Principal: Repayment on the amount borrowedInterest: Payment to the lender for the amount borrowedTaxes & Insurance: Monthly payments are normally made into a special escrow account for items like hazard insurance and property taxes. This feature is sometimes optional, in which case the fees will be paid by you directly to the County Tax Assessor and property insurance company. |
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How much cash will I need to purchase a home? |
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The amount of cash that is necessary depends on a number of items. Generally speaking, though, you will need to supply:Earnest Money: The deposit that is supplied when you make an offer on the houseDown Payment: A percentage of the cost of the home that is due at settlementClosing Costs: Costs associated with processing paperwork to purchase or refinance a house |
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DEFINITIONS |
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Definitions
Annual income
Your annual income. For married couples this is your total combined annual income.
Purchase price
The price of the home you wish to purchase. This is the actual price you'll pay, not including any closing costs.
Total monthly payment
Total monthly payment that you can qualify for. This is the total of principal, interest, taxes and insurance paid each month. Often called PITI.
Cash on hand
Cash you have for the down payment and all closing costs.
Interest rate
The current interest rate you can receive on your mortgage.
Term in years
The number of years over which you will repay this loan. The most common mortgage terms are 15 years and 30 years.
Property tax rate
Your property tax rate. 1.25% for a $100,000 home equals $1,250 per year in property taxes.
Home insurance rate
Your homeowner's insurance rate. 0.3% for a $600,000. home equals $1800 per in for homeowner's insurance.
Monthly car payment(s)
Total monthly payment for your car loan(s).
Credit card payments
Total monthly minimum payments for your credit cards.
Other loan payments
Any other installment loan payments, such as student loans or unsecured loans.
Total closing costs
Total up front costs to close your loan. This is the total of your loan origination fee, points paid and other closing costs.
Loan origination rate
The percentage the lending institution charges for its origination fee. 1% for a $100,000 home equals $1,000.
Number of points paid
The total number of points paid to reduce the interest rate of your mortgage. Each point costs 1% of your mortgage balance.
Other closing costs
Estimate of all other closing costs for this loan. This should include filing fees, appraiser fees and any other misc. fees paid.
Monthly PMI payment
Monthly cost of Principal Mortgage insurance (PMI). For loans secured with less than 20% down, PMI is estimated at 0.5% of your loan balance each year. Monthly PMI is calculated by multiplying your starting loan balance by this percent and dividing by 12. When your loan balance exceeds 20% of the original purchase price, your PMI payment drops to zero.
Monthly PI payment
Monthly principal and interest payment.
Total for down payment
Total funds remaining, after closing costs, for down payment.
Limit down payment to 20%
Limit down payment to 20% of the purchase price. Even if you have more cash on hand than required for closing costs and a 20% down payment.
Total debt percent of annual income
Not shown. This is the percent of your annual income your financial institution allows you to use for installment payments debt. This includes car payments, credit card payments, other loan payments and your "Principal, Interest, Tax and Insurance" payment for your home. The default rate is 42%.
PITI percent of annual income
Not shown. This is the percent of your annual income your financial institution allows you to use for your "Principal, Interest, Tax and Insurance" payment for your home. The default rate is 38%.
Qualify amount
Shown as "Total monthly payment." This is the total amount you qualify for per month. This amount is the total of "Principal, Interest, Tax and Insurance" for your home.
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