How a Mortgage Loan Works
Many people purchase homes by making a down payment on part of the house’s sale price, then taking out a loan from a lender to cover any remaining balance. This helps buyers avoid paying an astronomical sum in cash in one large transaction that could pose major financial strain.
Once approved, the mortgage lender will make regular payments to you – usually monthly – that include principal (the amount borrowed), interest, taxes and insurance. Your exact obligation depends on both the size of your mortgage and its length (known as the mortgage term).
Your mortgage payments contribute to building equity in your home, which allows you to own it outright. This equity can be used for paying off the mortgage, increasing its value or other purposes such as purchasing another residence.
You can prepay your mortgage – however, the fees involved with doing so can be substantial and may exceed the total cost of your loan if you’re using the funds for something else.
Some lenders charge a prepayment penalty when you pay off the loan early. These fees can amount up to 3% of the borrowed amount and add up quickly.
Other penalties may apply if you miss or don’t make your mortgage payments within the grace period, also known as a grace period. These costs could prove devastating to your budget and could negatively affect your credit score.
When applying for a mortgage, the lender will review your credit and income to determine whether you qualify. They’ll request copies of your bank statements, recent tax returns and employment information to guarantee that if approved for the loan you have the capacity to repay it.
They’ll also assess your debt-to-income ratio, which is how much of your gross income goes toward paying all bills. This helps the lender decide if you’re a reliable risk and impacts their decision regarding interest rate setting.
The lender will then set your interest rate, which is how much they’ll charge you for the loan and how long you have to repay it. Generally speaking, the lower your interest rate, the lower your monthly payments will be.
Purchasing a home can be an expensive and stressful process, so it’s essential to shop around for the best rate. According to Freddie Mac’s research, consumers on average save $1,500 by shopping around for their mortgage.
Your monthly mortgage payments go toward repaying your loan’s principal and interest, helping you build equity in your home. This protects and makes you the owner of your property, potentially saving you from paying higher-than-affordable rent later in life.
You can pay your mortgage off faster by paying in cash, reducing your interest rate or refinancing to a new one with a different interest rate. This strategy has its advantages and drawbacks; however, if you can afford it then this strategy should definitely be considered.
