June 2010 Archives

Capital Markets driving the cost of Mortgages

  • Posted on June 28, 2010 at 11:26 am

The capital that makes up your mortgage loan can come from a number of sources including other people’s deposits and savings, stored up in the bank and other investors, all of which make up the Capital Markets. Of course, there isn’t enough cash in the general consumers accounts to make up the capital needed for the mortgage markets so the majority comes from investors looking to buy debt instruments, which in this case are bonds.

The buyers of these bonds are looking for a good return on their investments, which is of course completely opposite to people looking for a low rate mortgage. In effect, you’re borrowing money from an investor at a given rate (for you an interest rate and for the investor a rate of return). Of course, the investor is only willing to invest a certain amount of capital in such low yield bonds.

Now, the rates on a mortgage fluctuate from month to month and this rate is determined by how well ‘mortgage bonds’ are selling. A rise in sales will see a drop in yield and a drop in sales will see a rise in yield, thus attracting investors back into the market. The result of the average mortgage holder will be the opposite though. When investors leave the bond market, they will see a rise in mortgage interest rates.

Of course, the mortgage market is driven by a number of external factors, such as supply and demand but the greatest factors is that of inflation. Where inflation is low, the return for the investor is high, but when inflation increases, it devalues the investment and at the same time the mortgage. Suddenly a 120,000 mortgage can seem far less of a burden.

Inflation is kept under control by raising or lowering interest rates. When inflation is rampant, interest rates are raised, resulting in a rise in mortgage repayments.

Recent sub-prime mortgage lending issues in the US have had a knock on effect throughout the world. Billions of US pounds have been lost, simply because many of the associated bonds were bundled up and sold on to banks throughout the world. These mortgages were in effect over-subscribed in the states, with many people only able to afford a house with one of them. Unfortunately, the mortgages were being defaulted on and, having been sold on to UK, Hong Kong, German, French banks, they could not be easily recouped. The collapse in this market left many banks in serious problems. Losses could not be recouped and the bond market dried up as investors fled. New mortgages became difficult to find and their rates were much higher than previous. Interest rates have now been dropped so as to stimulate the market. Lenders have maintained bond rates at a higher level, giving them greater yield and the result will be a higher return for what is now percieved a greater risk.

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Capital and Repayment Mortgages

  • Posted on June 21, 2010 at 11:26 am

What Is Capital and Repayment Mortgage?
Repayment mortgage (also called a capital-and interest loan)
Your monthly payments gradually pay off the amount you owe as well as paying the interest charged on the loan. Provided you make all the agreed payments, the loan will be fully paid off by the end of the mortgage term.
-Consumer Information, FSA, June 2006

Repayment mortgage and capital mortgage (or capital loan) are the exact same thing, made more confusing by the fact that this type of mortgage is known by more than one name. But dont let that confuse you! Capital and repayment mortgage is, in fact, the same thing.

How Do I Know Capital, or Repayment, Mortgage Is Right For Me?
RepaymentCapital mortgage is great for those who want to get their entire mortgage, capital and interest, paid off by the end of their mortgage term. Once the term is up on this type of mortgage, youre done and fully paid off. Many mortgage policies focus on the interest that you owe. Capital and repayment mortgages are popular because they allow homeowners to pay off everything that they owe.

The bank or company that you work with to determine your mortgage policy and payments can give you all sorts of options. Make sure to ask what the interest rate and payment structure on a Capital or repayment mortgage would be. The numbers will help you decide whats right for you. After all, the right mortgage is the one that you can afford.

Do Capital and Repayment Mortgages Cost More Than Other Types of Mortgages?
You usually pay off mostly interest in the early years and then gradually more of the capital debt. It may seem as if this is costing more but that’s because unlike the other types of mortgages you’re paying off the capital and not just the interest.
-Repayment Mortgages, Mortgage Sorter web site, June 2006

While capital and repayment mortgages do not necessarily cost more than other types of mortgages, you may feel that you are paying out for a longer period of time with a capital and repayment mortgage. This is not true, however. Capital and repayment mortgages just allow you to pay off your entire mortgage in one complete payment cycle. And once youre done, youre done. Thats the beauty of a capital and repayment mortgage, one of the most popular types of mortgages used by homeowners.

I Still Dont Know What Kind of Mortgage I Need. What Should I Do?
If you know that you want to finance or re-finance your home or property, its an easy decision to take out a mortgage policy. The only problem is, what kind of mortgage will suit your needs best? With so many options out there, and so much information about different types of mortgages available, it can make your head swim. When youve never had a mortgage before and dont know that much about mortgages in general, how do you decide whats best for you?

The only way to know what type of mortgage will fit your needs is to run the numbers. Have your bank, financial advisor, or the company that youre re-financing with gives you examples of payment plans for many types of mortgages, and be sure to get your questions answered about each policy. You will think up many different questions, some of which can only be answered by those youre working with to establish your mortgage. Youll know whats right for you when you see the plan in black and white, because youre the only one who truly understands what your financial situation is.

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Buying to let guide – UK Rental Property Management

  • Posted on June 14, 2010 at 11:26 am

Buying to let guide – UK Rental Property Management

This is where most developers end up. Once executed, this can prove to be money for old rope. Ok thats a bit pushing the point, but here i can teach you some really useful tips on how to let with very little fuss. The essetial element is to first consider the previous chapters as just as important as the monthly cheque you receive from your tennants. In effect the two are very much releated. So re-read those chapters before you get to this exciting chapter on how to but to let.

My 10 Steps to success
Ok i’m going to make this very easy by revealing my 10 steps. Follow this and you will succeed, ignore a step and you may struggle. Here goes…

1. Find the right area to buy into and make some appointments with local letting agents normally estate agents will be able to offer help with letting too .

2. Once you’ve picked their brains to assess the state of the lettings market (and discovered what type of properties are most in demand) you can begin the house hunting game. Get several viewings under your belt to get a feel of the market.

3. Talk to mortgage providers early on in the game to ensure that you find the best deal. If you have a personal financial advisor, they will do this service free of charge, use this free service, it may save you money and time along with our useful free development guide on this site.

4. Once you’ve found a suitable property put in an offer and be patient. What you might think is a silly offer may prove to be a bargain, remember you can always increase your offer.

5. When your offer on the property is accepted you’ll need to get a licensed conveyor or a solicitor to deal with the legal and financial paperwork.

6. This is the step that can seem to go on forever, the survey and searches.You will also need to get it valued. Then you’ll be in a position to finalise your mortgage arrangements with your finance lender.

7. Who will property manage ? Once you’ve been handed the keys you’ll need to decide whether you are happy to manage the property yourself or if you want to hand it over to a letting agent.

8. The chances are that the house will need some work doing on it, so it’s best to get the workmen in there as soon as possible. You will find our buying to let profit calculator useful at this point.

9. If you’re planning to let the property furnished it makes long-term sense to invest in solid robust furniture (ideally carboot sales house clearances or local auctions are an ideal way of sourcing good solid furniture without putting costs through the roof).

10. Before your tenants take control of the property, do make sure that they are clear on the terms of your contract to avoid any later possible complications.

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Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders – The 3 Most Common Subprime

  • Posted on June 7, 2010 at 11:26 am

Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders – The 3 Most Common Subprime Lending Scams

Legitimate sub-prime lenders provide a needed service to many wishing to buy a home. By offering financing to those with adverse credit, sub-prime lenders offer a valuable financing options. However, predatory lenders take advantage of people with poor credit by charging excessive fees, forcing foreclosures, or demanding titles. To protect yourself in your home loan search, avoid these common mortgage scams.

Excessive Interest Rates And Fees

Predatory loans require a borrower to pay excessive upfront costs or high fees. Some state laws protect consumers by putting caps on interest rates or fees. If you have bad credit, you should be paying no more than 8% higher than a conventional loan. Limits on closing costs vary, but anything more than five points should be viewed suspiciously.

Forcing Foreclosures

Another lending scam involves lending to people so they will be forced into foreclosures. These types of loans typically have monthly payments so high, you cant possibly pay them. They lure people in by promising guarantee approval or cashing out your equity, but they charge high interest rates. Before you sign a loan, be sure you can afford the monthly payments.

Demanding Title

A growing scam involves supposedly refinancing your mortgage, but in reality they scammer is pocketing your cash and title. There are many variations on this scam, but usually these con-artists will solicit those who have liens against their property or received a foreclosure notice. They make a promise of solving all your financial problems if you turn over your title and pay an up front fee.

The scammer will then file for bankruptcy in your name that will be dismissed since a third party initiated the process, but it will still leave a mark on your credit report. The scammer will also take mortgage payments from you, even though they didnt pay off the first mortgage. In the end you may lose your house.

Protect Yourself

Protect yourself from these scams by being a savvy shopper. Request quotes from several lenders before picking one. If you have any questions, talk with the lending company. Legitimate lenders will be happy to explain the process and answer any of your questions.

Once you pick a lender, be sure you read all forms before you sign the paperwork. According to federal law, you have three days to cancel your mortgage after settlement. You will also be refunded all fees, except the application fee.

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