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Fixed-Rate Mortgages

What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan. In other words, your total monthly payment of principal and interest will remain the same over time. A fixed-rate mortgage is the most popular type of financing because it offers predictability and stability for your budget.

Fixed-rate loans can either be conventional loans or loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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Types of Fixed-Rate Mortgages

  • Amortized fixed-rate mortgage – one of the most common types of mortgage loan offerings from Texas lenders. This loan has a fixed-rate of interest over the life of the loan and steady installment payments. A fixed-rate amortizing mortgage loan requires a basis amortization schedule to be generated by the lender. An amortization schedule is easiest to calculate with fixed-rate interest since it can be fully created at the issuance of the loan. Overall, the distinguishing factor of a fixed-rate mortgage is that the interest rate for every installment payment does not change and is known at the time the mortgage is issued.
  • 5-year fixed-rate mortgage – maintains the same interest rate for the first five years, then turns into an adjustable-rate mortgage. The advantage is that the initial interest rate is lower than on a 30-year mortgage. The disadvantage is what happens after five years. Your interest rate could increase rapidly, depending on what current rates are. Therefore, this is a good loan if you’re sure you will sell your Texas home within five years.
  • 15-year fixed-rate mortgage – has lower interest rates and allows you to pay off the principal faster than with a conventional 30-year loan. That means you build up equity faster. On the other hand, 15-year mortgages have higher payments. For that reason, there’s a slightly higher risk of default if your income drops.
  • Biweekly fixed-rate mortgage – speeds up amortization, reduces total interest costs and shortens the loan term. You make 26 biweekly payments, which amounts to 13 annual payments, instead of 12 monthly payments. Conversion to a 30-year fixed-rate loan is usually permitted. Payments are deducted automatically from your savings or checking accounts.
  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage – the most affordable conventional loan. Even though it has higher interest rates, the monthly payment is lower because the loan repayment is spread out over 30 years. This is a good loan if you plan to stay in your Texas home for a long time. It’s also good for lower-income families because it allows them to buy more house with a lower monthly cost.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

What are mortgage points?

Mortgage points, or discount points, are a way to prepay interest to get a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Each mortgage point equals 1% of your home’s value. In most cases, a point can reduce your interest rate by one-eighth to one-quarter of a percent.

If my credit score is low, how can I raise it?

Paying your bills on time, reducing your credit balances, and trying to not apply for credit too often are all ways that you can raise your FICO score.

What’s the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

Pre-qualification is a determination of the loan amount you’re likely to receive. To obtain pre-qualification, you usually are interviewed by a licensed loan officer in Texas who determines the pre-qualification amount. On the other hand, to be pre-approved, you must submit an application and verify your credit and financial history. After you receive your pre-approval certificate, you’re in a stronger position to close earlier and negotiate a better price.

What is the alternative to a fixed-rate mortgage?

The alternative would be an adjustable-rate mortgage, in which the interest rate applied on the outstanding balance varies throughout the life of the loan.