Interest-only Mortgage

Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Interest-only Mortgage

What is an Interest-only Mortgage?

The name Interest-only Mortgage is misleading because eventually in case of Interest-only Mortgage one has to pay the loan principal as well. This not a mortgage type. Rather it is essentially an interest-only payment method which can be combined with any type of traditional mortgage types for flexibility in payment.Interest -only mortgages is a method which involves initially an interest only payment. If one has a mortgage for 30 years(generally this is the case), only 5- 10 years(as it is usually) could be interest-only period. The total mortgage can never be interest-only. During the interest only period one pays only the interest, but at the end of the day one has to pay the principal as well to fully amortize the loan.Borrowers have the right to pay more than interest if they want to.

Why should one take up an interest-only mortgage?

An Interest Only Mortgage loan (an increasingly popular alternative to traditional fixed rates)allow a consumer to make "Interest Only" payments during a definite period of time for the home loan.These programs can offer consumers greater purchasing power, increased cash flow , flexibility in payment , reduction in qualifying income, investment option and a host of other benefits.
An Interest only mortgage is so designed that it offers the lowest possible payment as one is not paying anything for the principal in the normal payment(monthly). The interest only loan may mean that one can buy more home than with a fully amortizing mortgage. One may make additional payments towards one's principal balance at any time.
Since certain risks are involved these loans are not the right choice for everyone.However, if one is self disciplined, have a good understanding of the time frame you will be in your home and understand the potential risks then these products may be an extremely attractive choice for many homeowners.

For what kinds of borrowers are Interest-Only Mortgages suitable?

Interest-only payment mortgages are not a new offering.The Interest-only product was originally designed for individuals whose income is cyclical. However, now we find individuals in many situations choosing this option as a method of lowering their payment.Interest-only Mortgages are suitable for the following groups of people:
1) High income individuals- they can afford to pay higher amounts later using the lease money for other expenses.
2) Young professionals- Because they have a great chance of leveraging their credit in the near future.
3) Short term homeowners- They have high chances of going into refinance and the risk is avoided.
4) Real estate investors
5) Sporadic earners- those who get quarterly bonuses can avail this method to pay a lot of money at those times.
6) First time buyers- it would give them cash and time for setting ahome

How are Interest-only Mortgages offered ?

Most interest-only payment schedules are offered on Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) but they can be found on Fixed Rate Mortgages (FRM) also. Now ,they're available to just about all borrowers. Interest-only payment periods perhaps never ever run for the entire term of the loan, even when a fixed-rate mortgage is the underlying
instrument.
Interest-only payments more typically expire at the end of a set period,much like "hybrid" ARMs. Once the interest-only period ends,the payment will rise to include both principal and interest.

What hazards regarding Interest-only Mortgages should one watch out for?


The major hazard is being deceived about reported/declared desirable features of Interest-only Mortgages that don’t exist in reality.

What are the points to remember about Interest-only Mortgage?


Because of the high risk factor involved, the lender imposes a high interest rate or even an insurance premium.If one intends to take up this option, one must make disciplined use of the cash, because one has to pay more . All that is needed is to invest the saved money in a bank, etc. so that both their terms coincide and the returns can be used in clearing the mortgage.
One should remember that the house equity depreciates as the loan balance rises. So, one should not wait for the markets to appreciate and make the first move. The interest should be well timed in case of an ARM option. If one takes it in markets where the interest remains high after the term, one is in for trouble.
So,the use of foresight and a good market trends is necessary before opting for interest-only mortgage.