Home Loans -- The Hot New Product? The 30-year, Fixed-rate Mortgage

In recent years, the mortgage industry has introduced dozens of new types of loans. The needs of every borrower are different, so the mortgage companies have tried to come up with an answer for every problem. They've introduced 40-year mortgages, promoted 15-year mortgages, and introduced the wildest array of variable-rate mortgages imaginable. There are mortgages that have interest rates that adjust every few months, every few years, or just once. A recently popular product that thrives on the East and West coasts is the interest-only mortgage, which reduces payments by not requiring payment on the loan's principal for the first few years of the loan. The prospective homebuyer could have as many as one hundred possible types of loans to choose from when searching for a mortgage. Amidst this huge array of loan types, one type is growing in popularity faster than all the rest, and it may surprise you. The fastest-growing type of mortgage in America right now is the traditional 30-year, fixed-rate loan. Last year, only about 35% of all borrowers took out a 30 year, fixed-rate loan, but so far this year, the rate has increased to nearly 50%.

This may seem odd, as most everyone has been opting for adjustable-rate mortgages for the last few years. Adjustable rate mortgages tend to offer lower interest rates, and lower interest rates mean lower payments. These loans have been popular with buyers who move often, have lower incomes or buyers who simply want to invest their money elsewhere. So why is the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage back in style? Because interest rates have dropped to their lowest point in fourteen months, and they are nearly as low as they were in the summer of 2003, when they reached the lowest point on record. In short, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is not only seen as competitive with other types of loans, but it is actually seen as safer. Borrowers who have adjustable-rate mortgages enjoy their biggest advantage when rates are high, knowing that their interest rate is lower than a fixed-rate mortgage. But when interest rates for the market as a whole reach historic lows, the borrower with an adjustable-rate mortgage knows that their rate can only go up. At times like the present, when rates are only likely to go up, converting an adjustable rate loan to a fixed-rate loan is a smart move. First-time buyers can safely take on a 30-year fixed-rate loan and be comfortable in the fact that their rate will stay fairly low for the duration of their loan.

Sometimes, the way things have always been done turns out to be the best. While there are still some buyers who will benefit from adjustable-rate loans, most borrowers would do well to lock in their loan at a fixed rate now. Historically, fixed-rate mortgages have rarely been under six percent, so obtaining such a loan while they are available is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make.

©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing.

Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a Website devoted to debt consolidation information and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information on home equity loans.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Guide to Flexible Mortgages

Outlined below is a useful guide to flexible mortgages. Flexible... Read More

Bankers Dont Want You to Know That You Pay for Your No Cost Home Loan Forever

With mortgage rates continuing on a downward trend, the competition... Read More

Refinancing Online - Tips For Getting a Low Interest Rate When Applying Online

Refinancing online is a great opportunity to find low interest... Read More

Adjustable Rate Mortgages Offer Alternatives For Home Buyers

When looking for a mortgage to meet your needs, consider... Read More

Home Equity Loans ? A Big Benefit Or A Big Mistake?

When the bills are piling up and there doesn't seem... Read More

How To Get The Best Home Equity Loan

Are you wondering how to get the best Home Equity... Read More

Sound Financial Standing Entails Capital Raising Remortgage

Raising capital is integral for growth and expansion of an... Read More

Cardinal Principle of Homeowner Personal Loans ? It is a Solution for Any Sort of Financial Funding

You bought a house and you were promoted to the... Read More

Preventing Foreclosure Proceedings and Understanding Your Options

Every year over 8 million homeowners are seeking help preventing... Read More

Home Equity Loan Considerations

In other words, the benefit of the loan must outlast... Read More

Seller Financing

Although any loan used for buying real estate is strictly... Read More

The Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Home

1. Save on your income tax.Yes, something good can come... Read More

Mortgage Broker or Assassin? A Banker Who Offers You This Loan May be Trying to Kill You!

What if a banker or mortgage broker told you he's... Read More

Home Loans For People With Poor Credit - Understanding The Requirements For a Subprime Mortgage

Home loans for people with poor credit demand that you... Read More

Adverse Credit Mortgage Loan - Persistence is the Key to Getting Approved

People with bad credit that are looking to get a... Read More

Thinking About Refinancing Your Loan?

Refinancing your home or property is a big decision that... Read More

Mortgage Refinancing Companies -- Choosing The Right One

Searching for a mortgage refinance company can be a daunting... Read More

What is a Mortgage?

A mortgage is a loan, usually from a bank, finance... Read More

New Home Loan - Understand The Various Types Of Mortgage Lenders

So, you've decided to buy a house, and you're ready... Read More

Home Equity Line of Credit ? Great for Remodeling Projects

Many homeowners are lucky enough to find a house that... Read More

Comparing The True Cost Of Obtaining A Home Loan

Home buyers are often confused about where to begin in... Read More

Remortgage Serves To Rewind The Reimbursements Of Mortgage

It takes a mighty big effort to secure a home... Read More

Non-conforming Home Loans vs Conforming Loans

The simple definition of a "non-conforming home loan" is: You... Read More

13 Extra Costs to be Aware of Before Buying a Home

Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading... Read More

Jumbo Mortgage Loans - Getting Approved for a Jumbo Mortgage Loan Online

Getting approved for a jumbo mortgage loan online is similar... Read More

Refinance Online

If you want a low interest, low payment mortgage refinance,... Read More

First Time Buyer Mortgages ? Transforming Homeless into Property Owners

Having just settled in life, you are finding the rentals... Read More

Little Known Secret: Eliminate your Mortgage in 23 years or less!

Wanna know a little secret? There is an ingenious method... Read More

Sell Your Home and Invest at the Same Time

I continue to see the same For Sale signs in... Read More

Home Mortgages: Think Before You Borrow

In today's overheated housing market, lenders are making it easier... Read More

Mortgage Cycling ? Brilliant or Risky

With mortgage rates near 20-year lows, competition in the mortgage... Read More

Choosing a Mortgage Lender

Just as there are many types of mortgages and mortgage... Read More

Mortgage-Refinance Loan Can Put Cash in Your Pocket

Do you need cash? Here's a mortgage for you. If... Read More