The Basics of Home Loans 

Getting a mortgage loan is unlike getting a loan for another type of purchase, such as a car. Not only are mortgage loans typically issued for much more money, but the loans may be more complex and have more options than traditional loans. Here’s an overview of everything you should know about the basics of home loans—

What Is a Mortgage?

A mortgage, or mortgage loan, is a type of loan that is specifically for the purpose of buying a home. A mortgage loan is an agreement between the purchaser of the home (the borrower) and the lender (the bank) in which the lender purchases the home on the borrower’s behalf because the borrower does not have enough cash for such a purchase. As such, the lender has the right to repossess the home if the buyer defaults on payments. 

Differences Between a Traditional Loan and a Mortgage Loan

A mortgage is a specific type of loan, described above. A loan, on the other hand, can refer to any financial transaction where one party lends another money. 

Another distinction between a mortgage and a traditional loan is that a mortgage is a secured loan. This means that the borrower offers collateral to back the loan; the collateral in a mortgage loan is the home itself. 

Considerations When Securing a Mortgage

If you’re in the market to secure a mortgage loan to purchase a home, there are a few things to think about: 

• Amount of your down payment. First, think about how much home you can afford and how much you have towards a down payment on a home. While you may not need 20 percent down, you may be required to purchase mortgage insurance, which will add to your costs. 
• Loan repayment terms. Loan repayment terms refer to how long you have to pay off the loan, whether or not you can pay off the loan early, and how payments will be applied to the loan. Most loans are 30-year mortgages, although 15-year repayment terms are possible. 
• Fixed or floating rate. A fixed-rate mortgage means that the interest rate that you’re charged will stay the same throughout the course of the loan. A floating-rate mortgage, on the other hand, means that the interest rate is variable over the course of the loan. While this may sound attractive, having a floating rate can be a negative thing in the event that your monthly payments balloon due to higher interest payments. 

Reach Out to The Jana Caudill Team to Learn More

To learn more about mortgage loans and how to buy a house in Northwest Indiana, reach out to The Jana Caudill Team directly today. Our experienced professionals can help you to choose the right home for you and aid you throughout the process.