Fixed-Rate Loans: What You Need to Know When Buying a Home in Birmingham, AL
When reading up on mortgages in Birmingham, you'll come across some terms you might not be familiar with. "Fixed-rate" could be one of those terms. As a company that's dedicated to keeping the dream of homeownership alive, Mr. Cooper is here to help demystify all the words and processes that go into buying a house!
What exactly is a fixed-rate loan? It's a mortgage with an interest rate that stays the same. An interest rate is what the lender charges for loaning you money. It is expressed as a percentage. Mortgage interest rates can change daily, so a fixed-rate loan allows you to secure a stable rate. Fixed-rate home loans usually have a 30-year term length. Shorter terms are possible and generally include larger monthly payments but less total interest paid over the loan's lifetime. How similar is a fixed-rate loan to other Birmingham home loan options, like an adjustable-rate loan?
Adjustable-Rate Loans vs. Fixed-Rate Loans in Birmingham, AL
Fixed-rate loans are often compared to adjustable-rate loans. Unlike a fixed-rate loan, the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) may change based on national indexes. An adjustable-rate loan will come with a fixed rate for a specific period (like 3, 5, or 10 years), then the rate will adjust at particular intervals. If your interest rate increases after the fixed-rate timeframe has ended, your monthly payments might increase too. Talk to a Mr. Cooper mortgage professional about the protections a fixed-rate loan can offer. We'll help you see how different factors can guide you in selecting between an adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgage, like if you could still pay on an ARM if interest rates went up, how large of a mortgage payment you can qualify for, how long you plan on living in the house, and where interest rates are headed.
Call Mr. Cooper for Fixed-Rate & Adjustable-Rate Loan Questions in Birmingham
We've only brushed the surface of fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate loans! Give us a call to check the most recent fixed-rate mortgage rates in Birmingham. Friendly folks are here to answer any questions you might have about the loan and homeownership process.
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