30
Jan
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

The Average Mortgage Payment Is Declining. Here’s Why.

The Average Mortgage Payment Is Declining. Here's Why.According to a report that was recently published by the United States Census Bureau, the average mortgage payment has been dropping. According to the bureau, the average payment is just over $1,500 per month. This is shockingly close to the average cost of renting, which is just under $1,500 per month. 

This data shows that the average mortgage payment is declining, down by around three percent in the past 18 months. This trend is expected to continue. Some people might be surprised that the average mortgage rate is dropping, given that the average real estate value continues to rise across the country. There are a few reasons why mortgage payments are dropping.

Why The Average Mortgage Payment Is In Decline

The average mortgage rate is dropping because the average interest rate applied to each home loan is dropping as well. They are hovering around three-year lows. 

This means that even though the principal of the loan that someone might take out to purchase a home is staying the same (or going up), the total cost of the mortgage is going down. This is great news for anyone who is looking to buy a home in the near future. Low interest rates may make the cost of buying a home more affordable. 

The Importance Of The Average Mortgage Payment

It is important to remember that the average mortgage payment is simply a statistical measure. These statistics are evaluations of the overall trend. In reality, every mortgage is going to be different. Two people who are buying properties that are very similar may end up with mortgages that look very different.

The mortgage payment is based on numerous factors that can vary widely from person to person. In addition to the interest rate applied to the loan, other factors include the size of the down payment, the buyer’s credit score, how much debt someone might have, their average income, and the possible requirement of private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Lowering A Monthly Mortgage Payment

Anyone looking to lower their monthly mortgage payment has a few tools at his or her disposal. Consider making a larger down payment, improving the credit score, or reducing any current debts. This can help someone negotiate for more favorable mortgage terms.

Consult with your trusted home mortgage professional to discuss your best financing options.

16
Jan
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

How A Reverse Mortgage Can Help With Long-Term Care

How A Reverse Mortgage Can Help With Long-Term CareAnyone who has paid attention to the TV recently has likely seen a lot of commercials for something called a reverse mortgage. For those who might not know, a reverse mortgage is exactly that. In this option, people receive monthly payments from a lender in exchange for equity in their homes. In essence, this functions as an annuity.

One of the major benefits of a reverse mortgage is that it can be used to cover the costs associated with long-term care. Over the next few decades, the number of elderly individuals in the United States is projected to double. For this reason, long-term care is projected to become a major expense.

How Can A Reverse Mortgage Pay For Long-Term Care?

Long-term care is one of the biggest unexpected expenses encountered by the elderly. Often, coinsurance associated with a health insurance policy, combined with the lifetime caps on many policies, can shift significant medical costs to the individual. This leaves many elderly individuals looking for an immediate for some cash. Because many elderly individuals and families are on a fixed income, there are not a lot of options. 

This is where a reverse mortgage can come in handy. Many elderly individuals have paid off their houses entirely. This can act as an immediate source of equity, providing seniors with a much-needed cash infusion to cover the costs associated with long-term care.

Improving On Reverse Mortgages And Long-Term Care

With long-term care expected to become a bigger issue as a larger percentage of the US population reaches retirement, suggestions have been offered to address these costs. One of these suggestions has been to marry long-term care and reverse mortgages with improved social services.

Many experts have been suggesting ways to tie the equity in someone’s home to Medicare and Social Security. This could be used to create a nice safety net that might support seniors by covering the costs of long-term care. Given the stress that an unexpected medical expense can create, this can offer a much-needed respite for seniors and caregivers alike.

Taking Advantage Of A Reverse Mortgage

In the meantime, it is important for seniors to note that a reverse mortgage can offer an immediate cash infusion. This can be used to cover an unexpected cost, such as a medical bill. It will be interesting to see how reverse mortgages evolve in the future.

Call your trusted home financing professional with questions about a reverse mortgage or other options that are available in your situation.

14
Jan
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage

Is A 15 Or 30 Year Mortgage Right For You?

Is A 15 Or 30 Year Mortgage Right For YouWhen someone is looking to purchase a house, they need to think about how long they want their mortgage to last. While a bank can structure a mortgage to last for any number of years, the most common lengths are 15 and 30 years. While a 30-year mortgage is typically more affordable, a 15-year mortgage is cheaper overall. 

When someone is trying to decide how long they want their mortgage to last, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.

The Benefits Of A 15-Year Mortgage

There are a few important benefits that everyone should know about a 15-year mortgage. Some of the biggest benefits include:

  • With a 15-year mortgage, people are going to pay off their home more quickly. This will free up cash to spend in other places. Those who are looking to retire without a mortgage may want to go with a 15-year mortgage. 
  • Next, a 15-year mortgage is going to come with a lower interest rate. Because the bank is going to get their money back more quickly, they are going to reward the borrower with a lower interest rate. Overall, the bank is taking on less risk.
  • Finally, a 15-year mortgage is also going to be cheaper overall. With a lower interest rate and a loan that is paid off more quickly, the bank is going to take less of someone’s money over the life of the loan. 

The Benefits Of A 30-Year Mortgage

A 30-year mortgage has some notable differences when compared to a 15-year mortgage. There are a few important benefits that people need to remember. These include:

  • The monthly payments are going to lower. Those who are planning on paying for their children’s college education, or who envision a car payment in the near future, may want to have extra cash on hand to fund them.
  • As someone pays off their mortgage the interest paid on the loan is tax-deductible. Since more interest is paid on a 30-year mortgage, there will be greater tax savings as well. This means that people will get some of their money back.
  • Finally, a 30-year mortgage is also more flexible. During the loan, people may elect to make extra payments. This allows someone to pay off their home more quickly.

These are a few of the most important points people need to remember when trying to decide between a 15-year and 30-year mortgage.  As always, call your trusted home mortgage loan professional to discuss the options available for your personal situation.