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Posts Tagged ‘Standard Variable Rate’

Save Money with Carefully Considered Remortgages

January 19th, 2010

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When homeowners consider remortgages of their properties, they are considering paying off a current mortgage by taking out a fresh mortgage using the property in question as security for the deal. The new mortgage is arranged for many different reasons, but most often to provide a fresh source of finance for home improvements, starting a business, or consolidating debts. Remortgages also commonly take place in order for a homeowner to take advantage of an improved interest rate being offered by another lender.

During the process of remortgages the homeowner will not usually be required to move home or take out a second loan – the balance of the current mortgage is simply transferred from one lender to another, or to a different loan with the same lender.

However, both old and new lenders may demand additional charges, such as redemption and reservation fees. Homeowners may be subject to a penalty from the current lender, while the new one may demand an arrangement fee. Surveyor fees and the cost of conveyancing are also likely to become an issue again, because the new lender is going to want to assess the value of the property. Faced with this, it is important for anyone considering remortgages to carefully calculate whether the additional costs incurred are worthwhile or whether they negate the potential financial benefits.

Recent research has found that the number of homeowners taking out remortgages has significantly fallen over the past year. Paragon Mortgages released figures showing that in the last quarter of 2009, just 39 per cent of buy-to-let landlords had decided to switch to a different loan. This was explained as a reaction to low interest rates, which meant that landlords are increasingly opting to remain on their current lender’s standard variable rate at the end of their current fixed-rate deal.

Nevertheless, it is also the case that many landlords are also unlikely to have the capacity to consider remortgages due to the dearth of buy-to-let deals which are available in the current economic climate – especially as lenders tend to be demanding hefty deposits or equity stakes in the property.

Generally though, it is recommended that homeowners regularly review their mortgage arrangements and seek to save money and chase the most favourable terms wherever possible, tailoring them to fit their personal circumstances. By doing so, they may be able to use  remortgages to save themselves hundreds or even thousands of pounds every year.

Kim enjoys writing articles on various finacial related topics, including Mortgages and Different kinds of Insurance.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mortgage-articles/save-money-with-carefully-considered-remortgages-1742932.html

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Don’t Take a Mortgage Interest Rate Rise Without a Fight

December 17th, 2009

More than likely if you have a Standard Variable Rate Mortgage you face at least a $50 monthly repayment increase. Whenever the Reserve Bank opts for an increase in the official Cash Rate, you will need to, more than likely, look for additional similar increases in the ensuing months.

It’s the Lender’s Call

It is ultimately your lender’s call whether this gives them the green light to increase your home finance mortgage rate. The going belief most variable mortgage rates loan owners possess is that lenders will pass on rate changes to borrowers regardless. However, recent examinations show that only 41 percent of loans carrying a variable rate have had a lender response raising the rate. This same examination points that 88 percent of home mortgage lenders that are banks have adjusted rates. Thirty-six percent of Credit Unions and Building Societies have raised rates while 23 percent of non-bank lenders raised rates.

Did You Get Stuck?

You might get passed the fury from lenders to raise mortgage rates and you may not. Remember when the RBA dropped rates about a year ago? Most lenders never passed the total availability in a dropped variable rate to borrowers. Lenders lined up with a myriad of explanations explaining that their real cost for managing loans is at a premium. Therefore, even when the RBA lowers rates by 4.25 percent, the effective rate you finally realize decreased by only 3.84 percent (the national average).

No the Same Line of Thinking

Wouldn’t you think that lenders would only raise rates a portion that is lower than the announced RBA rate?  Why then are variable mortgage holders forced to hand back that same rate margin affected by last year’s decrease. What’s going on?

So What’s a Body to Do?

This information recalls one of the fundamental lessons everyone should re-learn: Do not put your loan accounts up on a high shelf in a hallway closet. In a world of fluctuating rates spurning unpredictable lender activity, you need to stay current concerning the effect upon your personal finances. You need to be shopping about for a better deal. This is a very good period producing a competitive lending atmosphere where there are more than 700 home mortgage products available. Any Australian who puts this knowledge to task should benefit nicely getting lenders to compete for the business. Plus, if you have traditionally dealt with banks, now is a good time to consider alternative lending institutions. The same requirements – and restrictions – apply to all home mortgage lenders. Although many people believe re-financing a home mortgage is costly and inconvenient, simply reducing your interest rate by a quarter percent can save $15,000 on an average home loan. Even considering any loan fees added to the mix, you may come out much better than just sitting there taking what they dish out. Or, you might want to look into the benefits of a fixed mortgage.

Consider at least approaching your current lender to demand a more favourable deal using the going market rates as ammunition for the requested change. Fight back for a better financial you!Austral Mortgage is the best place to find all your <a href=http://www.australmortgage.com.au>mortgage</a> needs. Whether you are looking for the best <a href=http://www.australmortgage.com.au>mortgage rates</a> or have any questions relating your borrowings, our mortgage consultant can help. Talk to our mortgage specialist today for obligation free advice and let us do all the hard work for you, and discover why we won so many awards.

Austral Mortgage is the best place to find all your mortgage needs. Whether you are looking for the best mortgage rates or have any questions relating your borrowings, our mortgage consultant can help. Talk to our mortgage specialist today for obligation free advice and let us do all the hard work for you, and discover why we won so many awards.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mortgage-articles/dont-take-a-mortgage-interest-rate-rise-without-a-fight-1593521.html

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Don’t Take a Mortgage Interest Rate Rise Without a Fight

December 5th, 2009

More than likely if you have a Standard Variable Rate Mortgage you face at least a $50 monthly repayment increase. Whenever the Reserve Bank opts for an increase in the official Cash Rate, you will need to, more than likely, look for additional similar increases in the ensuing months.

It’s the Lender’s Call

It is ultimately your lender’s call whether this gives them the green light to increase your home finance mortgage rate. The going belief most variable mortgage rates loan owners possess is that lenders will pass on rate changes to borrowers regardless. However, recent examinations show that only 41 percent of loans carrying a variable rate have had a lender response raising the rate. This same examination points that 88 percent of home mortgage lenders that are banks have adjusted rates. Thirty-six percent of Credit Unions and Building Societies have raised rates while 23 percent of non-bank lenders raised rates.

Did You Get Stuck?

You might get passed the fury from lenders to raise mortgage rates and you may not. Remember when the RBA dropped rates about a year ago? Most lenders never passed the total availability in a dropped variable rate to borrowers. Lenders lined up with a myriad of explanations explaining that their real cost for managing loans is at a premium. Therefore, even when the RBA lowers rates by 4.25 percent, the effective rate you finally realize decreased by only 3.84 percent (the national average).

No the Same Line of Thinking

Wouldn’t you think that lenders would only raise rates a portion that is lower than the announced RBA rate?  Why then are variable mortgage holders forced to hand back that same rate margin affected by last year’s decrease. What’s going on?

So What’s a Body to Do?

This information recalls one of the fundamental lessons everyone should re-learn: Do not put your loan accounts up on a high shelf in a hallway closet. In a world of fluctuating rates spurning unpredictable lender activity, you need to stay current concerning the effect upon your personal finances. You need to be shopping about for a better deal. This is a very good period producing a competitive lending atmosphere where there are more than 700 home mortgage products available. Any Australian who puts this knowledge to task should benefit nicely getting lenders to compete for the business. Plus, if you have traditionally dealt with banks, now is a good time to consider alternative lending institutions. The same requirements – and restrictions – apply to all home mortgage lenders. Although many people believe re-financing a home mortgage is costly and inconvenient, simply reducing your interest rate by a quarter percent can save $15,000 on an average home loan. Even considering any loan fees added to the mix, you may come out much better than just sitting there taking what they dish out. Or, you might want to look into the benefits of a fixed mortgage.

Consider at least approaching your current lender to demand a more favourable deal using the going market rates as ammunition for the requested change. Fight back for a better financial you!

Austral Mortgage is the best place to find all your mortgage needs. Whether
you are looking for the best mortgage rates or have
any questions relating your borrowings, our mortgage consultant can
help. Talk to our mortgage specialist today for obligation free advice
and let us do all the hard work for you, and discover why we won so
many awards.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mortgage-articles/dont-take-a-mortgage-interest-rate-rise-without-a-fight-1544198.html

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7 Types Of Mortgage Products

October 31st, 2009

There are different types of mortgage products available in the market. Generally, different types of mortgage products are determined on the basis of repayment method. Each of them have their own pros and cons. Here’s a list of different types of mortgages given below:

1)Fixed Mortgage: It is one of the most common mortgage product. It has a fixed interest rate for a designated time period of 2 to 4 years. They might need a slight premium for the security but it reduces the unaffordable interest payments. They are well protected from rate increases.

The few disadvantages associated with this type of mortgage include early repayment charges. You may not be benefited from the interest rate reductions.  

2)Tracker Mortgage: A tracker mortgage tracks the bank base rate for a particular period of time and by a particular percentage like 0.85% above the base rate. But in certain types of mortgages you may need to pay more if your base rate increases. There can be charges for early repayments. In such cases, budgeting becomes more difficult as monthly payments can fluctuate.

3)Variable Mortgage: Variable rate mortgages are those which you generally opt for after the fixed term has ended. These are known as Standard Variable Rate (SVR). They are usually set up 1 to 2 % higher than the base rate. There are no hidden charges in such cases and you need to pay the current rate only to the lenders. Another advantage is that here you do not need to incur early repayment charges and arrangement fees.

It includes certain disadvantages like the budgeting can become more difficult and you are not well protected from interest rates if they increase. Cheaper alternatives are always available.

4)Capped Mortgage: Capped mortgages are based on the lender’s standard variable rate that has a set limit of 7%. You do not need to pay above the capped rate within a specified period of time, even if the standard variable rate increases. The benefits of such mortgage types include knowing the maximum budget rate. You can make a budget knowing the maximum cost. Interest rate reductions can also be beneficial for you.

The disadvantages that it includes are early repayment charges and higher interest than the comparable fixed rates.

5)Discounted Mortgage: Discounted mortgages offer initial discounts on the SVR lenders. For example, for the first two years there can be 1% discount on the standard variable rate of 7%. There are no hidden charges allowing you to make true savings, i.e., the saved interest is not included in the loan.

The main disadvantage of this type of mortgage includes chances of early repayments. Rates may increase back to the standard variable rate lenders after the discount period ends.

6)Flexible Mortgage: They are available only with specific lenders. Commonly known as offset mortgages, they offset the savings balance or the current account against the mortgage amount. Therefore, you end up paying less interest over the mortgage term. You can make overpayments to reduce the loan faster.

7)Cashback Mortgage: Cashback mortgages are mainly designed to pay a percentage of the loan on its completion. Generally, they are more expensive than the other products and are usually linked with variable rates. Chances of early repayment charges are applicable.

These are the 7 different types of mortgage products available in the market. Refer to the mortgage advisers in Bristol dealing with different types of mortgages.

Michael Hatfield offers some important advice on best buy to let mortgage.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mortgage-articles/7-types-of-mortgage-products-1399875.html

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To Mortgage Refinance or not to Mortgage Refinance – that is the question on the minds of many borrowers

October 1st, 2009

If you are feeling a little disgruntled about your mortgage rates or if your lender is simply not providing you with the service you desire it may be that you are thinking about a mortgage refinance. The reality today is that while mortgage rates llook attractive for new loans the majority of borrowers who are with the banks are paying the standard variable rate which is currently sitting at around 5.80% p.a. This could be you. It would seem to be a sensible move to weigh up your mortgage refinance options. What do you need to consider in this process?

Most borrowers simply jump into a mortgage refinance and are often well down the track before they realise that the move may not be a viable proposition. Before you spend too much time or any money look at the costs involved in your mortgage refinance. If you are dealing with a mortgage broker in the mortgage refinance process and he or she does not ask you to ascertain your exit costs on the existing home loan you have then quite frankly you should look for someone else to take care of your mortgage refinance. Many mortgage brokers only alert you to the costs of a mortgage refinance in so far as they relate to the cost of the new lender. They do not want to make you too aware of the costs that you will incur if you are exiting your existing loan early. As a general rule if you are paying out your mortgage within 5 years of its inception then the mortgage refinance costs will include early penalties.

Exit costs on a mortgage refinance will vary depending on whether you are in a variable or fixed rate loan. If you are in a fixed rate loan then you will incur “break costs” which as a rule of thumb equate to the difference between your fixed interest rate to maturity of your fixed period and the rate that the lender can currently reinvest its funds for that same duration. Recently many borrowers have commenced a mortgage refinance process not realising that their break costs are significant because of the dramatic rate reductions we have experienced in Australia over the past 12 months. The amount of these break costs may be such that the amount actually required to complete the mortgage refinance is such that the security value will not support the loan or the loan amount represents say 90% of the value and as a result the borrower incurs additional lenders mortgage insurance costs which can also be quite high.

If there are high early repayment penalties on your loan then you need to make sure that the interest rate differential between the existing mortgage and the new loan is such that you will recoup these costs within a 6 month period and thereafter be ahead as a result of your mortgage refinance.

Too often borrowers are ill-advised or embark on a mortgage refinance before doing the sums – as a result the interest saving they think the mortgage refinance will deliver is wiped out by the costs of the exercise.

Check all your costs first – for both the outgoing and in-coming lender before you proceed down the path of a mortgage refinance. It must be a viable proposition to make the mortgage refinance option a worthwhile exercise.

Austral Mortgage Corporation offers competitive mortgage rates for both residential and commercial loans. We are also an expert on Mortgage Refinance to help you find the best loan to suit your situation. So whether you are looking for a mortgage or mortgage refinance, contact our reliable mortgage expert and let us do the hard work for you.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mortgage-articles/to-mortgage-refinance-or-not-to-mortgage-refinance-that-is-the-question-on-the-minds-of-many-borrowers-1289963.html

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