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Non Comforming Loan Comparison: Adjustable Rate Mortgage Versus Fixed Rate Mortgage

Are all mortgage loans the same? Or can making a choice between one particular type of mortgage get you in trouble if you arent careful. In the case of an adjustable rate mortgage versus a fixed rate mortgage it is true that all mortgages are not alike.

Of course in many cases the type of loan you can secure has to do with how good or bad your credit has been over the years. Your FICO score will often determine the loan you will be offered. Basically, FICO is an acronym for Fair Isaac Corporation and refers to your best-known credit score calculated by using a specific mathematical formula.

GMAC takes the FICO score into account and also explains the difference between a fixed rate mortgage and adjustable rate mortgage, depending on which loan you might be eligible for, Most mortgage loans have either a fixed interest rate or an adjustable interest rate. With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate never changes and your payments remain stable throughout the life of your loan. With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the interest rate changes at regular intervals usually once every year based on a formula that uses a market index. For most ARM options, rate adjustments begin after an initial period usually between three months and ten years during which the rate is fixed.

That said you might be wondering why in the world a person would opt for a loan with rates that fluctuate like the wind. There are some good reasons such as that in some cases a lender will charge a lower interest rate for an ARM at the beginning of the loan than as compared to a fixed-rate loan. This will not only increase your buying power, but in many cases it can prove quite frugal if interest rates remain steady or decrease.

At bankrate.com it states, With a fixed rate mortgage (FRM), your monthly payments will be steady. In contrast, with an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)you typically have an initial fixed rate lower than the rate of a comparable fixed rate mortgage. The initial fixed rate period is followed by adjustment intervals. For example, a “3/1 ARM” is fixed at an initial low rate for the first 3 years, and then adjusts every year based on an index. Common ARMs are: 1/1, 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1.

For the most part a quick rule of thumb is to remember that a fixed rate is a great idea if you plan on being in your home for a long time and the interest rates are low when you buy. As for an adjustable rate mortgage this is a good idea if you dont plan to stay in your house very long and the rates are higher than usual when youre initially buying.

Strange though it may sound a credit card can be a useful tool in controlling debt. The properly chosen credit card can, in fact, be used to consolidate debt. There are several features to look for though if you plan to use a credit card in this manner. As is always the case before you scrutinize any credit card option, you should first have a clear understanding of your credit situation.

Whenever you are approaching a decision about your credit it is of primary importance to pull your credit report. The government has mandated that all individuals be allowed an annual free credit report. When accessing this report make sure that you have gone to a truly free credit report site. Some companies lure people into their sites by advertising a free credit report and then ask for credit card information. Free credit reports are available from such sites but if you have supplied them with credit card information you may find that your card will be billed thirty days later for a credit report update. The charges will continue ever thirty days or so after the initial billing until you have cancelled the service. The best idea is not to give out any billing information in order to receive your free report.

Get a report from each of the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Trans Union and Equifax). When you ask for your report the site will also offer to send a credit score (FICO score) for a small additional fee; knowing your FICO is also beneficial and generally worth the nominal cost. Again, read the fine print and be careful not to set up any ongoing transactions.

After receiving the three reports analyze them carefully. You are unique but your name may not be. Make sure all the credit card bills are actually yours. Also check to make sure your social security number is listed correctly. Social security numbers are keyed in by hand and thus subject to error. One digit misplaced can give you someone elses derogatory credit. Report any errors to the agencies. Make the report to all three agencies as they do not share information.

Now you have a list of all the revolving credit card debt that you owe, the balances and contact information. This is the money owed that may be ripe to consolidate on one credit card. Contact the creditors and find out what the current interest rate is on each card and if there are any programs which would allow you to reduce that rate. Let the companies know you are actively shopping for alternatives to your current rates. Customers in good standing with their credit card companies, customers with high FICO scores and customers who regularly charge and make their payments are valued by credit card companies. It may be that you will be offered incentives to retain their cards. Also, inquire about any balance transfer opportunities or other programs such as frequent flier miles.

Now you are going to design your own program to consolidate credit card debt. Compile a list of all the companies with columns comparing the like features: Interest rates, penalties, incentives, credit limits. When choosing which company to use to consolidate your credit cards, look at all the features not just the interest rates. Narrow down the options to two or three cards. Speak with company representatives. It may be possible to negotiate even better terms.

Once you have chosen an institution with which to consolidate credit card debt, follow through and transfer as many of your outstanding balances as possible to that one card. Adjust your credit card behavior and be disciplined about your use of credit. Cut up all the other cards. You may even wish to close all accounts other than one for emergencies. Dont carry the two remaining cards in your wallet. Remember, charge cards are nice as long as you, not the card, are in charge.