How Do I Get a Cheap Mortgage?

If you’re in the market for a cheap mortgage, there are a few ways to approach this goal. Choosing a property with a low sale price is one way, as lower-priced homes typically translate into lower mortgage payments and less money owed over the entire loan term. You might also secure a cheap mortgage by looking for a lender that is willing to offer a low interest rate or by putting a large down payment on the property. Additionally, avoiding lenders that employ abusive lending practices can help you ensure your loan is truly affordable.

One way to secure a cheap mortgage actually starts with the home you choose to purchase. Higher-priced homes typically go hand in hand with more expensive mortgages. This is due to the fact that you may have to borrow more money. For example, if you purchase a home for $100,000 US Dollars (USD) and you need to borrow 80 percent of this amount, your loan will be less expensive than if you need to borrow 80 percent of a $250,000 (USD) home.

It is also important to consider interest rates when you are trying to secure a cheap mortgage. As with sale price, the higher the interest rate, the less affordable the mortgage. As such, you may do well to shop around before you commit to a loan, and obtain rate quotes from several different lenders. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that your credit rating, income, and debts may influence the interest rates you are offered. Usually, lenders offer the best rates to the borrowers with the best credit and the least likelihood of defaulting on their loans.

The down payment you make on the property you choose will likely influence your ability to secure a cheap mortgage as well. When you make a large down payment, you are borrowing less and paying less overall interest. Depending on how much down payment money you have, you may also avoid the additional expense of mortgage insurance. The lender also might offer a better interest rate since you are investing more initially and are less likely to default.

In many cases, the key to securing a cheap mortgage involves a combination of approaches. Instead of just looking for a good interest rate, you may strive for a low rate, a high down payment, and a low sale price. Together, these approaches are more likely to translate into a cheap mortgage than one versus the other.

It is important to note that the lender you choose and the terms of the mortgage are just as important as securing a low rate. Some lenders apply abusive lending practices and may offer a loan that would be very difficult for you to repay. For example, some lenders offers loans that include excessive fees or abnormally high penalties. To avoid such lenders, you can consider only those with the best reputations and read lending contracts carefully. If there are stipulations in a mortgage contract that you don’t understand, you may do best to ask a lawyer to review it before you sign.