Mortgage rates are the rats at which the banks lend money to their customers to buy houses and property. They determine their mortgage rates based on the rate at which they are able to lend money - mainly from the reserve bank. This rate is often referred to as the repo rate.
Although with the latest credit crunch, you may think that mortgage rates which fluctuate are a bad thing, but mortgage rates fluctuations can be used to your advantage.
By choosing the right kind of mortgage loan, you can actually save thousands due to mortgage rates changing. For example, when the mortgage rates are low, then that is the best time to apply for a fixed rate loan. With a fixed rate loan, your repayments are fixed for a certain period - a few years, or even the entire loan period and then when the mortgage rates climb, your payments remain stable. This is a great type of loan to use for a budget as well since you will always know what your repayment is.
A variable rate loan has changing repayments which fluctuate as mortgage rates change. If mortgage rates at the time of taking out your loan are high, then this is the best type of loan to apply for. It means that when the interest rate falls then mortgage rates fall and your repayments fall leaving you a bit of extra cash in your budget.
But whether you choose a fixed or variable loan, be sure to shop around for the best mortgage rates. There are tons of companies who all want your business and to be competitive they offer deals on mortgage rates.
One of the best ways to shop around is to use a mortgage loan broker. A broker will get a number of quotes for the best mortgage rates on your behalf and they can also answer questions you may have about your mortgage loan.
Your credit rating also changes the mortgage rates you are offered, so its also a good idea to know your credit score and to try to improve your score as much as possible before you apply for a loan. Good credit reporting companies often offer a credit monitoring service. Better mortgage rates are easier with good credit scores.
But whether you’re looking for a fixed or variable rate loan, be sure to shop around for the cheapest mortgage rates. Cheaper mortgage rates could save you thousands in the long run. So to find to find the cheapest mortgage rates search for a broker in your area.
