PFBlog logo

My Personal Finance Journey

Personal finance observation, musing and decisions in a journey toward financial independence by 36 with at least $1 million.

  Home | Feed: feed-icon.gif | About | Progress: June 07: $756,924 | Best of PFBlog | Product Reviews | PFBlog Digest | Disclaimer | Advertise | Contact Me

6 Mortgage Myths That Can Cost You Money



With the mortgage rates trending down week after week, many people may jump into the refinancing bandwagon again. BankRate listed six money-costing mortgage myths as a timely reminder for those who want to make more sense of this crucial financial decision.

Myth 1: A 30-year fixed mortgage is always best.

Yes, 30-year fixed mortgage is still at historic low and adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) have their fair share of risks, but why settling with 30-year fixed mortgage if you only want to live in your house for the next five years? The 1 percent or more spread between these two types of loans will be yours to keep.

Myth 2: Pay off that mortgage as soon as possible.

My 3.5% 5/1 ARM only costs me less than 3% every year after tax benefits, so why should I be any eager to pay more than the minimal? I can easily move the money to other markets for better gains, or, stay on the conservative side, to keep in money markets and improve my liquidity.

Myth 3: You need a big down payment.

Many new mortgage products will only require 5% down payment or even less. Just be patient for comparison shopping.

Myth 4: You're stuck with PMI.

If you cannot put 20% down payment, use piggyback financing to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). Piggyback financing adds a second mortgage to the usual 80% primary mortgage and give you more down payment flexibility without the PMI burden.

Myth 5: Dinged credit? No mortgage for you!

People with imperfect credit now receive warm welcome from mortgage brokers. These guys want to help you (and help themselves).

Myth 6: Refinancing means a new 30-year countdown.

Refinancing does not automatically mean you will start over the 30-year cycle again. Ask your broker for customized products so that you can pay off your loan earlier and still enjoy the lower rate. Or, continue to make the original monthly payment after refinancing and you will be the 100% owner of your property much sooner.

null

This post has 1 comment. Read and share your opinions.
Similar Posts

Six-Figure Zip Codes (November 20, 2004)
Are more than 70% of your neighbors making more than $100,000 a year? If so, chances are your zip code may be on the list of top 30 zip codes with the highest percentage of households earning six-figures. Topping the list are: 60043 (Kenilworth, IL ... Read
Home, The Mother Of All Tax Shelters (November 11, 2004)
Jeff Schnepper put together a list of tax benefits associated with homeownership. His list includes: - Deduction on property tax - Deduction on mortgage interest (first $1 million on mortgage and first $100,000 on home-equity debt) - Gain exclusion: the first $250,000 gain (or $500,000 ... Read
Are You Subsidizing Tax Breaks For The Rich? (September 11, 2004)
Scott Burns at MSN Money is concluding that the idea of encouraging homeownership with tax deductions is no longer working. How so? For most Mid-America homeowners, the average home price makes it is near to impossible to claim any tax benefit from mortgage interest and ... Read
A Quick Lesson on Deeds (August 30, 2004)
If you have been involved in a real estate transaction, you probably already know "deeds." It is one of the most critical forms when you buy, sell or transfer a property. This excellent BankRate story provides great education on this topic. Some of my take-aways: Read

Read all 36 articles in the same category.
Comments
>>> Brad Commented on December 06, 2004

I have heard that some mortgage brokers in the US are offering part of their commisson to act as an inducement to sign on the dotted line .....


Add Your Comments









Remember personal information?







Mail This Post
Email addresses will never be collected or sold.
Email this entry to:

Your email address:

Message (optional):




Read More ... 36 Posts In The Same Category

PREMIUM SPONSORS

Car Loans
Dallas Bankruptcy Attorney
Personal Loans
Car Finance
Homeowner Loans
Cheap Car Insurance
Mortgages UK & CCJ Mortgage
Used Cars
Loans
Commercial Mortgages and Business Loans
Guaranteed Car Finance
Payday Loan
Personal Loan
Student Loan Consolidation.com
Secured Loans
Bad Credit Loans - Free Quote