Prospective homebuyers and current homeowners know that a mortgage is likely to go hand-in-hand with your home, unless another arrangement has been made. However, there are many options available for those monthly mortgage payments, most commonly through 30-year fixed rate mortgages and 15-year fixed rate mortgages.
Most know about the 30-year option, but what about the 15-year fixed mortgage?
Here’s a quick guide to three of the top questions surrounding a 15-year mortgage:
Most homeowners and potential homebuyers can be eligible for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage. The qualifications will follow those set forth by your mortgage lender and can vary based on the property you find or your personal financial situation.
For those who have a secure investment and savings future and proven income stability, you may be more likely to gain a mortgage with a 15-year payoff. Likewise, you may have a limited pool of housing options available, since the loan is likely to be a bit smaller than your average 30-year mortgage.
Interest rates for a 15-year fixed mortgage may be lower than those of a standard 30-year mortgage. This is typically because you’re voluntarily paying higher monthly payments and have signed off on paying your loan in full within the 15-year period.
Because the loan term is shorter, your monthly mortgage payment may be larger by up to 50% (or more, depending on the loan) of what it would have originally been in a 30-year fixed mortgage. However, larger doesn’t have to be scary.
For those with a secure financial future, excellent financial health and who may not need as much property for their plans or lifestyle, a 15-year mortgage is more than an adequate option. Like a 30-year mortgage, you’ll want to ensure you’re ready for the larger monthly payments, applicable interest rate and quick-building equity that a 15-year fixed mortgage provides.
Buying and selling real estate isn't a do-it-yourself endeavor. You need a home pricing expert, a skilled negotiator, and someone who's been trained and inspired by the best in the business. With over 30 years of experience in both real estate and the customer service industries, Nicki truly puts her clients first.
While the Binghamton area was where she was born and raised, she knew the Capital Region was the perfect place to raise her 2 sons. Since travel sports were a large part of their lives, there isn't a town from Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties she isn't familiar with.
Her core values in her commitment to her clients are integrity, hard work, and specialized attention to every aspect of the home buying process. She prides herself in being an innovative thinker, coming up with creative and practical solutions for her clients. Whether you are buying your first home, ready to expand, or downsizing she would love to help you reach your real estate goals! Welcome Nicki!
