What to Look For in a Home Loan

There are many different types of home loans, and knowing what to look for can help you negotiate with lenders for the best deal. Depending on the terms of the loan, the amount of interest you pay per month, and the risk level, your choices can greatly affect the overall cost of the loan and your monthly payments. For example, you will want to consider the term of the loan and whether or not it comes with any tax benefits. There are some things you should always keep in mind when comparing home loan options, and the longer your repayment term, the higher the interest rate.

Interest rate

Home loan interest rates vary depending on the market conditions. Variable rate home loans are linked to an external benchmark such as the repo rate, the yield on three and six month treasury bills, or any other benchmark rate announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Banks have transparency in calculating the effective rate of interest and this reflects in the home loan rates. However, the rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Down payment

Whether you’re paying cash for your down payment or saving for a down payment CD, you need to know what your lender expects. Most lenders look at down payments in five percent increments, so putting down “almost” the required amount won’t help 주택담보대출 you much. If you can afford eight percent, save more money and choose a slightly cheaper home. If you can’t afford more than that, consider talking to a housing counselor or HUD-certified government program.

Repayment tenor

The repayment tenor of a home loan plays an important role in determining the monthly instalment and the overall interest payable on the loan. The interest on a loan is calculated on the projected tenure of the loan, and the principle and interest are split into monthly instalments (called EMIs). Generally, the longer the repayment tenor, the lower the overall interest and EMI. However, a shorter repayment tenor will yield a higher EMI and higher total interest.

Tax benefits

A home loan can be an excellent way to save tax and prepare for your fixed asset investment. Various sections of the tax code can be used to claim tax rebates on home loans, including Section 24 and Section 80EE. A joint home loan can also earn you tax benefits if both the owners own the property. For tax benefits on joint home loans, all joint owners must have a mortgage or equity in the property. Therefore, it’s important to understand the tax benefits of home loans before you invest in a home loan.

Prequalification

You’ve heard the term “prequalification for home loan,” and you may wonder what it means. It is the first step in the mortgage process, and you can start shopping for a new home in your true price range. Prequalification is a quick and easy process involving a short questionnaire. Using it to your advantage can save you time and money when you’re looking for a home. But it’s important to remember that getting prequalified isn’t the same thing as being approved for a loan.