How Can I Avoid Paying Jumbo Mortgage Rates?

How to Avoid Jumbo Mortgage Rates?

There are ways to avoid paying jumbo mortgage rates. First of all, do what you can to raise your credit score. If there is little that you can do to raise your credit score, see what arrangements you can make with your creditors and be sure to correct inaccuracies and negative information on your credit report. Then, you also have the option of putting down a larger down payment. To avoid jumbo mortgage rates it is advised that you ensure that your loan amount agrees with conforming mortgage limits. This can be done by making a larger down payment when purchasing your home or paying down the loan.

What Else Can be Done”

Next, think about a piggyback loan. A piggyback mortgage is when you have a first mortgage that is below the conforming mortgage limit and a second mortgage that you establish at the same time as the first. What this does is that it allows you to take advantage of the lower conforming mortgage interest rates on the first mortgage and pay the normal, standard second mortgage rates on the second mortgage.

Another Method That May Help

Another way to avoid paying jumbo mortgage rates is to get an adjustable-rate mortgage. This can be an effective way for qualified borrowers because adjustable rate mortgages offer rates that are similar to 30-year conforming mortgages, but with amounts that can go as high as 2 million. However, you will need to make a down payment of 20 to 30 percent to quality and you will most likely pay higher interest rates once the initial rate ends.

Understanding Mortgage Rates & Arm Mortgages – Tips You Need to Know

Mortgage rates have declined to historically low rates.  Couple that with plenty of real estate homes on inventory and it can be a great time to invest in real estate.  In addition to the option of plenty of homes, you now have multiple options to your mortgage as well. For example, aside from the well-known 30-year-fixed rate mortgage, you have the Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) available for your home mortgage.

According to Bankrate the current mortgage rates (as of 8/23/10) are:
    30 yr fixed mtg 4.52%
    15 yr fixed mtg 3.95%
    5/1 ARM            3.51%

So let’s break it down so you can understand your options. The low initial interest rate (3.51%) on an ARM sounds great, but you risk exposing yourself to future high interest rates.  As a matter of fact, it’s important to understand the worst possible case scenario, how much you could have to pay.  Do lenders disclose your worst-case scenario? Somewhat.  However, they are able to sugar coat it by advertising the initial low rate, which entices many home buyers.

The 3.51% interest rate means you are paying interest only.  Not one dime of your mortgage payment will be applied to principal.  Is this a negative situation?  Not exactly.  Keep in mind for the first 10 years or so of a 30-year-fixed rate mortgage very little is applied to principal, especially in the early years.  Also, many don’t live in their homes for more than 10 years.

Let’s assume a 5/1 ARM.  Your initial rate according to Bankrate mortgage rates is 3.51%.  It’s practically 1% less than the 30-year mortgage.    For the first 5 years, your rate will be locked in at 3.51% and after every subsequent year, your rate can adjust, say 2% every year. Your maximum cap rate is 6% above the initial rate (3.51%).  There is a maximum cap rate and an initial rate. However, for the lifetime of this 5/1 ARM your maximum rate can never be greater than 9.51% (6%+3.51%).   Don’t forget your mortgage rate can decrease from a previous adjustment, but cannot decrease lower than the minimum.   The rates adjust according to a specified index. 

Another component to an ARM is the margin. The margin is a constant percentage that a lender will add to the index value.  After the initial interest rate period, your new rate will depend on the index value (remember, margin remains constant).   Each lender can have a different margin rate.