Mortgage Interest Rates Up - Is It Still a Good Time to Buy?

You've seen the headlines and heard the chatter - mortgage interest rates have gone up. How long will this last? Will this be a return to renting for people who were thinking of buying a home? Or is it just a small adjustment in the overall scheme of things? 

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Lace up your sneakers, you’re buying your first home!

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With interest rates still near all time lows, you may be thinking about refinancing your existing mortgage into a new one. As a homeowner, there are good reasons to consider this option: to get a lower interest rate, to drop private mortgage insurance, or to pull cash from your home’s equity to consolidate debt or make home improvements. The short answer, of course, is to have more money each month for groceries, car payments, and the orthodontic bill.   "You may have the potential to save hundreds of dollars on your monthly payments by refinancing," said Bryan Maddex, a loan officer with our Amerifirst Charlotte, N.C., branch. "While it's not right for everyone, it doesn't cost you anything to talk to a loan officer who can review your current mortgage and let you know your options."  

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One of the most asked questions in the mortgage industry is "What's the interest rate?" While the bottom line of your budget is extremely important, the interest rate isn't the most important factor. What you're getting when it comes to the mortgage loan option is the vital piece of information. When it comes to home improvement loans, you'll pay a little more on the interest rate. But there's a reason: risk.

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The HSH Blog article today focuses on mortgage interest rates and points, with special emphasis on first time home buyers. We've talked about ultra-low interest rates before, and cautioned first time buyers about these deceptive advertisements. However, we didn't cover points. It's an important part of the mortgage process, and you need to know about it. 

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