Fixed Mortgage
A fixed mortgage locks you into a set interest rate throughout the term of your mortgage, allowing you to know exactly how much principal and interest you will be paying during the term of the loan. Terms can range from as little as 6 months or up to 10 years in duration.
Fixed rate mortgages offer some form of pre-payment, from 10% to 25% of the original mortgage balance each year, depending on the lender. If you wish to pay off your mortgage in full you may face a penalty of either 3 months simple interest or an Interest Rate Differential (IRD). The benefit of a fixed rate mortgage lies in the interest rate, which is lower than that of an open mortgage. A fixed rate mortgage is a popular option for borrowers who have no plans to pre-pay it in full during the selected term.
Open Mortgage
An open mortgage offers the borrower the flexibility to pay off part or all of the mortgage balance at any time without penalty. Interest rates are usually higher on an open mortgage and are tied to the bank’s prime rate.
Second Mortgage
A “second mortgage” typically refers to a secured loan (or mortgage) that is subordinate to another loan against the same property.
Commercial Mortgage
A commercial mortgage is similar to a residential mortgage, except the collateral is a commercial building or other business real estate rather than residential property. In addition, commercial mortgages are typically taken on by businesses instead of individual borrowers.
Variable Rate Mortgage
A variable rate mortgage allows borrowers to take advantage of today’s low prime interest rates. Most variable rate products are set below prime, with terms that range from 1 to 5 years. Payments vary, depending on which product or lender you choose. In some cases you can fix your payments for up to 5 years, but the interest rate will fluctuate as the bank’s prime rate changes. In other cases your monthly payments will fluctuate depending on how many times the prime rate changes during the term of your agreement.
Secured Line of Credit
A secured line of credit allows you the freedom to access the equity in your home whenever you choose. Interest rates are tied to prime, but are usually slightly above the rate the banks pay. Required payment on the balance is interest only, making it a good choice in those cases where cash flow may be important. A secured line of credit offers lower interest rates compared to an unsecured line of credit. You may have a secured line of credit, as well as a mortgage, if you have sufficient equity in your home.
Private Mortgage
A private mortgage is an agreement that allows you to borrow from another person or business rather than a bank.
Difficult Mortgage
Many lenders shy away from mortgages that entail complicated financing issues, such as multi-unit investment properties, restaurant real estate loans, construction and development loans, and other problems. When your bank says “No” or “We don’t offer that program”, Axiom Mortgage Solutions can help. We work directly with banks and lenders to locate exactly the right solution for your needs.