Edmonton Mortgage interest rates fall into two categories, variable or fixed rate loans. A loan with variable interest changes the portion of the payment dedicated to reducing the principal which may result in changes to the length of the loan. Fixed interest rates stay the same for the entire financing period. Learning the difference between these two types of interest rates and the pros and cons of each type may assist you in selecting the financing option that is most suitable for you.
Every loan is made up of two parts. The principal is the original amount that you borrow. This is the cost of the property, plus any additional expenses financed into the purchase price. The second part is the interest charged for the use of the money until the loan is repaid. Most loans are structured so that a portion of the payment the borrower makes goes to satisfy the base amount and a portion to the interest.
To calculate the mortgage, a set percentage of the principal is added into the payment as interest. There is a payment plan, often called a schedule, that is reviewed at the time the loan closes noting exactly when the payments will be due. Borrowers keep this information for their future financial planning.
Over the life of the loan, a fixed rate loan remains the same. Regardless of whether overall market rates rise or fall, the payments will not fluctuate. Some people may choose to refinance their mortgage to capture a lower rate, but unless they do, the payments do not change. The life of the loan is also fixed in advance.
One advantage that fixed rates loans offer to borrowers is predictability and stability. If interest rates rise, the borrowers are not adversely affected. The terms of the fixed rate loan protects them from sudden change. Thus, fixed rate loans may provide greater security for borrowers, stability and confidence in financial projections for the years ahead.
Variable rate mortgages do change with the overall market rates. They are usually pegged to the prime rate set by the government banks. The amount of payments made by the borrower remains the same, but the percentage that will go to the principal varies. When a larger percentage goes to the principal, the loan is repaid faster.
With variable rate mortgages, the term of the mortgage, or length of time that the payments continue, is flexible. When the prime rate is high, more of the monthly payment goes to interest and not to repay the principal. If rates fall, the reverse is true and the debt would be satisfied in less time.
So, which type of interest rate you select for your Edmonton Mortgage, depends on your personal financial priorities and your comfort with risk. For a person comfortable with more risk and who believes the future may portend lower interest rates, a variable loan might be a good match. If security is more important, then by all means consider loans with fixed interest rates. To learn more, remember professional guidance is available. They can help you find the loan that is perfect for you.
Steve Fraser is an Edmonton Mortgage Broker. Learn the 4 crucial questions you should ask when looking for a mortgage broker when you download his free report, “The Insider Secrets to Protecting Your Finances and Getting a Money-Saving Mortgage Even if You Have Bad Credit,” from his Edmonton Mortgage Website.
