So, you have planned that you are going to buy the house
of your dreams with an interest only mortgage .You think that
you will be getting low mortgage payment, and you will maximize
your tax deduction, all on your currrent income.
However, the main point here is that have you really understood
the concept of interest only mortgage.
So What Is An Interest-Only Mortgage?
Well, to tell you the truth there is no such
thing as interest only mortgage because eventually
you'll have to pay the loan principal as well. In
other words, with an interest only mortgage loan, you pay only
the interest on the mortgage in monthly payments for a fixed
term. After the end of that term, usually five to seven years,
you pay the balance in a lump sum, or start paying off the
principal. Net Net! What you're really getting is an
interest-only payment method which can be combined with any
type of traditional mortgage.
There are many benefits associated with taking out
interest-only loans. They allow younger buyers to take
advantage of a developing real-estate market, giving them the
opportunity to afford a slightly higher priced home.
For What Types Of Borrowers Are Interest-Only Mortgages
Suitable?
An Interest only mortgage can be an excellent choice for
some borrowers, who have a valid use for a lower initial required
payment. For most homeowners, paying down mortgage debt is
the most effective way to build wealth. Nonetheless, some
may build wealth more rapidly by investing excess cash flow
rather than paying down their mortgage. Of course for this
to hold true, their return on investment must exceed the mortgage
interest rate.
The interest only product was originally designed for individuals
whose income is cyclical. Borrowers with fluctuating incomes
may value the flexibility the IO mortgage gives them. When
their finances are tight, they can make the IO payment, and
when they are flush they can make a substantial payment to
principal.
Financial advisers don't recommend interest-only residential
mortgage to regular wage earners who take out moderate-size
residential mortgage loans and don't have a strategy for investing
the savings.
An interest-only mortgage might be a good fit for:
- someone whose income is mostly in the form of infrequent
commissions or bonuses;
- someone who expects to earn a lot more in a few years;
- someone who truly will invest the savings on the difference
between an interest-only mortgage and an amortizing mortgage,
and who is confident that the investments will make money.
The Final Analysis
The final analysis is that Interest only payments have a
place in the world, at least with the practical users. There
are people who can utilize a mortgage with interest-only
payments to their fullest. However, it would require careful
financial planning on behalf of the borrower to avoid going
underwater.
Don’t rule out interest only mortgage. Consider its pro
and cons to your particular situation and the lender you would
be working with. On the hind side also remember to question
yourself that interest-only payments may be working for friends
or family but does it work for you?
|