Tuesday, 15 March 2011

Determining Mortgage Rates For Prospective Property Owners

By Adriana Noton


The decision to purchase a home is always accompanied by the desire to find a low interest rate. The lending institution which provides the loan is usually credited for same if the rate is low and similarly, the lender is likely to be criticized if it is viewed as too high. Many people are unaware of the factors driving mortgage rates. In truth, lenders do not have too much say in determining interest rates. Secondary market investors do.

Typically, banks, credit unions or other financial establishments will provide a homeowner with the money to buy a home. They are referred to as the loan originators. However, funding of the loan does not necessarily mean that the originator will keep it as part of its portfolio. It can also choose to sell to investors on the secondary market.

In exercising the first option, the originator realizes a return on its investment through the payment of interest. In choosing the second route of selling, the lender would have made a strategic decision relative to its ability to fund more loans. The income realized from the sale is used to replenish its reserves and ensure that it is always liquid enough to make increasing numbers of mortgages available.

In other words, the secondary market investors keep the cycle of funds circulating, thus ensuring that money is always available to loan originators to fund new mortgages. Secondary market investors are usually insurance companies, pension funds, government chartered companies and securities dealers. They play a large part in determining the ups and downs of mortgage interest rates.

They use the economy as a guide in determining how much profits will be made when they purchase loans. A climbing economy means that more profits can be had at a later time, and in anticipation of this, they hold off on investing for the moment. In the absence of sale for low yielding mortgage products, a higher interest rate kicks in.

Low rates come with a down economy. At that time, investors buy up all available loans in an effort to stave off being landed with low yield products when things eventually turn around. As a consequence, these patterns have direct bearing on what is available to persons seeking mortgages.

Given all these intricacies which drive the process, it may take some effort to find a suitable arrangement. Evidently, some knowledge about the inner workings of the marketplace can place one in a better position to exploit market forces, advantageously. Astute planning and flawless timing can help in snagging a very good deal, which can mean big savings in the long run.

Unfortunately, unexpected and unforeseen costs can take a big bite out of savings realized and short circuit the very best efforts. Ask about every single cost associated with a loan and avert such misfortune. Low mortgage rates toronto may not always work out as advantageous. Other factors play a role as well. One example is closing costs, which are necessary to effect legal transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer.




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