The “One Will Cost You 11” Formula
As we are coming out of an era when mortgage rates reached
an all time low, as consumers, it is prudent, without the
saturation of rock bottom rates, to seek out ways in which
we will still be able to good deals on mortgages.
Consider employing a simple formula called the “one
will cost you 11.” This is a phrase used to explain
how one percentage point will require an income increase of
11 percent in order to bridge the gap. Therefore, if you make
50,000 per year at your job, and your are just barely covering
the needs of your loan that has a 5.5 percent associated rate;
even if all other factors remained constant, i.e. loan amount,
initial deposit, credit background check, debt versus income
percentage, you would still need to make an additional $5,000
(in total $55, 000) in order to cover a one percent interest
rate increase from 5.5 to 6.5 percent
Essentially, this formula holds true for both fixed rate
and adjustable plans. When mortgage rates are low, home prices
are more reasonable. When interest rates increase, home buyers
have fewer options as they are no longer able to get as much
for their money. Yet, economic changes do not have been foreseen
as a complete barrier to home ownership. Rather, the opposite,
as there are still a plethora of routes one can to take in
the process of affording their dream home.
Even as rates head upwards, consumers’ ability to
demonstrate their power when shopping for mortgages will still
be a significant factor in the mortgage lending industry.
However, it is important for potential homebuyers to take
into consideration all the loan options available to them.
On account of the new rules that will apply as interest rates
increase, borrowers are encouraged to similarly utilize in
their efforts to secure a mortgage with the lowest possible
interest rates.
Along with rising interest rates comes additional pressures
put upon consumers to find ways to afford the mortgages they
need. However, experts advise that persons who feel put upon
due to rate hikes consider the ARM option on account of the
fact that it kicks off with a lower interest rate than that
of traditional, fixed rate mortgages. Hence, they can secure
the mortgage they need while in the interim make plans to
fund rates as they are due to fluctuate over time.
As all are aware, the longer the term of the mortgage, the
higher the interest rates tend to be. That is why the major
rule of thumb remains that it is best to pay off the mortgage
within the shortest amount of time possible. Over the duration
of the loan, this will indeed cut down on additional costs
and fees. |