Many Orlando homebuyers don’t understand mortgages
A survey conducted by Zillow.com finds that many prospective homebuyers don’t understand even basic information about mortgages, relying heavily on advice from lenders.
Fairly simple mortgage questions were answered incorrectly almost half (46 percent) the time according to a Zillow Mortgage Marketplace survey; and 44 percent admitted they’re not confident in their knowledge of mortgages or the mortgage process.
For example, 57 percent of prospective homebuyers polled don’t understand how adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) work. When asked if interest rates on 5/1 ARMs always reset higher after five years, the majority of homebuyers answered yes. However, an ARM interest rate will adjust to the prevailing rate after five years and in could even go lower. Currently, many borrowers whose ARMs have recently reset have lower interest rates than they did when they took out the loan.
Additionally, one-third (34 percent) of prospective homebuyers don’t understand that lender fees are negotiable and that they vary by lender. They mistakenly believe lenders are required by law to charge the same fees for credit reports and appraisals. Consequently, they don’t shop around for lower fees.
“Most people wouldn’t jump out of a plane if they didn’t know how to use a parachute, yet each year many buyers commit to the largest loan they will take out in their lifetimes without understanding essential information about mortgages,” says Zillow Mortgage Marketplace Director Erin Lantz. “By simply spending a few hours researching how a mortgage works and shopping around for the most competitive rates and fees, buyers can save a lot of money.”
Additional findings from prospective home buyers polled:
• Nearly half (45 percent) believe that they should always buy mortgage discount points when obtaining a mortgage. However, because mortgage discount points are simply prepaid interest, the decision should depend on how long the borrower intends to own the home. In some cases, they may not stay in the house long enough to break even.
• More than half (55 percent) do not understand that mortgage rates vary throughout the day, similar to how stock prices can change throughout the day. To get the optimum rate, it’s important to monitor rates and shop around.
• More than one-third (37 percent) believe that pre-qualifying for a loan means they have secured financing. But “pre-qualification” describes the earliest step in the process when a lender approximates how much a borrower can afford – but doesn’t run a credit report or request any documentation to verify the information. Although there is not a reliable industry standard definition of pre-qualification, financing is never secured until a lender approves a loan application without conditions.
• More than two in five (42 percent) do not understand that Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are available to all buyers. Instead, they believe only first-time buyers qualify. FHA loans can cost less for many buyers, including repeat buyers, with low to average credit scores and downpayments less than 20 percent.
Interactive online quiz and resources available
An online version of the Zillow Mortgage Marketplace survey, the “Mortgage IQ Quiz,” is available here.
It contains the correct answers and detailed explanations to each question. Following the quiz, participants receive a score and find resources to learn more about mortgages and the mortgage process.
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Jerry LaRose is an Orlando Area Residential Real Estate Expert, who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of Real Estate in Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, East Orlando, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Maitland, Winter Park, Oviedo, Apopka, Lake Mary, Clermont, Ocoee Florida or any place in the country. Jerry has created a team of professionals throughout Orlando and the country to ensure that you enjoy a smooth transition to your new area.
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