Find a home at a price you love in Abingdon
Mortgage rates have been low in the past few months, but they are on the rise again and will continue to be in the future. If you're looking to become a homeowner, now is the time to invest, and what better place to do so than in Abingdon? With Baltimore just a few miles away and all the benefits of Harford County from your doorstep, Abingdon has everything you could want or need. These cost-effective homes are attractive and comfortable. You'll be amazed by the deals Abingdon has to offer.
Abingdon has rates you won't believe
Houses are beautiful and mortgage rates are low in this suburban paradise
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Common Questions About Abingdon Mortgage Rates
All The Answers You Need to Settle Down Sooner
Should I choose a fixed or adjustable rate?
It depends how long you expect to stay in the home. Adjustable rates are good for people who may not be in the home long, whereas fixed rates are ideal for people who are confident of settling in.
Do I need a home appraisal?
Probably—in most cases, the homebuyer must use an appraiser to evaluate the value of the home. Appraisal costs vary depending on the value of the property, as well as the state the house is in. Buyers cannot choose their own appraiser—the bank makes the decision.
What is PMI?
Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than 20%, or when a borrower refinances with less than 20% equity in the home. PMI fees vary according to your down payment and credit score, and adds a premium to your monthly mortgage payment. Please note, PMI is tax-deductible in 2015 and 2016 for certain income brackets.
What does Loan-to-Value mean?
Loan-to-Value (LTV) is the percentage of your home’s value that your loan represents. When refinancing, the calculation is simply the loan amount divided by the appraised value. When buying a home, the LTV is found by dividing by either the purchase price or appraised amount, whichever is lower. When the LTV is less than 80%, the lender generally requires PMI.
For example:
Purchase price: $100,000
Down payment: $15,000
Loan amount: $85,000
Appraised value: $110,000
LTV: $85,000/$100,000 = 85%
What are closing costs?
Closing costs are standard fees associated with a real estate transaction. You will typically pay about 2-5% of the purchase price in closing costs—the exact amount depends on where you are buying (or refinancing), as well as number of extra fees involved in your particular transaction. Earnest charges no lender fees, so the borrower is only responsible for 3rd-party fees.
What should I consider before refinancing my mortgage?
Refinancing your home loan is an attractive option when rates are low. A simple rate and term refinance can help you lower your monthly payment and potentially eliminate your PMI premium, as long as you have built up enough equity in the home. You might also use a cash-out refinance to access some of the equity you’ve built up in the home (which may result in a higher monthly payment on your new loan).
However, keep in mind that refinancing a mortgage does involve several fees (closing costs). Before refinancing, you should calculate the ‘break-even’ point at which your refinanced loan makes up for the closing costs. If you plan to leave your home before this time, it’s better to stay with your current mortgage.
Knowledge Is (Buying) Power
Further Resources from the Earnest Blog
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