Types of Mortgages
Mortgages are complex products. Rate, term & amortization are the basic ingredients but that’s really just one page of the cookbook. Consider the following choices when choosing your mortgage:
Fixed Rate vs. Variable Rate
With a fixed rate mortgage, your interest rate & payment remain the same for the length of your term. A variable rate mortgage, on the other hand, is tied to the bank’s prime rate & fluctuates Buyers are generally able to borrow less when choosing a variable, as banks must use the 5 year posted rate to qualify. throughout the year. Historically, variable rate mortgages have been a less expensive option than fixed rate mortgages, but this savings comes with the added risk of your payment changing down the road.
The decision of whether to go fixed or variable boils down to your risk tolerance. Are you able to handle a possible increase in payments if interest rates go up? Is the security of knowing your payment each month worth sacrificing for the potential savings of a variable? Choosing the right product is a client-specific process. For more information on fixed vs. variable, or to see which is right for you, contact Ryan.
Short-term vs. Long-term
Choosing the appropriate term is just as important as getting a competitive rate. Why? Breaking your mortgage before the end of term can come with a hefty price tag. If you plan to sell your home in the near future or if you feel interest rates will be lower at the time of renewal, a short-term mortgage (1 – 3 years) may be appropriate. If you like the current rates & want the security of budgeting for the future, a long-term mortgage (4-10 years) may be the best option. Generally speaking, the shorter the term, the lower the rate.
Closed Mortgages vs. Open Mortgages
Open mortgages offer the freedom to end your mortgage at any time or to pay off any portion of the mortgage without a penalty. Closed mortgages come with a lower interest rate but charge a penalty for exceeding your prepayment privileges or if you break the mortgage before the end of term. Typically, only homeowners planning to sell within a year or make considerably large lump sum payments choose open mortgages. The reason being that open mortgages are offered at higher rates than closed mortgages.
Readvanceable Mortgage
This type of mortgage is only available to well-qualified borrowers with 20%+ equity in their home. Consisting of two parts — a mortgage portion & a line of credit portion — the readvanceable mortgage allows you to re-borrow the principal you pay off each month without having to apply for additional credit. As you make your mortgage payments, your line of credit increases by the amount of principal you pay off each month. A readvanceable mortgage is ideal for unexpected emergencies, investments, the Smith Manoeuvre, or other expenses.
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