Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Owning your first house and you need a Bond, What are my options?

By Graham McKenzie

Bonds fall into two categories ? bonds with a fixed interest rate and bonds with interest rates that fluctuate during the loans duration. Fixed interest rates are more popular because the client always understands where they stand with the interest.

Fixed rate bonds are popular among home owners because the rate will never change. Basically most owners do now want to do the math and sit down and constantly analyze a bond with a fluctuating interest. There is nothing wrong with that.

Most fixed rate bonds run between twenty to thirty years, which is definitely a long time. A lot of people would rather stick to something around fifteen years, which is fine if they have a higher than average equity along with an income sufficient to meet the higher monthly payments.

The ideal world would make it possible for the bank to tailor the loan around the individual's needs. Obviously this is not an ideal world, so banks must do what they must to protect their own needs. Banks offer bonds in five year additions, beginning with fifteen years and slowly moving up from there. Twenty five is the most common duration, although fifteen year bonds are finding a niche.

Others prefer bonds where the interest rate constantly is adjusted. This is smart because sometimes the interest rate is fixed to begin with and slowly will adjust over time. Banks are more inclined to stay flexible with individuals who take out loans with adjustable interest and will accommodate their needs.

The homeowner may wish to request an adjustment with the interest based on the current economy. The bank is more than happy to meet this request, but will charge fees for doing so. It's worthwhile to make the request if you can afford the fees.

On the opposite end, the bank will constantly adjust the interest based on a decreasing economy. These increased interest rates are tough to handle but it comes with taking out a loan.

Both types of bonds offer different advantages. Generally people are inclined to stick with a fixed mortgage rate and sacrifice the chance the interest rates will drop throughout the years. - 15224

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