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Fixed Rate Interest Only

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Times they are a-changing and these days we all have to become our own mortgage experts. So, is this a good time for a fixed rate mortgage? Today's market seems to be crying out for would-be home owners to negotiate for only one type of mortgage, and the advice must be clear: finance with fixed-rate mortgages.

In this financial climate, why would anyone do anything else, mortgage interest rates are at their lowest levels since May, in fact we're looking at rates last seen in the 1960s. Why such low mortgage interest rates? Why such low mortgage rates in the face of large balance-of-payments debts, rising oil costs, huge federal deficits, chaos on Wall Street and foreclosures in every state? This low rate is mystifying many financial analysts, especially as it is coupled with record high foreclosures.

Loan applications are up nearly 20% compared with last year, according to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Could this be investors snapping up the foreclosures, or regular buyers taking advantage of the low rates? This is a puzzle, but prospective buyers just have to jump on the bandwagon, ours is not to reason why! Especially if we need a mortgage! So what about a fixed rate mortgage, what are the snags?

The obvious one that has to be addressed is that, paradoxically, mortgage rates have been spiraling downwards. Once we are locked into a fixed rate mortgage, we can no longer take advantage of a (possibly) dropping interest rate.

Therefore the big snag is that we could end up paying more than we need to. But the big advantage is that we will not suddenly have to accept a jump in rates that will mean that our repayments have zoomed out of our range.

The temptation therefore, is to take a variable mortgage rate and see if it goes down further. If you go this route, make sure that you can organize a quick change to a fixed mortgage and read the small print.

Sometimes the downside about a variable mortgage with a change option is this: the fixed rate that you can switch to can be a higher rate than a straight fixed rate mortgage.

As with many things in life, the type of mortgage we choose will probably reflect our personality. If we are optimists, or if we have a daring side to our nature, we may wait before we lock in.

If we are not the gambling type, and we really need to know that we can live within our budget in order to have peace of mind, then we will probably choose to lock in straightaway.

Fixed Rate Interest Only

Research conducted by moneysupermarket has indicated that the top ten mortgage providers have increased their fixed-rate mortgage products following the Bank of England's decision to raise the base rate last month.

Due to the quarter of a percentage hike to 5.5 per cent in May, consumers could well find the pressure to make secured loan payments increasing over the course of the next few months.

Louise Cuming, head of mortgages for moneysupermarket, said: "Borrowers needing the stability of a fixed-rate product should reserve their next deal now if their current mortgage term is set to end soon.

"While fixed rates have been looking pretty good in relation to the base rate, they appear to be going up - and fast."

The financial firm indicated that lenders are continuing to increase costs on their fixed-rate deals, ahead of an increase to the base rate predicted to take place on July 5th - which consequently could place further pressure on those making repayments on secured homeowner loans.

Ms Cuming pointed out that Abbey pushed up the price of its fixed-rate products last week, with Halifax set to do the same today (June 25th).

"It is only a matter of time before other lenders follow suit and increase their rates again," the industry expert claimed.

She added that those looking to maintain their monthly secured loan repayments in the future can reserve a mortgage deal at the current rate for a period of up to six months.

The comments from moneysupermarket are the second in recent weeks to suggest that cheap fixed-rate mortgages are becoming increasingly scarce.

Earlier this month, Moneyfacts spokesperson Lisa Taylor claimed many loan lenders are increasing interest rates on their products to beyond the six per cent figure.

She also pointed out that since the beginning of June "at least nine" suppliers have withdrawn some, or all, of their fixed-rate products.

As a result, the representative suggested that those concerned about meeting secured loan repayment costs should aim to take out a fixed-rate product as soon as possible as a third interest rate rise of the year could take place.

Ms Taylor said: "With a further rate rise still potentially on the cards for 2007, those consumers on a tight budget will need to act quickly before more of the current best buy fixed-rate deals vanish."

She claimed those who fail to take out a fixed-rate product as their current deal expires are set for a "nasty shock" as monthly secured loan loan repayments rise.

However despite increased pressure to pay off loans, consumers were always advised to make repayments on their borrowing.

MoneyExpert chief executive Sean Gardner claimed that failing to make payments could see borrowers damage their credit rating and risk going to court.

His comments follow research indicating some 1,389,000 personal loan repayments have been missed so fear this year.

Mr Gardner said: "This is yet another warning of real financial distress and a sign that finances are being stretched to the limit by recent interest rate rises."

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