ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
08.10.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Is An Interest Only Mortgage A Good Idea?

Author: Peter Kenny Author Ranking Gold | Posted: 15-07-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 247 | Rating:  (50) Article Popularity - Green (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

If you are looking for a home but you know that paying a mortgage will be a severe drain on your finances, then perhaps you should look at getting an interest only mortgage. If you are unsure about what an interest only mortgage is and how it can help you, then this article can provide you with some useful tips on getting an interest only mortgage.

What is an interest only mortgage?

An interest only mortgage is a mortgage where you only pay back the interest on the loan, and none of the capital debt is repaid directly. Once you get to the end of the mortgage term, you will pay back the capital payment in full.

How do you pay back the capital?

Although you don't pay the capital back directly through your monthly mortgage payments, you indirectly pay for the capital. You pay for the capital through an investment fund or other lump sum. So, instead of repaying your mortgage capital each month through mortgage payments, you may monthly payments into an investment fund. Apart from investment funds, the other main ways to pay off the capital are:

· Savings
· Switching to a repayment mortgage
· Another lump sum such as inheritance

What is the advantage of this?

Although you are still making monthly payments into an investment fund, these payments are likely to be a lot lower than the monthly mortgage payments you would pay on a normal repayment mortgage. Your interest only payments will be low each month and so if you cannot afford to pay a lot each month at the moment, an interest only mortgage might be a good idea. Also, the idea is that the money you put into the investment fund will mature and leave you with enough money to pay off the capital at the end of the mortgage term as well as leaving you with some extra money.

Are there risks?

Of course, there are a number of potential risks of getting an interest only mortgage. The first problem is that if you are hoping to pay off the capital by switching to a repayment mortgage later on, you will be paying back a lot more money than if you started on a repayment mortgage. Although you may find it hard right now, getting a repayment mortgage to start with might be a better option. However, the main risk involved with interest only mortgages is that the investment fund you set up will not be enough to pay back the capital at the end of the mortgage term. If you cannot pay back the capital then you could end up losing your home at a time in your life that it will hit you hardest, such as at retirement age.

If you are going to take out an interest only mortgage, make sure that the funding method you use is safe, and that you have contingency plans if the fund is insufficient to pay back the capital. If you do this, then getting an interest only mortgage can be a great way of keeping your payments low whilst you improve your income.

Rate this Article: Current: 3 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/is-an-interest-only-mortgage-a-good-idea-41703.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:

For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about credit cards and finance, please visit us at Credit Cards and Mortgages UK
Visit http://www.creditcards-gb.co.uk

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Avoiding Mortgage Mistakes That Can Cost You Money
By: Peter Kenny | 11/07/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

When Should you Switch Mortgage Companies?
By: Peter Kenny | 10/08/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

What is Pre-Qualify and is It Good for Me?
By: Peter Kenny | 12/10/2007 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

What Is Mortgage Title Insurance?
By: Peter Kenny | 05/02/2008 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Make Sure You Get A Fair Price For Your Home
By: Peter Kenny | 29/08/2008 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

What Are Bridging Loans?
By: Peter Kenny | 14/07/2006 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

What is an FHA Mortgage Loan?
By: Peter Kenny | 13/10/2007 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Using A Debt Calculator To Sort Your Finances
By: Peter Kenny | 10/02/2008 | Finance
Free Finance articles for use on your Finance related website. Find articles of the subject of Finance

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 125% HELOC still viable for people w/excellent credit scores and only a little equity in the house?
By: dygtolbert | 08-09-2008
My husband and I both have Excellent credit scores; we bought our 3rd house a year ago this month. I would like to get a HELOC with a 125% ltv. I want to consolidate debt and want a little extra for home improvements. I have already figured out we would save more than half on monthly debt payment, thereby increasing cash flow so I would be able to better use the HELOC to my advantage on my own terms. However, because of the current housing dilemma (which I think is at least half their fault) and because we have only had the house a year, we don't have enough equity. Are there any banks out there still willing to go on past financial history and current credit scores to give us this equity option? (I don't like to be denied because of the current market which is not our fault, and also be denied because we've only had the house for a year)...

What happens with the stocks now in fannie may ...
By: warren scroggie | 08-09-2008
what happens with the stocks now in fannie may,freddie mack.

What Is The Difference From Yhe White Coffee ...
By: frakthepug | 08-09-2008
What Is The Difference From Yhe White Coffee Filters From The Non White Coffiee Filters?

I wont to buy land and put a house on it but ...
By: RaeKing85 | 08-09-2008
I wont to buy land and put a house on it but wonted to wait and see what the bail out does to the market is that smart?

Student from HUC need help :P
By: chikaakatsuki | 08-09-2008
how do i apply the ptptn loan through online for help university college

Closing costs
By: Gary | 08-09-2008
We make a good living with excellent credit scores but little in savings for closing costs. I know they just stopped the closing cost assistance program but is there any other way besides seller assist to pay for the closing costs?

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Finance Articles

The History of the Global Forex Market
By: Orlando Thompson | 07/10/2008
In this article we explain what the global forex market is and how it came to be this is very insightful information that will help you in your forex trading system choices.

How To Go About Improving Your Credit Score
By: MIKE SELVON | 07/10/2008
While it'd be nice to live a "credit-free existence," it can be difficult to do so in today's world.

Self Directed IRA Possibilities With A Small Business
By: Jerry Glynn | 07/10/2008
It is normally not possible to set up a self directed IRA with a small business. This article describes a little known strategy that can be used in conjunction with a small business.

Understanding Debt Consolidation Loans
By: Richard Greenwood | 07/10/2008
It can be all too easy to end up in debt and especially during the current times of financial uncertainty you may find yourself unable to make repayments. Consolidating your debt can make your debts easier to manage and lower your interest charges meaning you become debt free faster.

Credit Card Comparison
By: Richard Greenwood | 07/10/2008
Credit card offers are everywhere and all claim to out do each other. How do you cut through the marketing talk and understand the key features you need to compare to make an informed decision. Find out with this informative article on credit card comparison.

Shopping For Auto Insurance
By: Brenda Williams | 07/10/2008
When you get your license for the first time before you begin driving you need to get car insurance as it's mandatory to have car insurance while driving. Car insurance can be rather expensive, especially for new drivers which is why you'll need to ensure that you're getting the best...

Taking 100% Responsibility - the Prerequisite for Creating Money & Marriage Success
By: Leslie Cunningham | 07/10/2008
It's a simple concept, to refrain from blaming and complaining, and yet it's a challenge to change a habit, especially one that everyone else has. Like sticking to your diet, when everyone else around you is enjoying chocolate cake. Keep reading and you'll find out how this relates to your marriage and finances. Then I'll share some action steps to help you become 100% responsible for your life.

Retirement Income Investing and Your Portfolio
By: Steve Selengut | 07/10/2008
Brokerage firm monthly statements are designed to promote either fear or greed, depending on the current market environment. Nowhere on your statement can you find numbers that report your net investment, your total working capital, or your true asset allocation. Current and projected income numbers are given little attention

More from Peter Kenny

The Benefits Of Renting Versus Owning
By: Peter Kenny | 18/02/2008 | Finance
Because of current housing conditions that are currently taking place many people believe that no one should buy a home, at least not soon. That is simply not true. There are some issues that home buyers should watch out for, but those issues, such as sub-prime loans, can be avoided...

Using A Debt Calculator To Sort Your Finances
By: Peter Kenny | 10/02/2008 | Finance
Some of the most powerful tools on the Internet today are the various debt calculators. Yet, it can be surprising to learn just how few consumers actually use them. Debt calculators are exactly what they sound like. They are online calculators that can help consumers better understand their loans. The...

Credit Card Blocking And How To Avoid It
By: Peter Kenny | 10/02/2008 | Finance
Have you ever heard of credit card blocking? Do you know what it is and how it might affect you? If you are not sure what blocking is, this article may be able to clear up some of the mystery. If you were ever told that you were over your credit...

What Is Mortgage Title Insurance?
By: Peter Kenny | 05/02/2008 | Finance
If you are thinking of buying your own home, you will hear the words title insurance somewhere along the process. Many consumers are not exactly sure what this is. For the most part, title insurance is almost always required by the lender. This insurance is used to protect the lender against...

Installment Loan Versus Line Of Credit
By: Peter Kenny | 04/02/2008 | Finance
There are times when consumers simply need to borrow money. As most people know, there are many different ways to borrow money. Two of the most common ways are through either an installment loan or through a line of credit. Knowing the difference between the two can be important. One of...

Debt Reduction Tips
By: Peter Kenny | 02/02/2008 | Finance
Virtually everyone who is in debt wishes he or she was in less debt. For the purposes of this article, debt is anything that you pay for with cash or credit during the course of a week or a month. It should not come as a surprise that many consumers...

What Are Plus Student Loans?
By: Peter Kenny | 29/01/2008 | Finance
College expenses are high; there is little argument over that. Students and parents of students often need financial help in order to get into and subsequently get through the years of education that leads to an advanced degree. Thankfully, there is a somewhat new student loan program available that help...

Common Federal Housing Mortgages
By: Peter Kenny | 18/01/2008 | Finance
For those seeking to buy a home, a good place to look for help with loans is through the federal government. Some of the more useful and common loan programs that are currently being offered follow: There are three government agencies that insure mortgages for homebuyers. The first is the Federal...

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below