One of the first steps you will take on your home buying journey in Delaware or Pennsylvania is meeting with a lender to discuss your eligibility to take on a mortgage loan. You will likely be given a few quotes based on different loan products, each varying by terms, conditions, and interest rates. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a common choice for homebuyers in Delaware or Pennsylvania, however, there are a few reasons why this mortgage may not be for you.

As you decide which mortgage may be right for you this year, consider the following reasons to choose a loan other than the 30-year fixed-rate option:

You plan to move soon
The whole idea behind signing on to a 30-year mortgage is that your payments will be spread out for decades, meaning you plan to stay put for a while. But if you can see yourself moving in the near future or have plans to relocate soon, this mortgage option is probably not for you. You may like to consider a loan with a shorter term— a 5 year ARM (adjustable rate mortgage), for instance. This loan does often come packaged with a lower interest rate to begin with, but is subject to change when the term is up.

You plan to retire soon
Just as I mentioned above, if you know your financial situation and even location will be changing soon, it may not be wise to sign on to a long-term mortgage. For budding retirees, you may even be planning to rent again. Moving into a new home with a long, drawn-out mortgage could force you to alter your plans, therefore a 3 or 5 year ARM may be a better fit.

You don't have a large down payment
30-year mortgages typically require 20 percent down, but keep in mind that there are other loan products that will allow you to purchase a home with less. With these shorter term mortgages, you may be able to buy a home in Delaware or Pennsylvania with as little as 3 percent down. Don't let your misconception about needing 20 percent down keep you from buying your dream home this year!

You want to build equity quickly
Aside from a 5-year ARM, homebuyers tend to look at 15-year mortgages as an alternative. This shorter loan allows Delaware and Pennsylvania area homeowners to build equity faster, although their monthly payments will likely be higher due to the shorter term. It is all dependent on your financial goals and timeline, so take the time to map out where you intend to be before agreeing a shorter term loan is right for you.

Contact the Kat Geralis Home Team today for more information about buying a home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, qualifying for a mortgage, or for a local lender recommendation.

We even offer FREE First-Time Home Buyer Seminars!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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