An Albany, New York mortgage is a lien placed on a piece of real estate by a lender to secure a loan. The loan is usually for the purpose of buying the home that serves as the security. The vast majority of U.S. homebuyers use a mortgage to finance the purchase. This is usually the only viable option, as most people don't have enough cash on hand to cover the six or seven figure price of most homes.
Of course, buying anything on credit in Albany, New York costs more in the long run than the purchase price, since lenders make a profit by charging interest on their loans. However, for many people, this is a fair tradeoff for the ability to buy a house.
How Can I Get A Mortgage in Albany, New York?
Most Albany mortgages are obtained from banks, and before extending such a large amount of credit, the bank will require you to present a credit report, an accounting of your debts and assets, your employment history, and proof of your current income, among other things. Most mortgages in Albany, New York also require that you make a down payment amounting to some set percentage of the purchase price. Before you consider buying a house, you should have more than enough money saved up to cover this down payment, to ensure that paying it does not put a major dent in your finances.
It could take anywhere from a few days to several months before your mortgage is approved. Accordingly, you should plan ahead. There are a few different interest schemes that an Albany, New York lender might use on its mortgage. First, there are fixed-rade mortgages, which have the same interest rate throughout the entire life of the loan (though this might change if you refinance).
There are also adjustable rate mortgages, which allow the lender to change the interest rates. These usually start with a much lower interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage, but which might eventually increase significantly later in the life of the mortgage. These different systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, and you should speak with a financial adviser to see which one is right for you.
How Can A Albany, New York Mortgage Lawyer Help?
For many people, buying a home is the most important financial decision, and one of the most important life decisions that they will make. It should not be made lightly. It might be a good idea to speak with an Albany, New York real estate Attorney if any term contained in the mortgage (after you have thoroughly read it, of course) is not clear to you.