A mortgage in Portland, Oregon is a security interest placed on a piece of property by a lender, in exchange for extending credit to purchase the property that serves as the security. The vast majority of American home-buyers take out a mortgage to finance the purchase of their home, because it allows them to pay back the complete price of the home over a period of several years, without having to come up with the full purchase price upfront.
Purchasing anything on credit in Portland, Oregon will end up costing more than the purchase price, because lenders charge interest on their loans - this is what makes the business profitable. For many homebuyers, however, this is a fair tradeoff.
How Can I Get A Mortgage in Portland, Oregon?
Many Portland mortgages are obtained from banks, and before providing 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. In Portland, Oregon you will probably also be required to make a down payment, which is typically a relatively small percentage of the home's purchase price. Before you consider buying a home you should estimate the possible down payment you will have to pay, and have significantly more money than that amount saved up, to prevent the down payment from putting a major strain on you finances.
It might take anywhere from days to months for your mortgage to be approved, so you should plan ahead. There are a few various interest schemes that a Portland, Oregon lender may use on its mortgage. First, there are fixed-rade mortgages, that have the same interest rate throughout the entire life of the loan (though this might change if you refinance).
Some mortgages have adjustable interest rates, allowing the bank to change the rate (typically to raise it) later on. These typically start with a lower interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages, but may eventually end up with much higher rates later in the life of the mortgage. These systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, and you should speak with a financial adviser to see which option is best for you.
How Can A Portland, Oregon Mortgage Lawyer Help?
For most people, purchasing a house is the most important financial decision they will ever make, and is not to be taken lightly. Besides speaking with a financial advisor before taking out a mortgage, it would be a very good idea to speak with a Portland, Oregon Lawyer, who can clarify any parts of the mortgage agreement which aren't clear to you, and advise you on the likely future consequences of taking out the mortgage.