A Durham, North Carolina mortgage is a lien placed on a piece of real estate by a lender to secure a loan. The loan is normally for the purpose of buying the home 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 full price of the home over a period of many years, without having to come up with the full purchase price upfront.
In Durham, North Carolina buying anything, including a house, on credit will cost, in the long run, more than buying it outright, because lenders charge interest on their loans - this is how the business of lending is profitable.
How Can I Get A Mortgage in Durham, North Carolina?
The majority of Durham mortgages are obtained from banks. When you apply for a mortgage, you should be prepared to present a credit report, documentation of your income, your employment history, and an accounting of your assets and debt. In Durham, North Carolina you will probably also be required to make a down payment, which is normally a relatively small percentage of the home's purchase price. Before you consider buying a home you should estimate the likely 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 days, weeks, or months for your mortgage to be approved, so planning ahead is advisable. You should also be aware of the various types of interest that a mortgage in Durham, North Carolina might involve. Fixed interest mortgages have the same interest rate throughout the entire life of the loan, which means that it won't increase later on. This can make your financial situation a bit more predictable.
There are also adjustable rate mortgages, which allow the lender to change the interest rates. These normally 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 Durham, North Carolina Mortgage Lawyer Help?
For many people, a home is the largest purchase they will make in their lifetime, and it entails a huge emotional and financial commitment. If you are at all unclear about the possible legal consequences, do not hesitate to contact a Durham, North Carolina Attorney. It should go without saying that this is not a decision to be made lightly.