- With today's low rates, it's possible to get a second mortgage with lower interest than the first.
Can You Have a Second Mortgage Lower Than the First?
Most consumers already know applying for a second mortgage is different today than it was 10 years ago. Today, lenders have higher standards and want to know more about each borrower.
Typically, a second mortgage is more expensive to consumers than a first mortgage. However, because interest rates are so low right now, finding a second mortgage with lower interest is possible. Many second mortgages come with an adjustable interest rate, but can save the homeowner money if the current mortgage is a a high-interest first loan and the borrower is not eligible to refinance it.
If you want to make home improvements or pay off debt, accessing the equity in your home may be your best possible option, but you need to be careful. If you are thinking of applying for a second mortgage of any type, you should first evaluate your full financial picture. Make sure to consider any costs of refinancing, comparison shop for the best loan product, and be certain to take the time you need to make the right decision.
Additionally, qualifying for a second mortgage is more difficult now due to the fact that home values have dropped by so much in the last three years. Lenders are increasingly more reluctant to be in second position because of the risk factor and because they have been burned by foreclosures. Lenders who found themselves holding seconds on foreclosed properties basically lost everything since foreclosure proceedings paid off the first lien holder first. If anything was left over, which most of the time there was not, it would go to the second lien holder.
In order to qualify for a second mortgage (Home Equity Line of Credit or Fixed Rate Second) you need to have great credit and a lot of equity.
The Latest on Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rate fluctuations should come as no surprise. If you are buying a home or refinancing your existing mortgage, it is important to stay informed about the current mortgage rates.
Mortgage rates September 13, 2023
According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year mortgage rate for the week of September 13, 2023 stands at 7.18%. This 6 basis points increase from the previous week's rate.
Additionally, Freddie Mac reports that the 15-year mortgage rate for September 13, 2023 is 6.51%, indicating a 1 basis points decrease from previous week’s rates.
Note: A basis point is equal to one-hundredth of one percent (0.01%). In numerical terms, if the mortgage rate changes by 20 basis points, it means the rate has changed by 0.20%.
Understanding the impact of mortgage rates on your finances
When it comes to determining your monthly payment, mortgage rates are a key factor to consider. Here are the avergage interest rates (APR) for August 17, 2023 based on Zillow data for borrowers with a high credit score (680-740) in the United States:
- 30-year conventional loan is 7.27%
- 15-year conventional loan is 6.28%
Based on the provided rates, a $279,082 30-year mortgage would result in a monthly payment of $1,908. Alternatively, a 15-year mortgage would require a monthly payment of around $2,397.
Experience a smooth mortgage process: Shop around and get pre-approved today!
Shopping around for mortgages and getting pre-approved can make your home-buying or refinancing process easier. Ready to take the plunge? Check Out mortgage rates now for the best options available.
