Strengths and weaknesses of interest-only mortgages

Interest-only mortgages have surged in popularity within the mortgage industry, offering a distinctive structure and potential advantages. Yet, like any financial tool, they come with both pros and cons that warrant careful consideration for prospective homebuyers. In this article, we delve into the merits and drawbacks of interest-only mortgages, empowering you to make a well-informed decision regarding their suitability for your journey to homeownership.

Interest-only mortgages offer several appealing advantages. Initially, they feature lower monthly payments compared to conventional mortgages. During the initial period, borrowers are solely responsible for paying the interest portion of the loan, resulting in more manageable payments, particularly in the early stages of owning a home. Moreover, opting for an interest-only mortgage can free up additional cash flow, which borrowers can redirect towards other financial objectives or investments. This flexibility is especially beneficial for individuals with variable income or those seeking to optimize investment opportunities. Furthermore, some borrowers may opt for interest-only mortgages to invest the savings from lower mortgage payments into higher-yielding investments. Financially savvy borrowers may reap rewards if these investments yield returns surpassing …

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Are mortgage interest rates going down?

With the recent announcement of PTSB dropping their 4 years fixed rate and announcing low 3 years fixed rate, things sure look like the decline of mortgage interest rates is about to start. You could save yourself a could of euros a month in mortgage repayment by switching to another lender with lower rates.

Contact us today to see which rates you could get and how much you could save.

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Switch and Save

Avant Money estimate that over €25bn of mortgages are on an interest rate higher than they need to pay.

With the cost of living at an all time high, could a 5 minute discussion with a broker save you money in the months and years ahead. It could be the best 5 minute chat you have ever had!

Switching your Mortgage from one provider to another is simple, your Broker will do the research for you and let you know if you will SAVE money.

Some lenders are offering a cashback incentive to help cover the costs with switching, this is a great benefit and something people should look out for. It’s not always right for everyone but certainly worth speaking about.

If you are looking for a financial health check, please drop me an email today or pick up the phone for a no obligation chat –  james.curd(at)mortgagebrokers.ie or 01 633 9248.

 

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When Do I Know If I’m Ready to Own a Home?

The decision to become a homeowner is a significant milestone in one’s life. It represents a step towards financial stability, independence, and the opportunity to create a place of your own. However, before taking the plunge into homeownership, it’s essential to assess your readiness. Let’s explore key indicators that can help you determine when you’re ready to own a home.

Financial Stability

Financial stability is a crucial factor to consider when contemplating homeownership. Evaluate your current financial situation by assessing your income, expenses, and debt obligations. Consider factors such as job security, income growth potential, and the stability of your financial foundation. Ensure you have a reliable source of income to cover mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Building an emergency fund for unexpected expenses is also vital. Having a stable financial position gives you confidence in your ability to meet the financial responsibilities that come with owning a home.

Debt and Credit Management

Assess your debt and credit situation to gauge your readiness for homeownership. Lenders typically consider your credit score and debt-to-income ratio when determining loan …

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Understanding the Impact: How Interest Rate Hikes Affect Irish Mortgages

In this blog, we journey through the intricate world of interest rates and their profound influence on our mortgages. With recent rumblings of potential interest rate hikes, it’s essential to understand how these changes can impact our financial lives. We’ll explore the key aspects of interest rate hikes, their implications for Irish mortgages, and provide real-life examples to help you grasp their significance. So, let’s dive in and gain a deeper understanding of this critical subject.

 

The Basics: Interest Rates and Mortgages

Before we delve into the impact of interest rate hikes, let’s refresh our understanding of the fundamentals. Interest rates are the cost of borrowing money, and they directly affect the amount you pay on your mortgage. When interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases, leading to adjustments in mortgage payments. Conversely, when rates decrease, mortgage payments may become more affordable.

The Ripple Effect: Monthly Mortgage Payments

Interest rate hikes have a direct impact on your monthly mortgage payments. As rates rise, your mortgage interest charges also increase, resulting in higher monthly payments. For example, let’s consider …

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Comparing the 2008 Financial Crisis to Recent Interest Rate Hikes in Ireland

In this blog, we look at insightful parallels between the infamous 2008 financial crisis and the recent interest rate hikes in Ireland. While each event has its unique characteristics, examining their similarities can provide valuable lessons for navigating the current financial landscape. We’ll explore the key resemblances between these two periods, highlighting real-life examples to deepen our understanding. So, let’s dive in and uncover the lessons history has to offer.

 

The Domino Effect: Fragile Housing Markets

Both the 2008 financial crisis and recent interest rate hikes have exposed the vulnerability of housing markets. In 2008, a burst in the housing bubble triggered a wave of foreclosures and plummeting property values. Similarly, interest rate hikes can impact affordability, leading to a potential slowdown in demand and a correction in housing prices. These dynamics remind us of the importance of balanced and sustainable growth in the housing sector.

Financial Strain: Increasing Debt Burden

During the 2008 crisis, many homeowners found themselves burdened with high levels of debt. Adjustable-rate mortgages with low …

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Equity release for people over 60

There is a growing need for equity release for people who have properties with a lot of equity but who also don’t have money or an income to sustain them. This is often the twin forces of property prices that have risen so strongly in the last 30 years coupled with greater financial needs or low pension provision.

In this video some of the details are described and mentioned by David Brady of Spry Finance.

Spry Finance Q&A from Seniors Money on Vimeo.

Some points worth noting are that at times you may borrow money and make no repayments and this creates a reverse amortization or ‘growing loan’ effect. That said,  you can also pay the interest and in that case the loan doesn’t grow.

Equity release loans are underwritten on the borrowers age and the value of the property, because there isn’t an expectation of repayment you don’t have to qualify for the loan based on earnings the way you would with a regular mortgage.

To find out more you can make an enquiry …

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Obtain a loan of up to 4x your income

The European Central Bank set a ceiling in 2015, allowing borrowers to take out loans from lenders who wish to lend them up to 3.5x their income. However, the ECB recently declared that as a borrower, you may request 4x your income. The loan-value caps will remain the same as before the change, so first-time buyers will be able to borrow 90% of the property’s value, while second-time buyers will be able to borrow 80% of the property’s value.

One unique suggestion received by the ECB was that borrowers earning less than €60,000 be able to obtain a loan of up to 4.5x their income. After the rate crash, the mainstream banks removed development lending. Thus, smaller builders needed alternative finance providers to realize some projects because the extent of the limits was affecting them. Clients now have their own criteria for obtaining a mortgage due to domestic inflation (which was 8.6 percent in September), rising cost-of-living crises, and rising interest rates on loans.

ICS Mortgages, a non-bank lender, tightens its loan acceptance criteria. So, if you take a loan …

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What you need to know about ECB’s raising interest rates

The European Central Bank raised interest charges more than what they initially announced. Over the past few months, the rates have increased by around 1.25%. The clients have not yet been reached by institutions including Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB.

Customers have a lot of pain for the future because there are a lot of uncertainties. They now have to deal with high mortgage interest rates in addition to inflation, rising electricity and fuel costs. New customers face a direct problem because their five-year fixed rates increase by 2%. As a first-time buyer, you will receive a rate of 5.95%. Long-term fixed loans rise by 1.49% to 1.58%. (depending on size and running time). As a result, banks such as AIB, ESB, and Haven must raise their rates for new and switching customers. The current customers are not affected. Customers with tracker mortgages face an increase in interest rates due to contractual obligations. Some of the new customers must take an expensive rate, which means they must pay 240€ more than before the ECB increase.

If the AIB, EBS, …

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AIB Mortgages

AIB advertised their mortgages extensively. Therefore, the first thing you notice when you visit their website is a section on mortgages. They have an appealing and good structured website where you can find a calculator, make an appointment, and learn some information about your situation. A video about a couple who obtains a mortgage from AIB is also available. In this video, the clients explain how that works. They claimed to be extremely glad to accept the mortgage from this bank because everyone there is polite and helpful. AIB has professionals that can explain everything to you about mortgages and your options. They also have an App that gives clients a good overview. Additionally, the fact that clients can upload their documents from home makes everything simpler for them. You may find a wealth of general and situation-specific information on mortgages on their website.

AIB has a community spotlight on their website where you can watch a video about the important work being done for the local community and the advancement of the transition to a sustainable living. They …

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