In recent years property values have soared, while investment returns have been modest. This has created a situation where a lot of seniors are finding themselves in the position of being house rich and cash poor. These cash strapped seniors are looking for ways to increase their retirement income while continuing to live in their homes. These retirees find that their options are limited,...

Part I: Learn About your Home Mortgage Options

Mark Mathis

A mortgage is a long-term loan that uses real estate as collateral. A mortgage loan is commonly used for buying a home. Mortgage loans are usually fully amortizing, which means that the monthly principal and interest payment will pay off the loan in the number of payments stipulated on the note. Mortgage loans are also described by the length of time for repayment, such as 15 or 30 years, and whether the interest rate is fixed or adjustable. A mortgage loan where the downpayment is less than 20% usually requires private mortgage insurance (PMI) or government insurance or guarantee.

Most mortgage loans require monthly payments of principal and interest plus additional payments that are set-aside in escrow accounts to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance. In addition, loans with PMI or government mortgage insurance may require payment of a monthly mortgage insurance premium as part of the regular monthly payment.

Some lenders offer bi-weekly mortgages, which call for 26 payments per year. The details of bi-weekly mortgages can differ, so it's best to ask the lender to outline the details of how these programs work.

Homebuyers who can afford the higher monthly payment sometimes prefer a 15-year mortgage to a 30-year mortgage. Interest rates on 15-year mortgages usually are slightly lower than 30-year rates. In addition, a homebuyer financing a home purchase with a 15-year mortgage will repay principal substantially faster and will pay far less total interest over the term of the loan.

About the author:
Mark Mathis is a building designer and publisher of several stock house plan websites and informational resources including http://www.HousePlanCentral.com>http://www.HousePlanCentral.com, http://www.HousePlanGallery.com>http://www.HousePlanGallery.com, and http://www.moneytalks-bswalks.com>http://www.moneytalks-bswalks.com. Be sure to visit each site and subscribe to our eNewsletters to receive special offers, promotions, and subscriber-only features.

The latest information and news on Mortgages:

Yahoo! News Search Results for mortgage

Mortgage rates remain below 5 percent (AP via Yahoo! News)
Mortgage rates held below the 5 percent threshold for the second straight week, a report said Thursday, weeks before a government program that has been keeping rates low is scheduled to expire.
Mortgage Rates on 30-Year U.S. Loans Fall to 4.95% (Update2) (Bloomberg)
March 11 (Bloomberg) -- Mortgage rates in the U.S. declined for a second consecutive week as the number of home-loan applications rose. The rate for 30-year fixed mortgages fell to 4.95 percent for the week ended today from 4.97 percent, Freddie Mac said in a statement.
Mortgages: 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averages 4.95% (Market Watch)
30-year fixed-rate mortgage averages 4.95%, Freddie Mac reports.
Freddie Mac: 30-yr Fixed-rate Mortgage Rate Slips (Fox News)
Freddie Mac: 30-yr Fixed-rate Mortgage Rate Slips
Mortgage rates fall to 4.95% (The Arizona Republic)
Mortgage applications rose 0.5 percent.
Yahoo! News Search Results for refinance

Pernod Ricard Plans to Issue Bonds to Refinance Absolut Buyout (Bloomberg)
March 10 (Bloomberg) -- Pernod Ricard SA , the world?s second-biggest liquor maker, is planning to sell six-year bonds to help refinance loans used to buy the Absolut vodka brand in March 2008.
New Article on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac HARP Mortgage Refinance Program Availa...
In a new article, AimLoan.com explains why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?s program to refinance underwater homeowners should be expanded, as lowered mortgage rates are key to economic recovery. (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3690424.htm
New Article on Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac HARP Mortgage Refinance Program Availa...
In a new article, AimLoan.com explains why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?s program to refinance underwater homeowners should be expanded, as lowered mortgage rates are key to economic recovery.
Coal producer ICG prices stock, debt offerings (WVVA Bluefield)
Associated Press - March 11, 2010 9:05 AM ET SCOTT DEPOT, W.Va. (AP) - International Coal Group says it's priced stock and note offerings it's using to refinance debt.
Golf course refinancing approved (The Oak Ridger)
With little discussion Monday, City Council agreed to essentially refinance the debt on the Centennial Golf Course, potentially saving close to $900,000 and allowing the debt to be paid off two years early.