If you have a credit score of less than 640, you probably
have trouble qualifying for a home in Arizona. If you find this position you
want to look into programs that will allow you to qualify for Arizona home Loans with bad credit.
A bad credit score in terms of obtaining a home loan is
classified to be at or below about 640, but this has varied with time and
location. However, according to national credit bureaus, the average American’s
credit score is around 678, meaning that most people don’t have perfect credit.
If you have bad credit, there are a number of events that could have gotten you
there that are beyond your control. Divorce, job loss, inability to make
mortgage payments due to an over-inflated housing market, and the recent
recession are all factors that have negatively impacted may people’s credit
scores.
If you are looking for Arizona home Loans with bad credit you are not alone.
Approximately 42 million
Americans have a sub-prime credit score. A home loan can be a good way to
rebuild your credit as long as you plan on making on time payments. One program
that is available to sub-prime borrowers seeking an Arizona home Loans with bad credit is an adjustable rate mortgage
or ARM.
An ARM is a mortgage that is different than a 30 year
mortgage in that it is for a shorter period of time, anywhere from 1 to 7 years.
The most commonly offered types of ARMs are 3 and 5 year ARMs. During that time
period you have a low interest rate, usually below the prime rate. This low
rate means lower payments. The lower monthly payments helps many individuals
and families qualify for an ARM who would not be able to qualify for the higher
payments of a traditional mortgage. After the initial period, the rate of an
ARM adjusts or resets to a higher than prime rate. This will increase the
monthly payment amount based on the interest rate you are being charged. Every
ARM has certain maximums depending on the type of loan. There is a maximum
amount you can be above the prime rate as well as a maximum number of times the
loan can reset.
One of the major criticisms with adjustable rate mortgages
has to do with what happens after the rate adjusts. Because the interest rate
increases, the amount of your monthly payment will also increase. In the
mid-2000s, the increase in payments combined with the decline in the housing
market led to a large number of sub-prime foreclosures. This has led to many
law makers and media outlets to criticize ARMs as being irresponsible lending
practices. However, an ARM can be a good option if you are smart about how you
use it.
An important thing to keep in mind with an adjustable rate
mortgage and really for any Arizona home
Loans with bad credit, is to not borrow more than you can afford. If you
cannot afford the payment on a $200,000 mortgage at a 30 year rate, do not
borrow that much using an ARM, unless you are planning to move long before your
rate resets. In addition, make sure to make smart real estate choices. Before
you purchase a home look at the area and the overall price history. Don’t buy
unless you are relatively certain that the home will increase in value. Also
keep in mind that federal regulations require a 10% down payment up-front. Make
sure that you have this money available before you close on your ARM loan or
you will not be able to close. If the 10% down payment is more than you have available
in savings, you might want to consider and FHA adjustable rate hybrid option.
This loan type offers many of the benefits of an ARM with a lower down payment
and government insurance.
ARMs for Prime Borrowers
An adjustable rate mortgage is a great program for
borrowers needing an Arizona home Loans
with bad credit, but it is also a great option for prime borrowers in
certain situations. An ARM allows you to take advantage of low monthly payments
and can save you a significant amount in interest payments. If you are wanting
to purchase a property and will be able to sell or refinance before the rate
resets, an ARM can be good option even if you would qualify for a traditional
mortgage. Many savvy borrowers take advantage of adjustable rate mortgages to
make real estate investments and purchase fix and flip houses.
An adjustable rate mortgage can
be a good option for sub-prime and prime borrowers alike.
Find a mortgage broker to fully discuss your home loan
options and determine if an adjustable rate mortgage is a smart financial
decision for you.