When you’re dealing with interest rates on large amounts of money, even a variance in interest rates as small as an eighth of a percent can make a significant difference to your repayment amount. Typically, the interest is also calculated over long time periods, which makes it even more important to secure the best possible rate.
To complicate things further, there are also different types of interest and mortgage rates. This can make it difficult to know if you’re comparing apples to apples, or apples to oranges.
‘Open’ vs ‘closed’ mortgage types
In addition to the interest type, the mortgage type or term of the mortgage can have a significant impact on your monthly payment figure, as well as the level of interest you’ll pay on the principal. The term, or length of time over which a loan is paid back, can vary from as little as 6 months to as long as 15 to 20 years. Once the end of the term is reached, the mortgage can be renegotiated if the buyer chooses.
There are two common mortgage types – “open” and “closed”. Let’s find out more below…
Payment frequency
Payment frequency options are another part of the property ownership puzzle. Property owners can save a significant amount on interest paid over their loan term depending on their cash flow, the amount of each payment and the number of payments per year.
Monthly
The most common frequency type is the monthly payment option. With a monthly payment, the payment is typically due exactly one month from the day on which your mortgage started. In many cases, however, the actual due date can be changed to a more memorable or convenient date, such as the 1st or 15th of the month.
With a semi-monthly option, the buyer makes two payments per month. Generally, the payments would be due on the 1st and 16th. This option allows you to make your payments in smaller amounts and may help to keep your cash flow consistent.
As with the semi-monthly payments, the accelerated bi-weekly option allows you to make smaller but more frequent payments. With this option, you’ll make a payment every other week and this means that twice a year you’ll make three payments instead of just two. This will increase the speed at which you repay your loan.
Your payment frequency option could save you money in interest by enabling you to pay off your mortgage sooner. DunlopMortgages.ca mortgage calculator can help you determine the impact of the different options on your interest due.
A few things to consider before a property purchase:
- The amount you can afford to spend
- Renting versus owning
- The size of the mortgage payment in relation to your budget
- Interest rate, and;
- Mortgage options
You’re probably starting to think about the wide variety of mortgage solutions and payment options available and how they can be used to meet your needs.
DunlopMortgages.ca has gathered the information for homebuyers that’s designed to help you make the right decision for you. Our helpful information tools are provided at no cost to ensure that you’re able to make a suitable, well-balanced decision that you feel comfortable with. Our tools will help you decide on the best options.