Home Buyer Resources July 17, 2023

Assumable Mortgages: How They Can Benefit You in a Rising Rate Market

Assumable mortgages are a type of mortgage loan that allows a buyer to assume the existing mortgage of the seller. The buyer takes over the remaining balance of the mortgage and continues making payments to the lender. The interest rate, terms, and payments remain the same as the original mortgage.

Assumable mortgages can be either “qualifying” or “non-qualifying.” A qualifying assumable mortgage means that the buyer must meet the lender’s credit and income requirements to assume the mortgage. A non-qualifying assumable mortgage means that the buyer can assume the mortgage without meeting the lender’s requirements.

How can assumable mortgages benefit you in a rising rate market?

Assumable mortgages can benefit buyers in a rising rate market in several ways:

Lower interest rates

If interest rates are rising, assumable mortgages can be a great option for buyers because the interest rate on the assumable mortgage is often lower than the current market rate. This can save the buyer a significant amount of money on interest payments over the life of the loan.

Easier qualification

In a rising rate market, obtaining a new mortgage can be more difficult because lenders may have stricter credit and income requirements. With an assumable mortgage, the buyer may not have to meet these requirements, making it easier to obtain financing.

Faster closing

Assuming a mortgage can be faster than obtaining a new mortgage because there is no need for a new appraisal or underwriting. This can be beneficial in a competitive housing market where buyers need to act quickly to secure a home.

Lower closing costs

Assuming a mortgage can also result in lower closing costs because there is no need for a new appraisal or title search. This can save the buyer thousands of dollars in closing costs.

In conclusion, assumable mortgages are a type of home loan that allows a buyer to take over the seller’s existing mortgage. They can be a great option for buyers in a rising rate market because they often have lower interest rates, easier qualification, faster closing, and lower closing costs. If you’re in the market for a home, consider exploring assumable mortgages as a financing option.