Mortgages Dr.S.Jayanthi Sobhana Asst.Professor ,Department of commerce PA Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science
A mortgage is a loan from a bank to purchase a property, with the property itself serving as collateral. Banks issue mortgages by providing a lump sum, which the borrower repays in fixed monthly installments, including principal and interest, over a set term. If the borrower defaults, the lender can seize and sell the property to recover the loan amount.
Key features Collateral : The property being purchased is used as security for the loan, making it a lower-risk loan for the bank than an unsecured loan. Repayment : The loan is repaid through regular, fixed monthly payments (Equated Monthly Installments or EMIs) over a long period, often 10 to 30 years.
Cost : Interest rates are typically lower than on other types of loans because the loan is secured by property. Process : The mortgage process involves applying, providing documents, getting the property valued, loan approval, and disbursement. Default : If the borrower fails to make payments, the lender can take possession of the property and sell it to recoup the outstanding debt.
Types of mortgages Fixed-rate mortgage : The interest rate remains the same for the entire loan term, resulting in predictable monthly payments. Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) : The interest rate can change periodically based on market conditions. Initially, the rate might be lower, but it can increase over time. Simple mortgage : The borrower pledges the property as security but retains ownership. The lender can sell it if there is a default.
Benefits of mortgages Homeownership : Mortgages enable people to buy property without paying the entire cost upfront. Improved credit : On-time payments can improve the borrower's credit score over time. Flexibility : Borrowers can choose a repayment period that best suits their financial situation. Lower rates : Because they are secured by property, mortgage interest rates are typically lower than personal or unsecured loans.