To finance the purchase of a home or property, many homebuyers often obtain a mortgage from a lender. The loan agreement terms specify the principal and interest that the borrower must pay the lender.

There may be cost savings if the current interest rate is higher than the interest rate you will pay on the loan. When interest rates rise, borrowing becomes more expensive. When this happens, all loans accepted will have exorbitant interest rates. Therefore, good mortgages are likely to have cheaper rates, which benefits buyers. Rising rates will only hurt good mortgages if rates are fixed.

A mortgage calculator is an essential tool for creating a monthly payment budget. Your monthly mortgage payment depends on the cost of your home, down payment, loan term, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and loan interest rate (which largely depends on your credit rating). Use the information below to understand your likely monthly mortgage payment.

Buyers will be attracted to decent mortgages if current mortgage rates are lower than current market rates.

What types of credit are acceptable? Acceptable mortgages include those from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Buyers wishing to obtain a mortgage from a seller must meet specific criteria and be approved by the organization that originated the mortgage.

FHA Loans: FHA loans may be underwritten if both parties to the transaction meet acceptance criteria. For example, the seller must live on the property as their primary residence. Before applying for a specific FHA loan, buyers must first confirm that the FHA loan is acceptable. The seller's lenders verify the buyer's qualifications, especially his creditworthiness. If approved, the buyer will take over the mortgage. However, the seller remains liable for the loan unless he is discharged.

VA Loans: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers mortgage loans to eligible service members and their spouses. Buyers don't have to be in the military to qualify for a VA loan. Buyers who accept VA loans are typically active duty or ex-military, although the lender and the local VA loan office must authorize the buyer to get the loan. For loans started before March 1, 1988, buyers can easily afford VA loans. In other words, a buyer can apply for a mortgage without approval from the lender or VA.

USDA Loans: Rural homebuyers can apply for USDA financing. They offer low loan rates and no down payment requirements. Buyer must meet all conditions, including those related to credit and income, and obtain USDA clearance before the transfer of title to get a USDA loan. Buyers can accept current rates and loan terms or new ones. If the seller defaults, the mortgage cannot be assumed even if the buyer meets all the criteria and is released.

There may be some exceptions for adjustable-rate mortgages, but traditional loans guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are generally unacceptable.

Pros and Cons of Transferable Mortgages: In a high-interest rate environment, the benefits of a transferable mortgage are only as excellent as the remaining mortgage or home value. For example, if a buyer pays $250,000 for a home, but the seller has only $110,000 in their qualifying mortgage balance, the buyer must make a down payment of $140,000 to make up the difference. Or the buyer may need a separate mortgage to secure the extra money. If the purchase price of the home is significantly higher than the mortgage balance