Fixed rate loans - now may be the best time to get one

Homeowners who are worried that the interest rates for their home loans are rising, are moving towards fixed rate loans, reported several banks. The buoyant market for non-landed properties, the feel-good-factor created by the several high profile en bloc sales and the recent Fed interest rates hikes have pushed homeowners to this decision. Even though the cost for the current floating rate loans are still lower, homeowners seem to prefer the security fixed rate loans provide for the near future. The Fed’s recently hiked their interest rates to 1.75 per cent which translates into 25 basis points (bps) increase. For every 10 basis points increase on a $100,000 loan over 25 years, the monthly installment goes up by $4.80. This means that for a $1 million loan, the buyer would have to pay an extra S$120 every month. https://www.icompareloan.com/resources/fed-interest-rates-hike-impact-loans/ Since the beginning of this year, banks have raised interest rates for both fixed and floating home loan packages by 10 – 30 basis points (bps). Some banks have already upped their mortgage rate to 2.05 per cent, to keep pace with the increasing interest rates. [caption id="attachment_8196" align="alignleft" width="300"] Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Bishan HDB estate[/caption] The 3-month SIBOR has hovered at 1.3 per cent since 12 Jan. The further increase announced by the Fed on Wednesday is expected to drive the interest rates for home loans even higher. Homeowners who are worried about the other types of home loans with interest rates that are exceptionally volatile, might opt for a fixed rate loans. Fixed rate loans may give homeowners thousands of dollars (perhaps even a five-figure sum or more) each year. Homeowners could potentially also enjoy a two-three times difference in their total interest repayment if they opted for one. Some homeowners may however miss out on such potential savings because they are overwhelmed by the banking process. Others might be put off by technical jargon like SIBOR, FHR, Board Rates. Such homeowners may hesitate and wish for someone to just hand them the cheapest home loan package across 16 banks. Some reasons why homeowners may hesitate 

• Unsure of the loan amounts they are eligible for and how to calculate them.
• Unsure as to when or why they should refinance.
• Unsure about how the new banking regulations is affecting them.
• Unsure of the loan tenure they should go for.
• Unsure about the amount of CPF they should use for the purchase of their homes.

https://www.icompareloan.com/resources/busting-myths-cpf-grants-buying-hdb/ And there is good reason why homeowners are unsure and unfamiliar on how to get the best deal interest rates for their home loans. Most don't buy homes as often as you buy other necessities (like food and clothes). But actually, there is no reason why you should contribute to the banks' profits when you can keep the difference in interest rates. All such homeowners need to do is, look for a mortgage specialist. The mortgage specialists will give them the advice that they need at zero cost to the homeowners. In case you are wondering why the service by the mortgage broker is free to the borrower - it is because the lenders will pay the mortgage broker a distribution fee upon successful disbursement of loan. https://www.icompareloan.com/resources/mortgage-broker-singapore-best-rate/ Free The services of a mortgage broker are free to the borrower because the bank pays a referral fee upon successful loan disbursement. Unbiased Mortgage brokers offer unbiased recommendations since they are not tied to any one bank. Well-informed and professional Mortgage brokers are well-informed of all the loan packages, the different interest rates in the market and their accompanying features, compared to most borrowers, because it is their job. Besides matching you with the right loan with the best interest rates, they can warn you about caveats and conditions of the loan contract, which you may not be aware of if you are a lay person . In addition, loan contracts have financial jargon that first-time borrower may be baffled with. A mortgage broker will be able to explain these to you in plain English. Most will even assist you with the paperwork in the application process. In short they take most of the hassle out of the loan process – from search to application. After reading this article, if you are persuaded into trying out a mortgage broker, you can try the friendly and helpful ones at www.iCompareLoan.com. The brokers here use home loan reports, generated from Singapore’s most advanced loan analysis system (exclusive to iCompareLoan), to help you find a package with the best fit. Drop a note here. For advice on a new home loan. For refinancing advice.