Mortgages 101: How Home Loans Work and What to Watch Out For

A mortgage is the loan you use to buy a home, and the home itself is the collateral. Ryan breaks down the four components of a mortgage payment, principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI), and explains the difference between 15-year and 30-year terms, fixed and adjustable rates, and why adjustable-rate mortgages carry real risk when rates move.Ryan also covers amortization schedules, which show how much of each payment goes to interest versus principal, especially in the early years. One of his clearest warnings: just because a bank will approve you for a certain amount does not mean you should borrow that much. And the question of whether to pay off your mortgage early is really about comparing your mortgage rate to what your money could earn elsewhere, not about your home's appreciation. Talk to your financial advisor before making large payoff decisions.Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on AmazonIf you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: [email protected], as always, Stay the Course!