Mortgage finance company
In simple terms, it can be said that mortgage finance company is an entity that is engaged in offering mortgage loans. These companies generally offer services as full-service companies. Clients of mortgage finance company vary from real estate investors or retail investors to mortgage loan brokers to mortgage companies. Mortgages are very popular in real estate market where people buy different types of properties through mortgage loan only. Similarly, these properties are offered as security for the mortgage loan, which are offered for fulfilling any purpose. This purpose can be business expansion or vacation enjoyment or real estate investment.
With real estate market picking up again after a year of recession, number of mortgage finance companies has increased by good percentage in past few years. Mortgage loans have proved very useful also. This is because these loans are offered as secured loans and interest rate applied is lower than that of personal loans. By catering to the requirements of mortgage companies and mortgage loan brokers, mortgage finance companies have increased their clientele in a great manner. With recession coming to an end and expecting that real estate market would again face boom after year end, mortgage finance companies are bound to flourish once again. It is advised that good numbers of mortgage finance companies should be compared. This would help in the selection of best option.
Types of products and services that are offered by mortgage finance companies have also increased in past few years. Earlier, these companies were restricted to finance and refinance of mortgage loans. Now, a lot many services are being offered. Let us try to understand these.
Types of Products and Services Offered
Origination of real estate loans is still among the major type of services offered by mortgage finance companies. Both, residential and commercial real estate loans are originated. As the term suggests, commercial mortgage finance is offered for purchase or against that real estate which has been classified under commercial property. Definition of commercial real estate differs from one region to another and from one country to another. Commercial real estate is utilized as security for the loan. Apart from repayment, there are some other financial issues that are taken care of through mortgage of commercial property. Second type is the residential mortgage finance, which is very popular.
Through this type of mortgage finance, billions of people across the world have been able to fulfill their dream of having an own home. Most common type of residential real estate for which finance is easily available is home or personal dwelling place. For financing of residences, in most of nations, mortgage finance is the major source. There are many sub types of residential real estate loans that are offered by the mortgage finance companies. For example, mortgage refinance loan is one such option. Refinance loans have proved to be a far better option than bankruptcy. These loans have also avoided foreclosures in many cases. New mortgage finance company repays full debt lying with the first mortgage company. This is generally done at lower interest rate.
Through increased equity in home due to appreciation of real estate prices etc, loan amount obtained is larger. Similarly, home equity loans are also offered by mortgage finance companies. These loans have lower interest rates. Borrower also enjoys some tax benefits with respect to the payments made. Amount of loan depends upon the available equity. Home equity loans are all purpose loans and can be used for achieving any objective like home improvement, construction, real estate purchase etc. Another residential mortgage finance offered by mortgage finance company is second mortgage loan. These are taken in case of emergency requirements against the available equity.
Borrower is offered mortgage loan on basis of credentials like credit history, income, etc. In case of commercial mortgage loan, business credit rating is obtained. Past year's performance, profits etc also counts to a good extent. Mortgage loans are originated only if lender is satisfied that borrower shall be able to make timely payments. Though lender has got the real estate as security, it is not found very interested to adopt legal route for the recovery of outstanding loan amount.
There are different types of fees and charges applied by the mortgage finance company. For example, loan origination fee, closing costs, fee of legal experts for title search etc are some of fees charged. Some companies may charge lower fees than other companies. It is not sure if they genuinely help borrowers in buying real estate or not. Some companies have attracted people in good numbers through lower rates and later on, have charged higher closing costs, application fee etc for compensating same.
Next type of product offered by the mortgage finance companies is purchasing of real estate loans originated by other lenders. This is done at a discount. Both types of loans, residential mortgage loans and commercial mortgage loans are eligible to be included in this category.
Mortgage finance companies are also found investing in the real estate sector, especially the commercial real estate. Commercial real estate is believed to have a good rate of return than residential real estate. These companies sell commercial real estates for fulfilling capital requirements. Similarly, mortgage finance company can also play an important role in the development of real estate sector. These companies engaged themselves in different types of real estate projects. However, their main aim is to make good profit.
Sometimes, mortgage finance company may also outsource their businesses. For accomplishing this, they obtain services of different types of financial institutions, 3rd party brokers, advisors etc. Even other mortgage companies can be entrusted some outsourcing work.