BOND INTEREST
CONSIDERATIONS
When
applying for your bond make sure you fight for the best interest rate
options
available. Banks will not offer you discount up front and you will be
surprised
at how quickly you could score another half a percentage if you fought
for it.
A
difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference
in how
much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in
the
monthly payment on a R700,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is
about R245
per month. Over 30 years, that's R88,200.
Look at
the repayment calculator tables to do the sums for yourself.
VARIABLE
INTEREST RATE OPTION
A variable
interest rate is a fluctuating rate based on the prime lending rate, as
set by the
bank from time to time. You are able to negotiate a potential
concession with your
bank. If interest rates change, so does your monthly repayment.
What are
the features and benefits of the Variable Interest Rate option?
- Your
interest rate is individually determined, based on your personal and
property
details.
- You can switch from this rate option to
another rate option at any time.
- This rate
option cannot be fixed for a predetermined period.
- Fluctuations in the prime lending rate
affect the interest charged and the
monthly repayments on loans using this interest rate option.
Why take
the Variable Home Loan Interest Rate option?
- You
believe that interest rates will be reducing in the short to medium
term.
- You have sufficient disposable income to
handle variations in your repayment.
Example: The monthly repayment on a home loan amount of R400 000 if
paid off
over a 20-year period: At 13%
= R4 686.00 | At 14% = R4 974.08 | At 15% = R5 267.16
FIXED
INTEREST RATE OPTION
A fixed
interest rate is an agreed upon interest rate that is fixed (does not
change)
over a pre-determined period of time (term). Please note that the fixed
rate
option is contracted for a specific term and, after this term, will
revert back
to the prime lending rate, a variable interest rate, unless you opt to
renew
the fixed rate option at the time of renegotiating.
What
are
the features and benefits of the Fixed Interest Home Loan Rate
option?
- Certainty
regarding what your repayments will be for the specified period.
- Protection against upward movements in the
prime lending rate.
- The fixed
rate option may not be terminated prior to the expiry of the agreement.
- The variable interest rate option or
another fixed rate option can be applied
once the fixed rate option expires.
Why take
the Fixed Home Loan Interest Rate option?
- You prefer
regular payments with no surprises.
- You have a limited or fixed income.
- You plan
to stay in the home for a long time.
- You want protection from rising interest
rates.
- You
are refinancing at a time when interest rates are comparatively low.
Back the Finance Advice Centre for
all your finance answers
Self Employed
persons and property finance
Understanding the
concept of Distressed
Properties
Remember to look through
our Step by Step Buyer
Guide