Allan Smith asked:


Agricultural mortgage rates are very similar to a regular bank rate, yet they have their own distinct characteristics. An agricultural mortgage rate is different from a consumer mortgage rate with its flexible payment option, its tenure period and other such terms and conditions.

The main difference lies in certain options offered by the mortgage lenders of agricultural mortgages, such as – the low interest rates, the flexible repayment options like interest only payments, transferable loans (especially from one generation to another), periodic payment choice etc. There are specialized mortgage brokers and mortgage companies that offer this wide range of options customized to your personal needs.

An agricultural mortgage not only offers capital for farm development or farm purchase, but it also covers other types of mortgages to purchase or develop rural properties such as pasture, catteries, gardens, nurseries etc. Many such properties fall under agricultural mortgages with flexible rural mortgage rates.

A rural mortgage rate depends on various elements like the prevailing market condition and market rate, the type of interest rate, the type of mortgage, the tenure period, the principal amount, the borrower’s credit record and income, the equity value of the mortgaged property, the terms set by the mortgage lender and the mortgage broker etc. The rate of an agricultural mortgage falls under two basic categories -



Fixed agricultural mortgage rates: These are the interest rates, which remain same throughout the tenure period of the loan. This means you have to pay the monthly installments with a fixed interest rate. This type of rate though sometimes can be a bit high, but will not vary through the tenure of your loan. Here you can be certain of the amount of money you need each month to pay off your agricultural loan. Thus your expenditure remains under the budget.

If you are uncertain about your monthly income, then it is best to opt for this type of agricultural mortgage rates. As you are agreeing on the manageable interest rate at the beginning of the loan program, there will be little chance of high interest rate that you cannot pay.

Variable agricultural mortgage rates: These are the interest rates, which vary from time to time according to the changing market condition. This means your monthly payment amount will also alter according to the interest rates. If the market mortgage rates are high, then your monthly interest rate will also be high; and when the market rate falls your monthly payment also will decrease. This type of loan thus carries a certain amount of risk with itself, as a sudden high market rate can always call for a high monthly payment rate. Those with high income rate can opt for this type of loan, as they are capable enough to deal with sudden payment rate hike.



However to get the low mortgage rates you can opt for refinancing mortgage option. The trick is to opt for variable mortgage rate when the prevailing market mortgage rate is low, and then refinance the mortgage to fixed mortgage rate whenever the market rate rises high. If the fixed rate becomes higher than the market mortgage rate, then it will be best to refinance mortgage to variable agricultural mortgage rates or a lower fixed rate.



The House Team Of Mortgage Intellingence asked:


Contrary to what you may think, you don’t manage your credit applications and payments in a vacuum. Your credit behavior (as some have learned the hard way) is tracked by credit bureaus such as Equifax Canada and TransUnion of Canada.

This information is tabulated, and then you are assigned a credit rating. It’s important for you to maintain as high a rating as possible. The following information shows you how you can be sure to earn a good score, and why it’s so important to do so.

Lenders Have Access To This Information.

Think about it. When you decide to apply for a mortgage for a home purchase, or a hefty loan for home renovation – don’t you want A+ right up there beside your good name?

Your Good Name Is Really What It’s All About.

In the financial world, your credit profile is your reputation. If you have a good record, it means smooth sailing ahead for you. If your record isn’t all it should be, you might be in for a bit of rough weather when it comes to acquiring the monies you need — at the interest rates you want.

Your Payment History.

Credit card debt — is one of the most important factors considered when your score is being tabulated. Any missed, late, or neglected payments are duly noted. Not only does a prompt payment history buff your credit image — it saves you money in interest, and assures a quicker retiring of that debt too.

Timeliness Of Payments.

Actual amount of payments, the state of your credit card balances versus credit available, the number of cards you own, the frequency of your requests for more credit – These are just some of the tidbits of personal financial information that make up your credit profile. This comprehensive history is compiled to show lenders how reliable a debt risk you are. To put it simply they want to know whether or not you are credit worthy.

Your credit score is established with a mathematical formula.

Various factors are weighed and balanced and given a certain percentage value towards your final score. Credit bureaus also take into consideration — in addition to factors already mentioned — your existing debt burden, your actual and potential income (remember you do give out these details when you apply for credit), your debt to income ratio, your past financial problems (any bankruptcy or foreclosure remains a long time on record), your job stability -

essentially any piece of public information that helps build an accurate as possible risk assessment of you as debtor.

Your Credit Rating Is A Fluid And An Ever-Changing Thing.

It is dependent upon your present financial circumstances and any actions you make. The credit bureaus always follow your money trail. Because the formation of your profile is an on going thing, it’s vital for you to consistently practice reliable and responsible debt handling. The good news? The ever-changing quality of your credit rating allows you to continually aim for a higher score. Think of your rating — not as a burden — but as a challenge and an opportunity.

Infrequent Requests For Additional Credit?

That’s a really good sign to a lender. Keep in mind that mortgage and loan shopping won’t impact you negatively if it’s done in a concentrated time period. The credit bureaus interpret this flurry of activity positively — as long as it doesn’t occur too frequently. You want to look savvy, not desperate.

How Much Plastic Is Too Much?

Too many credit cards red flag you to potential lenders. Limit your cards to three or four, and try to maintain longtime use of at least one card. This is a key way to build up an excellent credit history. The amount of credit you use, versus credit available, is really telling too. Keep your balances low.

It’s Your Right To Pull Up Your Credit Report Profile.

This is something that is in your interest to do so. (You can do this online at www.equifax.com). Experts advise you to check it out at least once a year. Doing so gives you the opportunity to correct any errors or misinformation that may be there. Practice reliable and responsible debt management.

Then, when you do actually need money for a major undertaking (like the purchase of a home), your credit rating will be an asset, not a liability.