Getting a mortgage can be one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. Because of the vast array of mortgage products that are available it can be confusing and more than a little daunting.  Here are a few things to consider when deciding on the right option for you.

The first step is to decide which method of repayment best suits you.  Here you have two options - repayment or interest only.  Deciding which option to go for really depends on your attitude to risk.

With an interest only mortgage you make monthly payments to pay off the interest only and pay off the actual amount borrowed, or capital, at the end of the mortgage term using money you have saved up elsewhere, perhaps in an ISA or in an endowment assurance policy.  For more savings ideas visit the website of a reputable banking institution such as Alliance and Leicester, where they have lots of options for savings accounts.

Only with a repayment mortgage, assuming that you make all your monthly repayments properly, can you be guaranteed that your mortgage debt will be repaid at the end of your original loan term.

When you start shopping for rates, be sure that you are comparing like for like by checking the overall cost of comparison of the loan.  If you’re opting for a fixed-rate mortgage you also need to bear in mind that your interest payments may rise or fall once the initial fixed period ends. For this reason you should always include the possibility of changes to your future interest payments when planning your mortgage.

If you intend to sell your home before your mortgage term expires, check whether you’ll be required to make an early repayment charge, or if your mortgage deal will allow you to take your mortgage on to your next property.

Other costs to consider are arrangement fees that the lender may charge and whether these fees are refundable should you decide not to proceed midway through your application process. Also check out any higher lending charges, as well as the cost of comprehensive buildings and contents insurance.

If you are unsure as to which mortgage option is best for you, you may want to consider taking independent financial advice and using a mortgage broker who can help clarify things for you.