Exploring the Role of Financial Disclosure Forms in Mortgage Type Selection

The purpose of this study was to determine whether using a financial disclosure form in a controlled setting can influence consumers’ mortgage selection. This study used a 2 × 2 experimental design where participants were assigned randomly to a control or treatment group. Treatment group participants received a Federal Reserve Board document that contained information explaining the difference between an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) and a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM). All participants were presented with two distinct scenarios and were asked to determine the most appropriate mortgage for each. Logistic regression results suggested that receiving the Federal Reserve Board document does make a difference in consumers’ mortgage choice in hypothetical scenarios. Financial knowledge and Truth in Lending Act knowledge were also were important predictors.

Financial Literacy and the Use of Interest-Only Mortgages

This study explored the relationship between financial literacy and the use of interest-only mortgages using data from the 2009 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS). A series of analyses were conducted to investigate characteristics associated with the use of an interest-only mortgage as a primary mortgage, as compared to fixed-rate mortgage and adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) options. Consistent results indicate the individuals who incorrectly answered questions related to compound interest, mortgages, and diversification were more likely to be using an interest-only mortgage. Respondents with higher reported math skills were less likely to use an interest-only mortgage, whereas individuals with higher levels of financial confidence were more likely to be using one. These results reinforce concerns about a household’s ability to understand and evaluate complex mortgage products.

Simulasi Penghitungan Online Kredit Pemilikan Rumah Bank Xyz Berbasis Web di Portal Finansial www.kontan.co.id

The objective of this study is to develop an online application of mortgage loan simulation. This application is developed based on a web application in order to be accessible anywhere and anytime. This application is expected to help prospective property’s consumers calculate their financial plans related to decisions concerning the amount of down payment, loan term, and the mortgage system model to be selected. There are two models of mortgage in this application. The first is a fixed and cap rate of interest, with the first three years of the mortgage interest rate of 9.75%, the fourth and fifth year interest of 10%, and the sixth year onwards using a rate cap interest with the indication of 12%. The second model is a 2-year fixed rate mortgage with the first two years rate of 8.5% and the third year onwards using adjustable rate mortgage of interest with the indication of 12%. Calculation formula and the interest rates in this application are obtained from Bank XYZ which is in turn applied in collaboration with financial portal www.kontan.co.id. This application has been tested by over 1000 users and the results are well proven and valid.