AndyFarang

The better half is applying for a loan of 4M over 20 years, seems that the banks currently do not offer a fixed rate for the term, all of them have MLR-x% (apart from the 1st or 2nd years).

Standard Chartered seems to have one of the most attractive at the moment (named Mortgage One) with a rate of MLR-1.1% from Year 3 onwards.Their MLR (actually called 'MHR') is currently 6.45%.

However, when looking for a Fixed rate over the long term, the only one on offer nowadays is from AACP Insurance (Allianz CP) who offer a fixed rate of 6.25% over the term. (Its a shame the loan wasnt needed 8 months ago as Krungsri had a fixed rate back then of around 4.2%!! :-(


My questions, if anyone can throw some light on things, are:

- Does anyone have experience with mortgages from an Insurance company? What might be the pitfalls compared with a bank?

- For a period of 20 years (assuming we might pay if all off halfway through, if we're lucky) would Variable rates be a better option, as the last 10 years Thailand has seen an average MLR of around 6%, so the Fixed rate might mean we pay more - I guess its a gamble....

- What are the key questions that should be asked of the banks before signing for the loan?

- Does anyone have experience with either Standard Chartered or AACP mortgages?


Thanks in advance for any opinions :-)

We are considering a move to Perfect Place in Ram 164, up near Minburi as we need more space in a home, and prices for 140sqw are more reasonable in this area.

However, I notice ALOT of homes for sale/rent in this moobaan (yes, it has alot of homes in it, but does seem to appear there's more on the market) - does anyone have any information or opinions on Perfect Place, is it a well-run and safe place, especially in terms of the future worth of property in that area?

Thanks

We require the assistance of a native Burmese speaker in either Phuket (preferably) or Bangkok, to help with a small NGO research project. The project will commence mid-September 2010 and run for about 5-6 weeks only.
Please PM me if you would like more details, giving an overview of yourself. Thanks.

Need Japanese native speaker for 4 hours on one day per month (ANY day from Mon-Fri, not fixed, but need to start around 9am). Easy work calling to hotels in Japan to obtain details of meeting room prices, but we need you to write English comments about the conversation with hotel. Cash paid, but reputable and professional company. PM with your details for more info.