‘Open’ refers to the homebuyer being able to switch terms at the same bank or even to move to another bank. In other words, the homebuyer is not tied down. So, for instance if you took out a 5 year variable rate OPEN mortgage and in month six you found a better deal at another bank, you could switch to that bank. There would be minor fees including a mortgage discharge fee of around $300. If there are legal fees, the bank you are moving to would likely pick up the costs.
Just got the following email from ING, 3.79% on a 4 Year Fixed term!
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Although our current 4 Year Fixed mortgage rate is 3.99%, we're offering a special "Roll Back Rate" of 3.79%! That's 1.41% lower than the average of the Big Banks*. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]This great rate is available to ING DIRECT Clients who are looking for a mortgage. It could be to purchase a new home, or to refinance or switch your existing mortgage that's with another bank. You may never see such a low mortgage rate again. Don't miss out on getting yesterday's low mortgage rate today! [/FONT] Apply by October 31, 2009 to lock in your 3.79% 4 Year Fixed rate until December 31, 2009!