Adjustable Rate Mortgages - Understand the Benefits Compared to a Fixed Rate Mortgage
Carrie Reeder
There are many benefits with an adjustable rate mortgage. One benefit is that they usually feature lower rates and payments early on in the loan term. Lenders can use the lower payment when qualifying borrowers, therefore borrowers can purchase larger homes than they could otherwise afford. ARM’s allow borrowers to take advantage of falling rates without refinancing. Instead of having to pay closing costs and fees, borrowers can just sit back and watch their rates fall without worrying about these extra costs. Adjustable rate mortgages can help borrowers save and invest more money. Someone who has a payment that is say $200 less with an ARM than with a fixed-rate mortgage for a couple of years can save that money and earn more off it in a higher yielding investment. This type of mortgage also offers a cheap way for borrowers who don’t plan on living in one place very long to buy a house.
There are also a few drawbacks with Adjustable rate mortgages. One drawback is that rates and payments can rise significantly over the loan period. For instance, a 6% ARM can end up at 11% in just three years if rates rise in the overall economy. A borrower’s initial low rate will adjust to a level higher than the going fixed rate level in almost every case because ARMs have initial fixed rates that are set artificially low. The first adjustment can be hard hitting because some annual caps don’t apply to the initial change. Someone with an annual cap of 2% and a lifetime cap of 6% could potentially see the rate shoot from 6% to 12% in 12 months after closing rates in the economy skyrocket. Adjustable rate mortgages can be difficult to understand.
Lenders have much more flexibility when determining margins, caps, adjustment indices and other things, so new borrowers can easily get confused or trapped by less than honest mortgage companies. One last drawback to adjustable rate mortgages is that on certain mortgages called negative amortization loans, borrowers can end up owing more money than they did at closing. This is because the payments on these loans are set so low they only cover part of the interest due. Any additional amount will get added into the principal balance.
As you can see there are many pros and cons to adjustable-rate mortgages. You must carefully consider your options before choosing a mortgage that is right for you. Stay informed of all of your mortgage options.
To view our list of most recommended mortgage lenders, visit this page: Recommended Home Mortgage Lenders
About the Author
Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide. It is an informational loan website, with informative articles and the latest finance news.
The latest information and news on Mortgages:
Mortgage rates hit low of 4.54 percent
Mortgage rates are the most affordable in decades for those who can qualify for a loan.
Mortgage rates hit low of 4.54 pct.
Mortgage rates dropped to the lowest level on record for the fifth time in six weeks, making homebuying and refinancing the most attractive in decades for those who can get loans.
Mortgage Rates Fall Again; 30-Year Fixed At 4.54% - Freddie
Mortgage Rates Fall Again; 30-Year Fixed At 4.54% - Freddie
Mortgage brokers to be fingerprinted, registered
Mortgage loan originators will have to be fingerprinted and sign up to a central registry to do business in future, according to new rules issued by the Federal Reserve and other regulators. Mortgage - Business - Mortgage broker - Federal Reserve System - Financial Services
Mortgage rates hit low of 4.54 percent
Mortgage rates are the most affordable in decades for those who can qualify for a loan. For many, the opportunity to buy a home or refinance at this time is lost because of the tough economy and tight credit standards. But those who have secure jobs, superior... Mortgage - Loan - Refinancing - Unite...
Yahoo! News Search Results for refinance
Russia's Sberbank to refinance RusAl's credit to VEB
Russia's top bank, state-controlled Sberbank, will fully refinance a $4.5 billion loan, which Russia's state development bank Vnesheconombank (VEB) issued to RusAl, the world's largest aluminum producer in the midst of the financial crisis, VEB head Vladimir Dmitriyev said on Wednesday.
Centro to refinance US arm's debt
SHARES in Centro Properties Group rose on news it will refinance and extend the debt of its US business in the midst of restructuring.
Development authority moves to refinance Riverview loan
The Butts County Industrial Development Authority has decided to refinance its loan on the Riverview Business Park property in southern Butts and northern Lamar counties, despite losing its eligibility for a low interest rate.
Pasco School Board to refinance bonds
The Pasco School Board agreed Tuesday to refinance bonds from 2001 and 2003, a move that's expe
7 reasons why you should refinance
A refinance can make sense for many reasons, from getting a lower rate to consolidating debt.