The ABCs of ARM and Home Mortgage Rates

During the home buying process, there are quite a few things that you need to learn about. One of them is deciding whether you should apply for a typical mortgage loan or one which has an adjustable interest rate.

Here, we will have a preview of the different mortgage loans that you can take advantage of, as well as the other factors that you need to consider when buying a home.

The Loan Term or Mortgage Loan Length

One of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to applying for a home loan is not doing their homework. Just as it is when making any financial decision, it is a must for you to do your research as to which factors you need to consider when applying for a home loan.

First, there’s the mortgage amount that you need to determine. Look for a real estate property situated in an ideal location which is near where you work or your kids’ school. Make sure that the size of the house that you are buying is also ideal for the number of people in your family.

More importantly, make sure that the mortgage amount is something that you can afford. Go online and look for mortgage rate calculators. The length of time that the entire mortgage amount needs to be paid, the interest rate and everything else will be taken into consideration. Depending on your household budget needs, the online mortgage calculator would give you a rough estimate of what the ideal monthly mortgage premium is, so that you can rest assured that the amount is something that you can afford.

Fixed Rate versus Adjustable

Now, there are two loan types that you can take into consideration: one with a fixed rate and another one with an adjustable rate. Fixed Rate Mortgages or FRMs are just what the name implies. They are mortgage loans which have a fixed rate all throughout. Let’s say that you have taken advantage of a 15-year mortgage with a 7.5% interest rate. Unless you decide to refinance or switch to a different lender when the time comes to renew your mortgage contract, the interest rate will remain the same throughout the 15-year period – which is an unchanged 7.5% interest rate.

On the other hand, an ARM or Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a much more complex – yet sometimes more beneficial – type of mortgage loan. Basically, the interest rate that will be applied to your loan is dependent on the current trends in the real estate market.

If it’s a buyer’s market and you are about to renew your mortgage contract, you might be able to benefit from lower interest rates. However, there is also a chance for the mortgage rate to be much higher as compared to when you first took on the home loan – which is a risk that you have to take.

As you list down the pros and cons of applying for a typical mortgage loan, you would have a better idea as to which one will work to your advantage the best. Compare this with the pros and cons of applying for an adjustable mortgage loan, and decide which course of action to take.

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