Adjustable Rate Mortgage Basics
Adjustable Rate Mortgages or (ARM’s) are loans whose interest rate will vary throughout the loan’s term. ARM’s initial rate terms usually range from (3, 5, 7, or 10 years) and sometimes regulate on an annual basis thereafter. The initial rate on an ARM is usually going to be less than what’s offered with a thirty year fixed rate mortgage. It can be advantageous if you plan only owning your home for up to the time before a possible adjustment takes place or the loan will paid off in a short term.
You have to way the risk that an increase in interest rates would lead to higher monthly payments in the future. It’s a trade off! You get a lower initial rate with an ARM in exchange for assuming more risk over the long run. Here are some questions you need to consider:
Is my income enough or likely to rise enough to cover higher mortgage payments should arise?
Will I be taking on other sizable debts, such as car or installment loans in the near future?
How long do I plan to own this home? Do I plan to pay the loan off early?