Why Should You Consider Getting An Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

Why Should You Consider Getting An Adjustable Rate Mortgage?If you are planning on buying a house in the near future, you have probably seen that there are multiple options available. You might even be considering an adjustable-rate mortgage, usually shortened to ARM. While many people opt for a fixed-rate mortgage, there are a few reasons to consider an ARM as well. What are some of the top advantages to keep in mind?

A Lower Initial Payment

One of the biggest reasons why many home buyers consider an adjustable-rate mortgage is that you get a lower initial payment. Often, the ARM’s interest rate is lower than the fixed-rate interest rate at the time of signing. This means that you might have more flexibility at the beginning of the amortization schedule, freeing up more cash. You can use that cash to handle renovations and repairs if your house requires them.

You Can Pay Down Your Principle Faster

Because the interest rate is lower at the beginning of the payment cycle, you might be able to use that extra cash to pay down the principle faster. This could allow you to pay off the house earlier, or it might mean that you end up paying less interest over the life of the loan because you can shrink the principle faster.

You Can Always Refinance Later

While many home buyers are concerned that an adjustable-rate mortgage might increase after the fixed period ends, you do not necessarily have to stick with the ARM forever. For example, you might decide that you want to refinance the house down the road to a lower interest rate, creating opportunities to save money. You might even end up selling the house and moving before the fixed period ends, giving you an opportunity to reset your loan.

Consider Getting an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

These are a few of the top reasons why you might want to consider an adjustable-rate mortgage. Like anything else, ARMs have their benefits and drawbacks, and the right option for one person might not be the right option for you. You should think carefully about your specific situation, consider all of the options available, and select the best choice for your needs. Do not hesitate to reach out to an expert who can help you.

What To Consider Before Taking Out An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

What To Consider Before Taking Out An Adjustable-Rate MortgageIf you are purchasing a house in the near future, you are probably reviewing your loan options. There are plenty of choices available, and one option is an adjustable-rate mortgage, which is usually shortened to ARM. There are a lot of people who get lured in by the advertisements on ARMs, but are they right for you? There are a few important factors you need to keep in mind.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Can Change Your Interest Rate Quickly

First, an adjustable-rate mortgage can change the amount of interest you owe on a home loan quickly. Typically, the ARM has an initial period during which the interest rate will not change. Then, there will be a periodic cap, which is the amount of interest that can be added or reduced to the loan in a set amount of time. There will also be a lifetime cap, meaning that the interest rate cannot rise above a preset boundary.

The Pros of an ARM

There are a few situations where an adjustable-rate mortgage can be beneficial. The biggest benefit is that the interest rate on the ARM is typically lower than the market rate when you take it out. You could get that low interest rate set for anywhere from a few months to a few years. If you plan on selling the house quickly, or if you think interest rates will drop in the future, then an adjustable-rate mortgage could be for you.

The Cons of an ARM

On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks as well. The biggest drawback is that the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage could go up significantly. When this happens, you could end up getting priced out of your house. You might have to sell, or you might foreclose on your home. You need to run the numbers carefully before going with an adjustable-rate mortgage.

Think Carefully About Your Options

In the end, these are just a few of the many points you need to consider if you are thinking about taking an adjustable-rate mortgage. While they can be beneficial in some situations, they also come with a lot of risks. You should talk to a professional before you settle on a loan for your home.

ARM Loans: What To Know

ARM Loans: What To KnowMany people are wondering what type of home loan is right for them, and one of the options is an ARM loan. This is an adjustable-rate mortgage. Typically, the rate is fixed for a certain amount of time, but it can change after that. Adjustable-rate mortgages will vary depending on the market. Is an ARM a smart loan option?  There are some situations where an ARM loan can be helpful, but people need to be careful with them.

The Risk Of An ARM Loan

First, it is important to understand why ARM loans contributed to the housing crash more than a decade ago. Many people took out ARM loans to buy houses that they could not afford. For example, if an ARM loan is a 5/30 loan, this means that it is a 30-year mortgage that has a fixed interest rate for the first five years. Then, after five years, the interest rate can change. There are typically caps on how much the interest rate can rise, but for many people, a three or four percent increase in the mortgage rate is enough to price them out of their homes.

What Are The Advantages Of An ARM Loan?

There are a few advantages that come from taking out an ARM loan. First, they usually have lower rates than fixed-rate mortgages. They might only be lower than a fixed-rate mortgage by a quarter point, but this adds up over time. Furthermore, they are a great option for real estate investors who are planning on buying and selling properties quickly. If someone is only planning on holding onto the property for a year or two, it might be a smart move to take out an ARM loan because the rate will not have a chance to go up before the property is sold. 

When To Take Out An ARM Loan For A House

Ultimately, people should consider taking out an ARM loan if they do not plan on living in the property for a long time. That way, they can sell the property before the interest rate increases. This could be a way to save money on property purchases and housing expenses, but there are risks involved, so be careful and speak with a mortgage professional to help guide you with the best loan option for you.