Now that you know what an ARM is and how it works, you may be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are. So let’s explore that issue.
Offering adjustable rates allows lenders to transfer part of the interest rate risk from themselves to the borrower. If you get a fixed rate mortgage and the interest rate then goes up, it costs the lender money. However, if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, as the interest rate goes up, so does your payment, thus compensating the lender. Adjustable rate mortgages are particularly useful when unpredictable interest rates make fixed rate loans hard to get.
One of the main advantages of an adjustable rate mortgage is that the initial interest rate is lower than that of a fixed rate mortgage. A lower rate means lower payments, which may help you qualify for a larger loan. This is an important detail if you expect your future earnings to rise. In this case, the ARM will allow you to qualify for a larger loan amount earlier rather than later.
However, this information should only be used with care. If you use an ARM to qualify for a larger loan amount than a fixed rate would allow you and the interest rate then rises drastically or your income doesn’t rise, you may not be able to afford the larger monthly payments, thus causing you to default on your loan.
A situation in which an adjustable rate mortgage makes sense would be if you are only going to keep the house for a short period of time. If you are only planning to own your house for only a few years, the risk of the interest rate rising goes down. This means that you will get a better rate with an ARM, making it a good choice. However, if you plan on staying in your home for a long period of time, a fixed rate may be a better option.
The lesson here is to have a plan. Know what your goals are in purchasing a home and plan for all eventualities. Do your research when shopping for an ARM and consider the worst-case scenario.
Back to Table of Contents©2024, Northeast Florida MLS. All rights reserved.
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange ("IDX") program of the Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than RE/MAX 100 Reallty are marked with the listing brokers name and detailed information about such listings includes the name of the listing brokers. Data provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. RE/MAX 100 Reallty does not display the entire Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service, Inc. data exchange program database on this web site. The listings of some real estate brokerage firms have been excluded.
Any use of search facilities of data on the site, other than by a consumer looking to buy, sell or lease real estate is prohibited. The Corporation does not guarantee and is not in any way responsible for, its accuracy. Data maintained by Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service, Inc. does not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Information last updated on 2024-03-28 17:30:06.
©2024, St. Augustine & St. Johns Co. MLS. All rights reserved.
Information deemed to be reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes from St. Augustine and St. Johns County MLS and the Broker Reciprocity Program.sm. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than RE/MAX 100 Reallty are marked with the BR logo and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers. All measurements and all calculations of area (i.e., Sq Ft and Acreage) are approximate. Listing broker has attempted to offer accurate data, but buyers are advised to confirm all items.
Information last updated on 2024-03-28 17:30:06.