Loan Articles


An adjustable rate mortgage is a type of home loan with a variable interest rate. This means that the interest rates go up and down, and the rates on the mortgage follow these trends. These loans come with a number of benefits, but they are a better fit for borrowers who can take risks.

With regard to benefits, a major one is that borrowers end up covering lower monthly payments. Banks are willing to give a low initial interest rate to borrowers who take the risk of interest rates rising in the future. The situation is different with fixed rate mortgages where it is banks that take the risk. What happens when interest rates go up is the following: the bank is in the position of extending you a loan at a below market rate. When the rates fall, on the other hand, you may opt to refinance and get better rates.

Who benefits from an interest rate mortgage? In general, these are borrowers who choose the right type of ARM. They opt for restrictions or caps in order to manage risks. Caps set limitations on the extent to which these mortgages can adjust. There are three ways to do this. First, you may choose to have caps on the loan’s interest rate. Second, there may be caps on the payment’s dollar amount. A
third option is to specify how many years should pass before the mortgage begins to adjust. The risk of having an adjustable rate mortgage is reduced by these restrictions to some extent.

Persons who seek a mortgage with a potential for considerable savings will also benefit from an ARM. Here is how. The lower payments and lower interest rate you will get with this mortgage result in more free money to invest in potentially profitable projects. When interest rates fall, you automatically get a lower interest rate. Then, if you do not plan to stay in the house for an extended period of time, this mortgage type is a good option. For example, if you expect twins or a job transfer in the next couple of years, you should not opt for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. Adjustable rate mortgages are offered with a low initial rate and present the cheaper and better way to go. Those who plan to sell or refinance in the near future, paying off the loan, should read their loan documents very carefully. Some financial institutions impose a penalty if you decide to pay off your loan earlier.

Naturally, whether you will benefit from an adjustable rate mortgage depends on your financial situation and the type of mortgage you choose. There are three general types to choose from: hybrid ARM, option ARM, and cash flow ARM. If you choose the first type, your interest rate will be fixed for a specified period and will fluctuate afterwards. The hybrid ARM is a good option for less risk-adverse borrowers because some of the risk is transferred from the creditor to the borrower. In this way, you will get a lower interest rate. Option ARMs are intended for borrowers whose income is likely to grow in the future, and they require some payment flexibility. Finally, cash flow ARMs allow borrowers to choose different payment schedules – 30 years, 15 years, interest only, etc. Keep in mind that this can lead to negative amortization.