A Multi-Family Home

Is An Adjustable or Fixed-Rate Mortgage Best?

by Arnold Gomez

When it comes to investing in a mortgage, it can be a scary thing if it is the first time. A mortgage can be a great thing as it allows you to buy a home even when you don't have the full amount to cover the payment. Once you have chosen the house you want to purchase, it is time to apply for the mortgage loan. Here is where the choices can be mind boggling. You have several options of loan types depending on your credit score and whether you are a first-time home buyer. For the most part, you have two main options that include an ARM loan and a fixed loan. Both can be very beneficial depending on your circumstances. Here are some tips to help you decide.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage

About 47% of homeowners never shopped around for their mortgage. Unfortunately, this can end up costing you a lot more money down the road if you end up not choosing the right mortgage option. To avoid finding yourself in this situation, you should first decide if an adjustable-rate mortgage is right for you.

Many home buyers like the idea of an adjustable-rate mortgage because they can secure lower mortgage payments initially than if they chose a fixed-rate mortgage. This is ideal if the interest rate is expected to fall in the future. Instead of having to refinance later, the buyer can enjoy lower interest rates much longer. Unfortunately, if the rate does not fall, the interest rate can creep up over time, causing the buyer to pay more in interest than if they had chosen a fixed-rate mortgage.

Choosing an adjustable-rate mortgage requires some predicting of how the future of interest rates will be. If you are able to save money on your mortgage by getting an ARM loan, then you could use the additional savings to put towards a higher-yielding investment. This loan is also ideal if you don't plan on staying in the house long. 

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

The other popular choice for mortgage options is the fixed-rate mortgage. In an uncertain market, the fixed-rate loan may be the best option. A fixed-rate mortgage can protect you against interest rates that skyrocket. Once you are locked into an interest rate with the fixed-loan mortgage, you don't have to worry about which way the rates are trending. 

 Because the rate is fixed, it allows you to budget with a certain amount in mind. You don't have to worry about your mortgage payment increasing in the future like you would with an ARM loan. Should the interest rates go down substantially, you could always refinance the loan. This will allow you to lock in a lower interest rate.

To learn more about mortgaging and refinance options, contact a representative from an establishment like Liberty Escrow Inc.

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