What is an ARM loan?

An ARM loan is where the interest rate is fixed for a specified period of time and then adjusts according to the terms of the loan and the index associated with the loan.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages are excellent choices for our customers with growing families, as the often outgrow their houses much before the fixed period of the mortgage expires.

One of the biggest advantages of an ARM loan is that when interest rates fall, the borrower can take advantage of those lower rates without having to go to the expense of refinancing.

An arm loan typically starts out w/ a lower rate than a fixed rate loan and can give you several years of reduced payments compared to a higher fixed rate mortgage.

The most common ARMs are 6 month, 1 yr, 2 yr, 3 yr, 5 yr, 7 yr and 10 yr.

ARM loans offer way more flexibility than your standard fixed rate mortgage. With ARM loans you can do fixed terms of usually 1, 3, 5,7 or 10 years. Most of these programs also give you an interest only option to lower your payments even more. Even though it has some negative aspects, the Pay Option ARM ( aka Pick a Payment, Cash flow ARM, Neg Am) is my favorite loan. This ARM gives you 3 or 4 monthly payment choices. The interest rate does fluctuate every month, but the minimum payment adjusts once a year and is usually based on paying only 1% of the interest due. This is ideal for investment properties, first time homebuyers, or borrowers savvy enough to divert the savings into other investments. Make sure to discuss all of the options with your mortgage broker.

ARM loans are typically best for people who know that they will either refinance or move within a few years. Because rates tend to be lower on ARM loans, this can be a very good choice. However, if you have no intention of moving within the next few years, you may be better off to go with a fixed rate mortgage. This is something you will want to discuss with your broker.

One of the myths in the mortgage business is that ARM loans are for those who don’t qualify for a fixed rate mortgage. The fact of the matter is that most ARM borrowers could also qualify for a fixed rate loan but choose an ARM because of the lower payments and other advantages that the ARM product offers.

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