What Is An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
Looking for a home loan? An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) in Houston could be the perfect solution! ARMs have interest rates that shift over time, meaning your monthly payments might vary each month depending on the current rate.
While an ARM has risks, it also offers advantages like lower interest rates and higher monthly payments.
Don’t let the confusion of mortgages overwhelm you – explore the potential of an ARM and take control of your home loan today!
How Does An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Work?
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) in Houston offers an initial interest rate that is often lower than what you see with a fixed-rate loan.
This makes it appealing to many looking to buy a home! However, keep in mind that the interest rate and payment amount can fluctuate with the underlying index.
As such, lenders in Houston may put caps on how much the interest rate can rise so as to protect against any increase in payments if rates go up.
Plus, there’s even the option to switch your ARM to a fixed-rate loan after a certain amount of time—sounds helpful, right?
Types of ARMs in Houston, TX
- One-Year Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM): These mortgages usually have an initial fixed period of one year, after which the rate adjusts once each year for the remainder of the loan term.
- Three-Year ARM: This type of ARM has an initial fixed period of three years, after which the rate adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan.
- Five-Year ARM: Like its two counterparts, this has an initial fixed period of five years before the annual adjustment begins.
- Seven-Year ARM: Again, like all arms it has a fixed period of seven years before the rate adjusts annually for the rest of the life of the loan.
- Ten-Year ARM: This type of ARM is unique in that it has a fixed period of ten years before adjusting annually for the remainder of the loan’s term.
Pros and Cons of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage
For some house hunters, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) in Houston can provide an excellent way to save on their monthly payments.
Though the initial interest rates might be low, it is important to keep in mind that these rates could go up and cause your payments to balloon.
Furthermore, there may be caps in place to protect you from sky-high payment increases, but a negative amortization feature could still cause a substantial spike in what you owe.
In addition, it has become harder than ever to find an ARM because lenders have become more cautious about offering them. At the end of the day, ARMs can offer tremendous savings potential, but it is essential for prospective buyers to fully consider all the risks before making a decision.
ARM Mortgage FAQs
What are the pros and cons of Adjustable-Rate mortgages?
Possessing an adjustable rate mortgage can lead to a potentially lower interest rate; yet, one’s payments could possibly increase depending on the rise of the market interest rate. With cautious consideration, the risk must be weighed against the reward.
Is an ARM good idea?
If your life is expected to undergo changes in the foreseeable future, then an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) in Houston may prove advantageous.
During its fixed-rate period, you can benefit from secure monthly payments and then when transitioning into the more volatile adjustable phase, you can opt to sell the house before it ends. Consequently, this strategy provides an attractive option for those looking to safeguard their finances while navigating life’s unpredictable changes.
What happens at the end of an ARM?
After all the payments for principal, interest and fees have been paid off, you will have fulfilled your ARM mortgage obligations perfectly!
Team LoanStar360
- Canopy Mortgage, LLC
- Serving all of Houston, TX
- 888-670-7550
- Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9AM–5PM
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed