|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Welcome > Resources > Mortgage Calculators >
Fixed or Adjustable Rate ...
Fixed or Adjustable Rate?
A fixed rate mortgage has the same payment for the entire term of the loan. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) has a rate that can change, causing your monthly payment to increase or decrease. Use this calculator to compare a fixed rate mortgage to two types of ARMs, a Fully Amortizing ARM and an Interest Only ARM.
Definitions
- Fixed Rate Mortgage
- A fixed rate mortgage has the same interest rate and monthly payment throughout the term of the mortgage. The payment is calculated to payoff the mortgage balance at the end of the term. The most common terms are 15 year and 30 years.
- Fully Amortizing ARM
- This is the most common type of ARM. The monthly payment is calculated to payoff the entire mortgage balance at the end of the term. The term is typically 30 years. After any fixed interest rate period has passed, the interest rate and payment adjusts annually. A Fully Amortizing ARM will also have a maximum rate that it will not exceed. This calculator uses a maximum interest rate of 12%. Below is a list of the most common types of Fully Amortizing ARMs.
| Common Adjustable Rate Mortgages |
|---|
| ARM Type | Months Fixed |
|---|
| 10/1 ARM | Fixed for 120 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan. |
| 7/1 ARM | Fixed for 84 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan. |
| 5/1 ARM | Fixed for 60 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan. |
| 3/1 ARM | Fixed for 36 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan. |
| 1 year ARM | Fixed for 12 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan. |
- Interest Only ARM
- An Interest Only ARM only requires monthly interest payments. Since you are not paying any principal, as you are with the other two types of mortgages described above, this can lower your monthly payment. However, since your mortgage's principal balance is not decreased, you will have a balloon payment at the end of the mortgage's term. Like a Fully Amortizing ARM, an Interest Only ARM will often have a period where the interest rate is fixed, and then it is adjusted annually. An Interest Only ARM will also have a maximum interest rate that it will not exceed. This calculator uses a maximum interest rate of 12%.
- Mortgage amount
- Expected balance for your mortgage.
- Term in years
- The number of years over which you will repay this mortgage. The most common mortgage terms are 15 years and 30 years. Please note that for the Interest Only ARM you will have a balloon payment for the entire principal balance at the end of the loan term.
- Expected rate change
- The annual adjustment you expect in your ARM. The range for this calculator is minus 3% to plus 3%. Use a negative value if you believe interest rates will decrease, a positive value if you believe they will increase.
- Interest rate
- Annual interest rate for each mortgage type. Typically an ARM will have a lower interest rate than a fixed rate mortgage. The rate of an Interest Only ARM will vary by lender.
- Months rate fixed
- This is the number of months the rate is fixed for an ARM. During this period the interest rate and the monthly payment will remain fixed. The rate will then adjust annually by the expected rate change.
- Interest rate cap
- This is the maximum interest rate for this mortgage. The mortgage's interest rate will never exceed the interest rate cap.
- Monthly payment
- Monthly principal and interest payment (PI) for the Fixed Rate Mortgage and the Fully Amortizing ARM. This is an interest only payment for an Interest Only ARM.
The mortgage calculators are provided by KJE Computer Solutions, LLC and made available to NUMBER1EXPERT as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice. We can't guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.
Bargain Properties >Advice From Real Estate Agents
When buying a home, it is essential to cooperate as closely as possible with your real estate agent. This can be challenging, especially if your agent asks you to do some things that you don't particularly want to do to in order to get you moved into your new home as quickly as possible.
When real estate agents advise you regarding ways to make the transaction work, they are acting as part coach and part business consultant. If you find the house you love and want to "sleep on" the decision for a few days, the agent knows that you run the risk of losing the house. If you are inclined to complicate your offer with clauses that might make the contract unattractive to the sellers, the agent may ask you to consider some modifications. Should you call the week before the closing with an attack of "buyer's remorse", your agent knows the cure. Following your real estate agent's suggestions will increase your chances for a successful move!
|
|
| Q |
In which 'Oil Sheikdom' of the Far East do the wealthy still choose to live in primitive houses on stilts?
|
| A |
Brunei's oil wealth results in no income tax, free education and health services, and cheap housing loans for its average citizen. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
|
|
Sean & Christine Remington
Prudential Sandia Real Estate
6739 Academy NE, Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Sean: 505-307-4006
Christine: 505-977-2004
Fax: 888-291-7121
Sean's Email: Sean@SeanRemington.com
Christine's Email: ChristineRNM@gmail.com
Don't leave such important decisions in the hands of just any real estate agent. Trust one of New Mexico's Top Real Estate Teams who makes it look fun and easy; Sean & Christine Remington. Having gone the extra mile to pursue extended education in real estate coupled with a heavy volume of experience ensures that when choosing to work with Sean & Christine - you have made the right choice.
|
NUMBER1EXPERT®
© Best Image Marketing and/or its clients.
All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
- NUMBER1EXPERT 
