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.
 |
Cosmetic Improvements >Improving To Sell
Many homeowners wait until they are ready to put their home on the market before painting, planting flowers, and making other improvements to their homes. After completing these improvements, they may be so delighted with the results that they wish they had done the work on their home sooner in order to enjoy the changes.
Whether you have recently purchased a home or have been settled in your home for several years, you should consider evaluating the condition of your house as if you planned to sell it soon. Maximize your home's "curb appeal" now, so that you will reap the benefits every time you pull into your driveway. Plant those flowers and bulbs and you will have your fresh flowers on your own dining room table. Add new window treatments to freshen the appearance of the main rooms. If your house needs an upgraded kitchen, go ahead with the renovation. You will enhance your whole neighborhood and experience the pleasure of living in a more beautiful and fully functional home.
|
|
| Q |
Originally incorporated under the name Georgiana, what is the oldest incorporated city in the United States?
|
| A |
York, Maine, which received an English charter in March 1642, is the oldest incorporated city in the U.S. |
 See More Real Estate Trivia > |
|
|
|
Ward Shifman
10 Langley Road
Newton Centre, MA. 02459
Phone: 617-633-7703
Fax: 617-762-4067
Email: wardshifman@NUMBER1EXPERT.com
"Ward's refined style and performance in our behalf has completely revised my impression of the realty profession." Feedback such as this from Ward's clients is evidence of his strong customer care, effective listening and communication, as well as effective marketing strategies. Ward was the first agent to join William Raveis in Massachusetts, and is a consistent top producer both with-in the company and amongst all Massachusetts brokers. Ward services the Boston, Brookline, and Newton areas, along with Cambridge, Wellesley, the North Shore, South Shore, and many other neighborhoods. Ward's expertise is not just in sales, but in every aspect of real estate--this unique service will help you make the connections towards accomplishing your real estate goals.   
www.WardMovesBoston.com is brought to you by
Ward Shifman
NUMBER1EXPERT™ in real estate for
Boston, Brookline and Newton, Massachusetts Read Ward Shifman's
Privacy Guarantee,
Terms of Service,
and
Free & Without Obligation Pledge
|
|
NUMBER1EXPERT®
© Best Image Marketing and/or its clients.
All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
|
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
