Helpful Tips you Need to Know About Fixed vs. Adjustable Rates

You’re about to become a first time homeowner—this is an exciting time! As you begin working with lenders on securing pre approval for a mortgage, you’ll probably hear some terms when it comes to mortgage interest rates such as “fixed” and “adjustable.” To help you make a smart decision, here are some helpful tips you need to know about fixed vs. adjustable rates.

Interest Rate 101

An interest rate is the cost of borrowing money. When you borrow money to purchase a home, the interest rate applies to how much the home will cost you with borrowed money rather than saving a lump sum for the entire purchase price.

Fixed Interest Rate

The most straightforward type of rate is a fixed one. With a fixed interest rate, this means the rate and payments stay the same, regardless of what’s happening with the economy. Some homebuyers may be drawn to fixed interest rates since they offer rate security, making for easy budgeting, though it can end up costing more money in the long run. 

In the event rates go down, homeowners with fixed rate mortgages will need to refinance. Refinancing with a reduced rate will save you some money. Keep in mind there will be upfront closing costs and time spent getting approved for a mortgage all over again with your tax documents, bank statements, and more.

Adjustable Interest Rate

Often referred to as an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, or “ARM,” these types of loans can seem complicated to a first time home buyer. With an adjustable interest rate, borrowers are offered lower rates and subsequently lower monthly payments early in the mortgage loan term. ARMs let borrowers take advantage of falling interest rates without needing to refinance. When you refinance, there’s a significant time investment, and it will cost money each time you refinance. When you have an ARM, you can watch rates and your monthly payment fall without having to do anything.

An adjustable rate. Is a less expensive way for homebuyers who don’t plan on staying in one place for very long.

On the flip side, with an ARM, your rates and payments can also go up over the life of your mortgage loan. These rates will usually have an annual cap, so if rates rise significantly and quickly, you might not be affected right away. On certain ARMs, called negative amortization loans, borrowers could wind up owing more than they did at closing because the payments on these loans are set so low to make the loans affordable that they cover only part of the interest due. The rest ends up getting baked into the principal balance.

The low initial cost of adjustable rate mortgages might be tempting. But, they bring a degree of risk and uncertainty in the long run.

Fixed or Adjustable Interest Rate: Which Is Better?

There isn’t a straightforward answer about which type of interest rate might be better than the other. There are several unique factors to take into account such as

1. the index your lender uses
2. the number and timing of rate adjustments and any assumptions about the future increase or decrease in rates
3. the length of your loan

Work with a reputable and trustworthy lender. Review the pros and cons of each type of interest rate for your situation. Have questions or just looking for a little advice on where to start? Reach out to me here.

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About the author

My philosophy is simple: clients come first. I pledge to be in constant communication with my clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. If you’re not left with an amazing experience, I haven’t done my job. Success is not measured through achievements or awards but through the satisfaction and repeat/referral business of my clients. My goal is to be your top realtor choice when it comes to buying or selling real estate. Having spent most of my life in Portland living in Northeast, Southeast, Bethany, Hillsboro, Beaverton, downtown and St. Johns, I’m very knowledgeable of the many different neighborhoods our city has to offer.