Term | 10-year ARM |
Rate | |
APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
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Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
Term | 7-year ARM |
Rate | |
APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
|
Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
Term | 5-year ARM |
Rate | |
APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
|
Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
Term | Rate | APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
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10-year ARM | |||
7-year ARM | |||
5-year ARM |
What is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loan?
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a loan in which the interest rate may change periodically, usually based upon a pre-determined index. The ARM loan may include an initial fixed-rate period that is typically 5 to 10 years. The interest rate then may change (adjust) each year thereafter once the initial fixed period ends. For example, with a 5/1 ARM loan for a 30-year term, your interest rate would be fixed for the initial 5 years and could fluctuate up or down each subsequent year for the next 25 years.
Should I get a fixed-rate loan or an ARM loan?
ARM loans typically feature lower rates and monthly payments than comparable fixed-rate loans during the initial rate period, but rates could increase or decrease once the initial rate expires. While many home buyers prefer the security of a fixed-rate mortgage, an ARM can be a good choice, too — especially if you know you'll be moving within the next few years.
5-year ARM loans
5/1 ARMs generally provide the lowest interest rates and monthly payments during the initial rate period. These loans are ideal for borrowers who don't want a long-term mortgage.
10-year ARM loans
10-year ARMs are increasingly popular as they combine significant savings for the initial rate period with longer protection from market-based interest-rate fluctuations.
ARM loan benefits and considerations
The best short-term ARM rates
Conventional adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans typically feature lower interest rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) during the initial rate period than comparable fixed-rate mortgages.
Low monthly payments
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loan lets you keep your monthly payments low during the initial term of your home loan, giving you the option to pay down your mortgage faster.
ARM home loan eligibility requirements
Credit history
Conforming loans are loans that conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. They are a good choice for borrowers with very good credit, which generally means a FICO score of 740 or higher. There are also established guidelines for income and other personal financial information.
ARM loan amount
The loan amount for a conforming ARM is generally up to $726,200 for a single-family home, though limits may be higher in regions where home prices are higher. Jumbo ARMs allow borrowers to exceed the conforming loan limit for higher-valued homes.
Down payment
Most conventional ARM loans will require at least 5 percent as a down payment. For loans with lower down payment requirements, explore government-backed mortgages like VA loans and FHA loans or speak to your mortgage loan officer about other options that may be available. If the down payment is less than 20 percent on a conventional loan, mortgage insurance may be required.
Compare mortgage options to learn more or contact a mortgage officer to find out which mortgage option may be the best fit for your individual needs.
If you’re ready to take the leap into homeownership, we can get you started on the right path.