What’s the Difference Between Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

The two most common mortgages are those with a fixed or adjustable interest rate. When looking for a mortgage, the first order of business is to decide between the two primary loan kinds. This article will look into the differences between adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages.

Difference Between Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

About Fixed-Rate Mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest that doesn’t alter throughout the loan. Homeowners can easily plan their budgets when they know their total monthly payment will always be the same, even when the sum of interest and principal paid each month may vary.

As the name implies, the interest rate on a fixed-rate mortgage remains constant throughout the loan’s duration. You may count on keeping your current principal and interest payment each month. The appeal of these loans stems from the stability they provide, although their initial interest rates may be greater than those of adjustable-rate mortgages.

If you’re interested in this setup, check out Great Southern Bank’s fixed rate home loan for a comprehensive breakdown of mortgage offers.

Pros

• There will be no changes to the interest rate or the payment schedule
• Consistent monthly contributions ease the burden on family budgets
• Easy to comprehend, particularly for first-time customers

Cons

• If rates drop, homeowners with a fixed mortgage will need to refinance
• Securing a loan at a higher percentage and failing to refinance if rates decrease might result in greater interest costs throughout the life of the loan
• It’s a standard issue, meaning you won’t be able to change it until you switch lenders

About Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

When you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the interest rate shifts over time, and an ARM’s interest rate starts lower than a similar fixed-rate loan but increases over time. If an ARM is held for a long time, the monthly payment will increase until it is more than the payment on a fixed-rate mortgage of the same term.

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) feature a set introductory interest-rate period, followed by the rate changes at a predetermined interval.

The fixed-rate term might be as short as one month or long as ten years, with the shorter durations often having lower starting interest rates. When a loan’s original term ends, the interest rate changes to reflect the prevailing market rate. After then, this will be the rate in effect until the next time it is reset, which might take place the following year.

Pros

• Early in the loan period, the interest rate and payment are lower
• People can afford higher-priced houses than they would have been able to purchase without the ability to qualify for a loan with a smaller down payment
• Borrowers may benefit from historically low-interest rates even if they don’t refinance
• Borrowers may be able to put away and invest more of their earnings
• It’s a more affordable option for homebuyers who don’t want to stay in one spot for too long

Cons

• Throughout the loan’s duration, rates and payments may increase substantially
• The primary modification of a loan may be exempt from several yearly restrictions
• ARMs have more moving components than fixed-rate equivalents because of the margins, limits, and adjustment indices built into them

How Fixed vs Adjustable Rates Affect Reverse Mortgages 

Fixed and adjustable reverse mortgages differ primarily in their interest rate structures. Both types allow homeowners to access their home equity, but they come with different interest rate options that can impact the loan balance and repayment. 

Here’s a comparison of the two: 

1. Fixed Reverse Mortgages: Interest rate: Fixed reverse mortgages come with a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan. The interest rate is determined at the time of closing and remains constant throughout the loan term.
2. Stability: The fixed interest rate provides stability and predictability for borrowers, as the interest charged on the loan will not change over time. This can be beneficial for those who want to minimize the risk associated with interest rate fluctuations.
3. Payment options: With a fixed reverse mortgage, borrowers typically receive the loan proceeds as a lump sum payment. This is because the fixed interest rate is applied to the entire loan amount from the beginning, making other disbursement options, like a line of credit or monthly payments, less feasible. 

Adjustable Reverse Mortgages:

1. Interest rate: Adjustable reverse mortgages come with a variable interest rate that can change over time based on a financial index (e.g., LIBOR) plus a margin determined by the lender. The interest rate is adjusted periodically, usually on a monthly or annual basis.
2. Flexibility: The variable interest rate in adjustable reverse mortgages offers more flexibility for borrowers, as the interest rate can increase or decrease over time. This can be beneficial for those who believe interest rates will decline in the future or are comfortable with potential fluctuations.
3. Payment options: Adjustable reverse mortgages offer multiple disbursement options, including a lump sum, monthly payments, a line of credit, or a combination of these. This provides more flexibility for borrowers to access their home equity in a way that best suits their financial needs.
4. Interest rate caps: Adjustable reverse mortgages often come with interest rate caps, which limit how much the interest rate can change within a specific period and over the life of the loan. This provides some protection for borrowers against extreme interest rate fluctuations. 

In summary, the main difference between fixed and adjustable reverse mortgages lies in their interest rate structures. Fixed reverse mortgages offer a stable, unchanging interest rate and typically provide a lump sum payment. Adjustable reverse mortgages have a variable interest rate and offer more flexible disbursement options, including a line of credit and monthly payments. When choosing between the two, consider factors such as your risk tolerance, desired payment options, and expectations for future interest rates. 

Source: https://reverse.mortgage/fixed-vs-adjustable-rate

Conclusion

Fixed-rate mortgages have an interest rate established at the time of loan origination and do not fluctuate during the loan life, in contrast to adjustable-rate mortgages. Mortgages with an adjustable interest rate might have their interest rate go up or lower. No matter what kind of loan you use, making an informed decision is the best way to keep expensive oversights within range.