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When applying for a new home mortgage, many loan applicants initially consider applying for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. This is perhaps the most common and traditional type of mortgage available. It allows you to enjoy the opportunity to pay for your home over the course of 30 years with equal payments every month.
While this is one option, there are actually multiple choices available. For some applications, a variable rate mortgage may be more advantageous. If you are comparing the options between a fixed rate and a variable rate mortgage, you may consider a few points.
When you compare the fixed rate and variable rate options, you will immediately notice that the variable rates have a lower start rate. The interest rate will influence the mortgage payment amount. Because of this, you will benefit from a lower initial mortgage payment with a variable rate.
However, it is important to understand that the introductory interest rate on a variable rate mortgage is only for a certain period of time, after which it will change. More specifically, the rate will adjust periodically over the life of the loan. This means that the mortgage payment will also adjust.
In some cases, it may increase, and in other cases, it may decrease. This is a risk you will need to be willing to make when you take out a variable-rate mortgage. That said, a variable-rate mortgage may be ideal if rates are expected to decrease in the near future, in which case you may be more likely to see a decrease in rates over time when the rate adjusts.
Further, this type of mortgage may be great if you are planning to sell before the introductory period is up.
On the other hand, a fixed-rate mortgage comes with a rate that remains the same throughout the life of the loan. This is a good option if you like the idea of predictable payments to fit in your budget or if rates are very low and are expected to increase in the future. In this case, you may want to lock in a rate and keep it where it’s at for the long haul.
The true benefit of a fixed-rate mortgage is the ability to better control your budget and manage your funds. A mortgage payment can be a large expense item in your budget, and it may be the largest single expense you have by far.
An increase to your variable rate and therefore your mortgage payment can be difficult to bear if you have a tight budget with no wiggle room. In some cases, the rate may go beyond what is affordable for a homeowner to endure.
If you do take on a variable rate loan, it is important that you understand what the highest possible interest rate adjustment is and what your payment may be with that rate. If you can manage that payment, then you may confidently apply for a variable rate mortgage.
If you are thinking about applying for a mortgage, it is important that you consider all of the options carefully and that you understand the key differences between them. You can speak with a mortgage loan officer or lending representative in detail to get more information about the options available to you. This can help you to make a better decision about your mortgage application and to better plan and budget for your future as a homeowner.
Are you curious about mortgages? If so, we can help. Sammamish Mortgage is a local, family-owned company based in Bellevue, Washington. We have been offering a variety of mortgage programs to borrowers across all of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Colorado since 1992. Please contact us if you have mortgage-related questions.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.