Fixed vs. ARM

The Difference Between Fixed and Arm Mortgages

As the name suggests, a fixed rate loan means that the interest rate is ‘fixed’ for the term of the loan and they come in four flavors (10, 15, 20, and 30-yr fixed mortgages).  Most clients opt for the 30-yr fixed loan since it locks in the rate for 30 years and keeps the payment low.

However, if you would like to aggressively pay off your loan prior to retirement or before the kids start college, then a 15-yr or 20-yr fixed loan might make the most sense.  The general rule is that the longer the fixed loan term, the higher the interest rate and lower the payment (since shorter terms require you to pay a lot more principal each month).

On the opposite end of the spectrum are ARMs, or ‘Adjustable Rate Mortgages’.  These loans are fixed for a short amount of time (3, 5, 7, and 10-yr ARMS).  You may ask why anyone would ever want a loan where the rate adjusts in the future, but they definitely have their place in the mortgage family.  To start, the interest rates are much lower than any fixed loan, so ARMs offer the lowest payments available on the market.  So if you plan on moving in the next 5-7 years, then an ARM might be the best loan strategy for you.

Contact the UMAX Mortgage Company

Our trusted California mortgage advisors can help you evaluate whether a fixed rate mortgage or an ARM is the best fit for your situation. Get started today!