Adjustable rate mortgages are represented with ratios such as 5:1, 1:1, 3:2, etc. In adjustable rate mortgages, the rates do not begin adjusting for the first few years. In the initial stages of the mortgages, the rates are fixed. The first numbers in the ratios above indicate the number of years for which the mortgage rates would remain fixed. The second number shows the intervals after which the mortgage rates would be reviewed. Hence if the ratio on an adjustable rate mortgage is 3:2, it means that the rates would remain fixed for the initial three years of the mortgage, and then they would be reviewed at every two-year intervals.



Before going for an adjustable rate mortgage it is important to decide whether the fixed rate mortgages would be actually better. Fixed rate mortgages are those in which the interest rates remain constant for the entire life of the loan. It is very difficult for a mortgage buyer to choose between the two types of mortgages. A proper knowledge of the positive and negative points of the adjustable rate mortgages would help to make the decision.

Pros of Adjustable Rate Mortgages

When starting out, the adjustable rate mortgage is offered at a rate lower than the fixed rate mortgage loans. This is the incentive for most people to consider adjustable mortgage rates favorably. Adjustable mortgage rates provide freedom to the lender, who is not bound with a fixed rate for the entire life of the loan. In some cases, negotiation could also be possible. For people looking for paying off the mortgage within a few years, an adjustable rate mortgage could be better due to the initial low rates of interest.

Adjustable rate mortgages are flexible. With fixed rate mortgages, you may be making a big mistake if you lock in the rate when it is at a high. Even if the market rates drop, you would have to continue paying the higher rates. But with adjustable rate mortgages the interest rates would go down when the market rates would go down.

Cons of Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Some borrowers consider the adjustable rate mortgages to be a kind of risk. There is always a fear that the rates would go higher and so would the monthly payments. This could mean a sense of insecurity all through the life of the loan.

Knowing the pros and cons of the adjustable rate mortgages would help the mortgage buyer to make a better decision about which loan to take. Be informed and make the right decision.