What Is An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a home loan that has an initial, low fixed-rate period of several years. After that, for the remainder of the loan term, the interest rate resets at regular intervals. When you get a mortgage, you can choose a fixed interest rate or one that changes. Typically, ARM loan rates start lower than their fixed-rate counterparts, then adjust upwards once the introductory period is over. Fixed-rate mortgages make up almost the entire mortgage market when rates are low.

Can I switch from an ARM to a fixed-rate loan without refinancing?

Consider consulting with a professional financial advisor to review the mortgage options for your specific situation. The main advantage of a fixed-rate loan is that the borrower is protected from sudden and potentially significant increases in monthly mortgage payments if interest rates rise. If you’re buying a short-term home and plan to move away or upsize in a few years, an ARM could save you money. You could benefit from the lower rate and payment, then sell your home before the rate adjusts. An ARM can also be helpful in a rising-rate market where high fixed rates are pricing buyers out of the homes they wanted. Buying a home requires more than just saving up to get a mortgage and finding your perfect home.

What is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)?

They’re advantageous in certain situations, but compared to their fixed-rate counterparts, their unique interest rate structure can be difficult for some borrowers to understand. Eligible military borrowers have extra protection in the form of a cap on yearly rate increases of 1 percentage point for any VA ARM product that adjusts in less than five years. Previous attempts to introduce such loans in the 1970s were thwarted by Congress due to fears that they would leave borrowers with unmanageable mortgage payments.

Benefits of an ARM

If the balance rises too much, your lender might recast the loan and require you to make much larger, and potentially unaffordable, payments. For example, a 2/28 ARM features a fixed rate for two years followed by a floating rate for the remaining 28 years. In comparison, a 5/1 ARM has a fixed rate for the first five years, followed by a variable rate that adjusts every year (as indicated by the number one after the slash). Likewise, a 5/5 ARM would start with a fixed rate for five years and then adjust every five years.

Harder To Budget For

Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information. In a volatile market, mortgage rates can rise swiftly and with little warning.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Definition: What You Need to Know

This allows them to still afford the home they want without having to compromise due to higher rates. With a rate cap structure of 2/2/5, your rate could increase up to 5% at its first adjustment; as high as 7% at its second adjustment; and no higher than 8% over the entire life of the loan. The first number is how long the interest rate is fixed and the second number is how frequently that rate changes after the initial period. For instance, using our same example from above, a 5/1 ARM means the rate is fixed for five years and then variable every year after that. Based on the terms you agreed to with your mortgage lender, your payment could change from one month to the next, or you might not see a change for many months or even years.

Adjustable-rate mortgage guide: How ARM loans work

• The interest rate for ARMs is reset based on a benchmark or index, plus an additional spread called an ARM margin.
• There are several moving parts to an adjustable-rate mortgage, which make calculating what your ARM rate will be down the road a little tricky.
• An interest-only mortgage is when you pay only the interest as your monthly payments for several years.
• The foreclosure wave that followed prompted the federal government to heavily restrict this type of ARM, and it’s rare to find one today.
• Learn more about 30-year mortgage rates, and compare to a variety of other loan types.
• If interest rates are high and expected to fall, an ARM will help you take advantage of the drop, as you’re not locked into a particular rate.
• Choosing between fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.
• Let’s say you took out a 30-year 5/1 ARM for $350,000 with an introductory rate of 6.65 percent (the average rate as of this writing).

The fact that payments remain the same provides predictability, which makes budgeting easier. Not every lender offers adjustable-rate mortgages, and those that do may not have the exact terms you’re looking for. If you don’t think you can comfortably afford the new monthly payment once the adjustment goes through, you may have to cut costs in other areas. An adjustable-rate mortgage is a home loan with a variable interest rate. This means your ARM rate can change every few months or annually, depending on your terms.

Pros of an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

Rate caps are especially important to understand, as they limit how much your interest rate and mortgage payment can go up throughout the adjustment period of your loan. It’s also important to understand how adjustable mortgage rates work when it comes time for your rate to adjust. There are three kinds of “rate caps” that limit the amount your rate can increase each time it changes. Common ARM mortgage options include the 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARM. With a 5/1 ARM, you would have an introductory fixed-rate period of five years.

Real-Life Examples of Fixed and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

It’s possible for your ARM rate to go down if interest rates fall and then your rate adjusts. ARM rates are much more likely to increase when they adjust than to decrease. An adjustable-rate mortgage is a great tool for many home buyers, but it also comes with serious risks that borrowers need to be prepared for. It can be, especially if they plan to sell or refinance before the initial fixed-rate period ends. Rate caps limit how much the interest rate can increase at each adjustment period and over the life of the loan.

Advantages of Fixed-Rate Mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage is a type of home loan where the interest rate remains constant throughout the entire term of the loan. This means that the monthly payments for principal and interest will not change, providing stability and predictability for homeowners. If you’re confident you’ll be moving before the fixed-rate period ends, an ARM could be a great choice. You’ll enjoy the perks of a cheaper introductory rate and payment, and then move before your low rate expires. If your plans change and you no longer plan to move, refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage could be a viable option.

The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. Some adjustable-rate mortgage loans come with an early payoff penalty.

Cons of an adjustable-rate mortgage

However, the deterioration of the thrift industry later that decade prompted authorities to reconsider their initial resistance and become more flexible. Lenders are required to put in writing all terms and conditions relating to the ARM in which you’re interested. A payment-option ARM is, as the name implies, an ARM with several payment options. These options typically include payments covering principal and interest, paying down just the interest, or paying a minimum amount that does not even cover the interest. With this type of loan, the interest rate will be fixed at the beginning and then begin to float at a predetermined time. The average 30-year fixed-refinance rate is 7.01 percent, down 4 basis points over the last week.

This allows you to pay lower monthly payments until you decide to sell again. ARMs are also called variable-rate mortgages or floating mortgages. The interest rate for ARMs is reset based on a benchmark or index, plus an additional spread called an ARM margin. The primary benefit of a fixed-rate mortgage is the stability it offers.

A 5/5 ARM is a mortgage with an adjustable rate that adjusts every 5 years. During the initial period of 5 years, the interest rate will remain the same. After that, it will remain the same for another 5 years and then adjust again, and so on until the end of the mortgage term. A major advantage of an ARM is that it generally has cheaper monthly payments compared to a fixed-rate mortgage, at least initially.

What Is An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

• Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate.
• Rate caps limit how much the interest rate can increase at each adjustment period and over the life of the loan.
• If rates decrease later, your monthly mortgage payment could go down.
• In most cases, you can choose the type of mortgage loan that best suits your needs.
• Fixed-rate mortgages offer interest rate stability over the life of the loan, providing predictable monthly payments and long-term financial planning security.
• The best way to get an idea of how an ARM can adjust is to follow the life of an ARM.
• While the former provides you with some predictability, ARMs offer lower interest rates for a certain period before they begin to fluctuate with market conditions.

See the table below for a detailed breakdown of how each loan type moved. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Two key factors known as “index” and “margin” determine your ARM’s interest rate. When interest rates are falling, the interest rate on an ARM mortgage will decline without the need for you to refinance the mortgage. To make sure you can repay the loan, some ARM programs require that you qualify at the maximum possible interest rate based on the terms of your ARM loan. Another key characteristic of ARMs is whether they are conforming or nonconforming loans.

How ARMs Work: Key Terms

• ARMs are great for people who want to finance a short-term purchase, such as a starter home.
• With a payment option ARM, you have a few different ways to pay back your loan.
• An ARM, sometimes called a variable-rate mortgage, is a mortgage with an interest rate that changes or fluctuates during your loan term.
• An adjustable-rate mortgage makes sense if you have time-sensitive goals that include selling your home or refinancing your mortgage before the initial rate period ends.

Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The interest rate and payment on an adjustable-rate mortgage can increase substantially over time. This is risky because it could make your mortgage payments unaffordable, especially if you have an unexpected financial change in the future like a job loss. If you’re in the military and find yourself relocating every 4 to 5 years, for example, the lower initial rate and payments on an ARM could be a better option than a fixed-rate mortgage. An ARM can also be a great option for first-time homebuyers who plan to start a family and upsize to a bigger home within five to 10 years. With an ARM, your monthly payment may change frequently over the life of the loan, and you cannot predict whether they will rise or decline, or by how much.

Key features of adjustable-rate mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage, on the other hand, has one set interest rate that doesn’t change for the life of your loan. This type of mortgage can be a more affordable means to get into a home, especially when higher rates on fixed mortgages are beginning to price some borrowers out. But is it worth the risk of unknown and potentially larger payments in the future? Here’s how to know if you should get an adjustable-rate mortgage. If interest rates in general fall, then homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages can refinance, paying off their old loan with one at a new, lower rate. The ARM index is often a benchmark rate such as the prime rate, the LIBOR, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), or the rate on short-term U.S.

However, the low introductory rate on an ARM could help lower your payment at the outset and boost your home-buying power. Usually, ARMs start off with a lower interest rate compared to fixed-rate mortgage rates but can increase (or decrease) over time. An interest-only mortgage is when you pay only the interest as your monthly payments for several years. A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that remains unchanged throughout the loan’s term. (However, the proportion of the principal and interest will change).

After all, why wouldn’t you lock in an ultra-affordable rate and payment for the life of the loan? However, ARM loans often grow in popularity when rates are rising. That’s because ARM intro rates are typically lower than fixed rates. This can help borrowers lower their costs and the outset and potentially afford more expensive homes on the same budget. The caps on your adjustable-rate mortgage are the first line of defense against massive increases in your monthly payment during the adjustment period. They come in handy, especially when rates rise rapidly — as they have the past year.

• Once that interest-only period ends, the borrower starts making full principal and interest payments.
• However, the longer your mortgage term, the more you will pay in overall interest.
• Since then, government regulations and legislation have increased the oversight of ARMs.
• You’ll enjoy the perks of a cheaper introductory rate and payment, and then move before your low rate expires.
• With this type of loan, the interest rate will be fixed at the beginning and then begin to float at a predetermined time.
• This can lead to lower payments in the short term but introduces the risk of rising payments in the future.

This is different from a fixed-rate mortgage, which locks in your rate for the entire life of your loan. For example, if you have a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, you’d pay the same rate for all 30 years. The “limited” payment allowed you to pay less than the interest due each month — which meant the unpaid interest was added to the loan balance. When housing values took a nosedive, many homeowners ended up with underwater mortgages — loan balances higher than the value of their homes. The foreclosure wave that followed prompted the federal government to heavily restrict this type of ARM, and it’s rare to find one today. A payment-option ARM, however, could result in negative amortization, meaning the balance of your loan increases because you aren’t paying enough to cover interest.

Rates will depend on your mortgage lender, but in general, lenders reward a shorter initial rate period with a lower intro rate. Whether an adjustable-rate mortgage is the right choice for you depends on how long you plan to stay in the home, rate trends, your monthly budget, and your level of risk tolerance. Some of the most common terms are 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARMs, but many lenders offer shorter or longer intro periods. Some ARMs, such as 5/6 or 7/6 ARMs, adjust every six months rather than once per year. This is usually a few years —  anywhere from three to 10 — and your rate and payment will stay the same for that entire period.

The most obvious advantage is that a low rate, especially the intro or teaser rate, will save you money. Not only will your monthly payment be lower than most traditional fixed-rate mortgages, but you may also be able to put more down toward your principal balance. Just ensure your lender doesn’t charge you a prepayment fee if you do. In most cases, you can choose the type of mortgage loan that best suits your needs.

Conforming loans are those that meet the standards of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They are packaged and sold off on the secondary market to investors. Nonconforming loans, on the other hand, aren’t up to the standards of these entities and aren’t sold as investments. “For those expecting a dramatic drop in 30-year mortgage financing rates, 2025 is probably not the year,” says Ken Johnson, Walker Family chair of Real Estate for the University of Mississippi. “As expected, the Fed lowered rates again by 0.25 percent — it also lowered its expectations for rate cuts in 2025,” says Melissa Cohn, regional vice president of William Raveis Mortgage.

Fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages choosing depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Fixed-rate mortgages offer stable interest rates and predictable monthly payments, ideal for long-term planning and security. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), on the other hand, start with lower initial interest rates, which can adjust periodically based on market conditions.

After that initial period, the rate adjusts annually or according to the terms set by the lender, which might be more or less frequent. Since the rate on a fixed-rate mortgage doesn’t change, you won’t have to worry about your monthly payments changing. These adjustments are based on a market index—the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) being the most common for adjustable-rate products—that your lender uses to set and follow rates. There are a few different indexes, and the benchmark index rate your lender chooses might be different from what another lender chooses.

Choosing between fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability and predictability, while ARMs provide lower initial payments and potential savings. Consulting with a financial advisor or mortgage specialist can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.

Traditional lenders offer fixed-rate mortgages for a variety of terms, the most common of which are 30, 20, and 15 years. Still, borrowers considering an ARM should always plan for the worst-case scenario. Make sure you understand the terms of the ARM you’re considering, including the maximum amount your rate and payment can increase.

A month ago, the average rate on a 30-year fixed refinance was lower at 6.75 percent. At the average rate today for a jumbo loan, you’ll pay a combined $666.65 per month in principal what is adjustable rate mortgage and interest for every $100,000 you borrow. Today’s average rate for the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.99 percent, a decrease of 2 basis points from a week ago.