Is A Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM) Or Variable-Rate Mortgage (VRM) Best For You

By Adriana Noton


These two types of loans are the main choices a person has when looking for a loan with which to purchase a home. Making the choice of a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) or variable-rate mortgage (VRM) is not an easy one to make. A lot of money could depend on the choice you make and both are excellent ways of financing a home loan.

Both the fixed and the variable rate will work to determine how much money is paid in interest over the term of the contract. It then needs to be determined which of the two will best fit your budget. Is the sure thing the best option or does the variable offer more benefits?

The amount you pay for a home is the principal. The money that the bank or financial institution will charge you for using that money is the interest. That is where these two loan types differ. With both, the bank will take their share of the money first. When making a payment more will be applied to the interest than the principal in the first few years. Over time, interest will drop and principal amounts will increase.

If you plan on living in your home for more than a few years, the fixed interest might be your best option. The bank will still take their share first, but the payment remains the same for the duration of the mortgage. Nothing will change from the time loan papers are signed until the amount is paid off.

A variable loan uses the purchase price as a permanent number but the interest can often fluctuate over time. This can either raise or lower your monthly payment. The interest rates can change every year or up to every ten years. Most often the time periods for the variable loan is three to five years. The initial period will offer an extremely low interest, in the hopes the borrower will be enticed by the low payment.

As the borrower, the initial variable amount should afford savings to cover possible payment increases. If it allows you to lower the principal by a large amount and an increase will still see you making a profit, the variable may be your best choice. Another reason for going this route is if the home purchase is expected to be short term. In this case, it could save you a lot of money.

The downtrend in the economy over recent years has made the VRM most inviting to most people. The low rate and the anticipated continuing low rate can save the borrower a lot of interest on their loan. Talk to your banker and ask for the latest news in borrowing trends. The Truth in Lending Act is one that assures he or she will have to disclose all information on both mortgages.

Do not make a final decision until all your questions have been answered. The present poor economy is making the variable loan more attractive than ever. The variable is also capped and cannot rise anymore than a couple of points at a time. Always look for the most affordable payment that fits within your budget.




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