A fixed rate mortgage is really the only option. Adjustable rate mortgages were a big part of the reason the mortgage market collapsed a few years ago: consumers who were not savvy had signed up for ARMs and didn't realize that their payments could increase dramatically when the rate was adjusted a few years later. An ARM is a crap shoot; it is difficult to predict which way it will adjust, and given the economy, it is likely that it will go up and not down, thus increasing the payment beyond what is budgeted. A good rule of thumb: if you can't get a fixed rate, don't get a mortgage until you can.
Option ARM vs. Fixed Rate Mortgage A fixed rate mortgage has the same payment for the entire term of the loan. The Option ARM uses a low initial rate to calculate your initial minimum monthly payment. Although the interest rate will increase after 1 to 3 months, your low payment will remain fixed for the entire year. This can produce a much lower monthly payment than a traditional fixed rate mortgage, or even an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM).
Fixed Rate Mortgage vs. Interest Only Mortgage A fixed rate mortgage has the same payment for the entire term of the loan. Use this calculator to compare a fixed rate mortgage to Interest Only Mortgage.
This type of mortgage vehicle gives the borrower the benefit of a low initial rate with the option to refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage at about half the typical refinance cost.
The best way to find a good, fixed mortgage is to apply with your local bank. You can also try lendingtree.com. They will match you with the lowest mortgage rate possible.
Fixed rate mortgages allow you to lock in a fixed rate for the life of the mortgage loan. This compares to adjustable rate mortgages where the rate may change. By getting a fixed rate mortgage you protect yourself from future spikes in interest rates.
The difference between a fixed second mortgage and one with a variable rate is that fixed second mortgage has a fixed rate and is commonly thought of as safer than a mortgage with a variable rate.
The monthly payment on a fixed-rate mortgage never changes.
A fixed mortgage rate is an interest rate that will not change for the term of the mortgage. This is in contrast to a variable mortgage rate which changes frequently based on the prime rate or other benchmark rate.
Conventional Mortgage
An ARM mortgage calculator is used when you have an adjustable rate mortgage instead of a fixed rate mortgage. It is recommended that you get a fixed rate mortgage to avoid sudden spikes in your monthly payment.
The interest rate on a fixed rate mortgage does not change over the life of the loan. An adjustable rate mortgage interest rate may change up or down depending on what the interest rates are, at the contracted time the loan is reviewed.
A Halifax mortgage allows you to choose either a fixed or adjustable mortgage while a fixed rate mortgage only allows a certain interest rate to be available during the life of the loan.