Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty.
Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A., Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty.Phone: (786) 512-2467
Email: [email protected]

Fixed or adjusted mortgage: How to decide

by Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A. 06/11/2023

When deciding between loan options, one of the first things to consider is whether you want a fixed or adjusted mortgage. An adjusted or adjustable rate mortgage can be an excellent choice for certain financial situations, while fixed rate mortgages might provide more advantages.

To help you decide which option works best for you, here are some more facts about these two mortgage types:

What is an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)?

With adjustable rate mortgages, the interest rate varies over the life of the loan. Interest rates for ARMs typically start off lower than those in a comparable fixed-rate loan and rise as they accumulate over time. 

Adjustable rate mortgages typically have a period for which interest rates remain constant, after which interest rates adjust on a prearranged periodic basis. Fixed rate periods can be anywhere from 1 to 10 years long.

What is a fixed rate mortgage?

The interest rate for a fixed-rate mortgage will remain unchanged over its entire lifetime. This means your total monthly payments are the same every time, which can make budgeting simpler for homeowners. 

In addition to easier budgeting, they offer protection from outside economic factors like dramatic changes in mortgage interest rates.

Choosing which loan is best for you

When it comes to choosing a mortgage, there are multiple personal and financial realities to weigh. While your individual financial situation might fluctuate over time, interest rates can also rise or fall based on broader economic factors.

A fixed rate mortgage will help you create a rock solid budget, no matter how interest rates might change over time. However, an adjustable rate mortgage might be easier to qualify for because of their requirements, since the interest rates are not fixed and the lender may increase them as the market changes. 

Keep these factors in mind and discuss your options with a financial advisor to determine the best possible choice for your financial needs.

About the Author
Author

Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A.

In her role as a real estate and relocation specialist in South Florida and Northern Virginia, Ady Artime prides herself on providing the highest level of service, confidentiality and professionalism to her clients. Based on her own experience as a government liaison, Ady is in familiar territory working with high powered individuals. She possesses a discreet and confidential work ethic, and her keen eye, attention to detail, and experience with multi-million dollar properties have earned her a high-profile, loyal clientele that expect the best from their realtor.

Known for her expertise and strong background in interior design, she stands out from other real estate agents. When a satisfied client says that Ady knows real estate "inside and out", the statement is to be taken literally. Over the course of her career, she has received recognition as an award-winning interior designer. She has designed and implemented interiors for countless luxury projects throughout the United States, and Europe. Her extensive knowledge of all facets of design, including working with architects and construction teams, led to a natural progression into the real estate arena and gives her a definite edge over the competition in serving her clients.

As and agent in South Florida and North Virginia, Ady lends her real estate expertise and design savvy to buyers and sellers. Ady's mission is to develop a faithful, repeat clientele by providing them with superior service and value. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to understand each client's needs and goals to accurately assess the options she provides. From overseeing the staging of a listed property in order to fetch the highest possible price to analyzing a potential purchase from a design and architectural perspective.