Welcome > Resources > Mortgage Calculators > Fixed or Adjustable Rate ...

Fixed or Adjustable Rate?

A fixed rate mortgage has the same payment for the entire term of the loan. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) has a rate that can change, causing your monthly payment to increase or decrease. Use this calculator to compare a fixed rate mortgage to two types of ARMs, a Fully Amortizing ARM and an Interest Only ARM.

Definitions

Fixed Rate Mortgage

A fixed rate mortgage has the same interest rate and monthly payment throughout the term of the mortgage. The payment is calculated to payoff the mortgage balance at the end of the term. The most common terms are 15 year and 30 years.

Fully Amortizing ARM

This is the most common type of ARM. The monthly payment is calculated to payoff the entire mortgage balance at the end of the term. The term is typically 30 years. After any fixed interest rate period has passed, the interest rate and payment adjusts annually. A Fully Amortizing ARM will also have a maximum rate that it will not exceed. This calculator uses a maximum interest rate of 12%. Below is a list of the most common types of Fully Amortizing ARMs.

Common Adjustable Rate Mortgages
ARM Type	Months Fixed
10/1 ARM	Fixed for 120 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan.
7/1 ARM	Fixed for 84 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan.
5/1 ARM	Fixed for 60 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan.
3/1 ARM	Fixed for 36 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan.
1 year ARM	Fixed for 12 months, adjusts annually for the remaining term of the loan.

Interest Only ARM

An Interest Only ARM only requires monthly interest payments. Since you are not paying any principal, as you are with the other two types of mortgages described above, this can lower your monthly payment. However, since your mortgage's principal balance is not decreased, you will have a balloon payment at the end of the mortgage's term. Like a Fully Amortizing ARM, an Interest Only ARM will often have a period where the interest rate is fixed, and then it is adjusted annually. An Interest Only ARM will also have a maximum interest rate that it will not exceed. This calculator uses a maximum interest rate of 12%.

Mortgage amount

Expected balance for your mortgage.

Term in years

The number of years over which you will repay this mortgage. The most common mortgage terms are 15 years and 30 years. Please note that for the Interest Only ARM you will have a balloon payment for the entire principal balance at the end of the loan term.

Expected rate change

The annual adjustment you expect in your ARM. The range for this calculator is minus 3% to plus 3%. Use a negative value if you believe interest rates will decrease, a positive value if you believe they will increase.

Interest rate

Annual interest rate for each mortgage type. Typically an ARM will have a lower interest rate than a fixed rate mortgage. The rate of an Interest Only ARM will vary by lender.

Months rate fixed

This is the number of months the rate is fixed for an ARM. During this period the interest rate and the monthly payment will remain fixed. The rate will then adjust annually by the expected rate change.

Interest rate cap

This is the maximum interest rate for this mortgage. The mortgage's interest rate will never exceed the interest rate cap.

Monthly payment

Monthly principal and interest payment (PI) for the Fixed Rate Mortgage and the Fully Amortizing ARM. This is an interest only payment for an Interest Only ARM.

The mortgage calculators are provided by KJE Computer Solutions, LLC and made available to NUMBER1EXPERT as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice. We can't guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regards to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues.

"A model of how the Internet can facilitate the process of deciding where to send your children to school" - America's Best School Profiles by The Heritage Foundation Florida Public, Private and Charter Schools: Compare them using these top-rated, comprehensive reports.   Schools in Orlando, Windermere and Winter Garden

Pricing >Different Markets If you are going to sell your present home, the market conditions will play a crucial role in determining the asking price. Market conditions change constantly, so it is important that you get solid advice from a real estate professional who is familiar with your specific area. A good real estate agent will know how quickly houses in your area are selling, and will be aware of other factors that may influence the sale. For example, nearby commercial development, which may create congestion and noise, may also mean a greater demand for housing from people who will be working in the new office buildings. A bus route that cuts commuting time could make your home more valuable, while major highways close by can be an issue for many buyers. The economic conditions have a strong impact on the real estate market. Real estate professionals can help you consider all of the issues and assist you in setting a fair price for your home. See All Tips In The "Pricing" Category > See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Q  Which estate has two pools--one on the east side for the morning sun and one on the west for afternoon enjoyment? A  The former estate of John Lennon in Palm Beach has two pools plus guest quarters. See More Real Estate Trivia >

SF Realty Partners Keller Williams Classic Realty 5979 Vineland Road, Suite 101 Orlando, FL 32819 Toll Free: 800 903 8124 ext. 7079 Fax: 407 992 7079 Direct: 407 445 7079 info@SFOrlando.com We got into real estate because we realized that there had to be a better way to serve people trying to sell or buy a home… and decided to do something about it. We act more as a 'consultant', not just as an 'agent'. Having spent years in consultative roles dealing with executives and business owners throughout the world, we felt it really was a matter of applying the consultants' perspective in a different (and better) way than most other practitioners in the field. We know exemplary service and we know how to deliver it. Our goal is to fulfill needs and exceed expectations- every time. We LISTEN to our clients, to understand your needs and desires and to better implement the right strategy to meet your goals. We try to minimize your risks and protect your interests as we pilot you through what can be a complex and frustrating process. Seth and his team really know what is important when working with a real estate professional. So, when you work with SF Realty Partners… YOU Make the Smart Move! Please don't keep us a secret! www.FLSmartMoves.com is brought to you by Seth Foster and Associates NUMBER1EXPERT™ in real estate for Orlando, Windermere and Winter Garden, Florida Read Seth Foster's Associates Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge

NUMBER1EXPERT™
© Best Image Marketing and/or its clients.
All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.