What is the difference between a fixed-rate loan and an adjustable-rate loan (ARM)?
The terms fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages refer to the mortgage interest rate on a loan. A fixed-rate mortgage maintains the same loan interest rate during the term of the mortgage or loan. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loan has an interest rate, that can be raised or lowered over time, based on periodic changes in a monitored index. While the monthly mortgage payments that you make with a fixed-rate mortgage are comparatively constant, payments on an ARM loan are likely to vary. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of mortgage based on your unique buying circumstances.