Variable Rate Mortgage

By Gugum Indra Firdaus

variable interest rate mortgage

variable interest rate mortgage

Generally, there are two major types of loans.  These are the fixed rate mortgage and the variable rate mortgage.  Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages which anyone should consider carefully.

Moreover, a variable rate mortgage gives the borrowers an opportunity to make the most out of lower rates.  The interest rates are normally determined by subtracting a set percentage from a prime rate which is actually what banks usually offer only to their most creditworthy customers.  This is, in fact, a source of potential savings that attracts a lot of borrowers.

Studies have shown that although rates are fluctuating, variable rate mortgages still contribute more savings over a fixed one.  Most people are simply afraid to take risks that is why they opt for a more stable one.  However, statistics show that variable rate mortgages are more advantageous over fixed rate mortgages 88% of the time.

In addition, if you have plans of selling your home after a number of years, variable rate mortgages will work best for you where equity is easily built.  You can even opt to get a balloon  which starts as variable and stops at a certain point.  At such period of time, you will be required to settle the remaining balance in full and payment may come from the sales that you have generated out of selling the home.

To be able to know further which is better, it is always advisable to consult an expert in this area.  Such expert can provide information on the movements of interest rates.  He can also provide some insight on the interest rate climate which may then lead to the consideration of the option that matches well your financial situation.

Nevertheless, do not expect that the process shall be easy.  Understanding the interest climate is not straightforward as there may be several influences in the current market.  Foreign exchange, inflation, bond and equities markets, and foreign treasury policies are just some of the major considerations that experts look into.

Indeed, both types have pros and cons.  It will then be up to you how you shall evaluate these but it is always important that you know your financial status as well as your plans for the future.  Your evaluation must be as realistic as possible so that you will not end up carrying a burden that is too difficult for you to handle.

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