Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Adjustable Rate Mortgage

adjustable rate mortgage

An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) starts with a fixed interest rate for an initial period, then adjusts annually based on a market index. ARMs are structured as two numbers: the first is the fixed period in years, the second is how often the rate adjusts after that. So a 5/1 ARM is fixed for 5 years, then adjusts once per year.


5/1 ARM

The 5/1 ARM is the most popular adjustable rate option. Your rate stays fixed for the first 5 years, giving you stable payments during the period most buyers stay in a home. After year 5, the rate adjusts annually based on a market index plus a set margin. Rate caps limit how much your rate can increase at each adjustment and over the life of the loan, protecting you from runaway increases.


7/1 ARM

The 7/1 ARM offers a longer initial fixed period of 7 years. This is a strong option for buyers who plan to stay in the home for several years but want a lower starting rate than a 30-year fixed. After the 7-year period, the rate adjusts once per year. Like all ARMs, periodic and lifetime caps limit how high the rate can go.


10/1 ARM

The 10/1 ARM provides the longest fixed period of the ARM options at 10 years. If you are fairly confident you will sell or refinance before the 10-year mark, this loan gives you the rate savings of an ARM with nearly the predictability of a fixed loan. After year 10, the rate adjusts once per year subject to caps.


  • Lower starting rate compared to a 30-year fixed

  • Rate is fixed for the initial period (5, 7, or 10 years)

  • Periodic and lifetime rate caps limit how much the rate can increase

  • Can qualify with as little as 5% down on conventional ARMs

  • Good option for buyers who plan to sell or refinance before the fixed period ends

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