ARM or Fixed Mortgage?

Question

Planning on buying a condo for 175,000 in Texas. First time buyer. I've done some research and know I can afford it, but dont know much about mortgages. I will probably be in the place for 10 years or so....any advice???

Answer 1

With a very uncertain market right now a fixed rate definitely makes much more sense, especially given the fact that you plan to be in the place for 10 or so years. Also, there is not a big gap between the difference in fixed rates and adjustable rates right now either so this is another reason as to why a fixed rate makes more sense. A fixed rate will give you more security in knowing that you principal and interest mortgage payment will always stay the same and will not ever go up. See the link(s) in the source section for more information on fixed versus adjustable rates.

Answer 2

Never get a 30 year fixed mortgage. Here is why:

Chances are good that you will not live in that home for even the 10 years that you plan to. The average is less than 5 years nationwide. With a 30 year fixed mortgage you are paying the majority of interest (higher interest) up front. The end result is that you pay a lot more to stay in the place temporarily. I wouldn't get anything more than a 5 year fixed with no prepay or a soft prepay, negotiate a deal with the seller to pay your closing costs or a portion thereof and/or get the property for less than value. Take the money you would have spent on the higher interest rate loan and invest it.

And as I always advise first time buyers, strongly consider buying a rental property as your first home (4 unit or Fouplex). Live in one and rent the others. Stay there for five years and when you move out, you'll have a nice income and own the property and your tenants will be paying your mortgage off for you.

Answer 3

Short term rates are higher these days, while the long term 30 year fixed is still very low. Since you are planning on staying in the home for 10 years, I would suggest getting a fixed rate mortgage on a 30 year. If you can swing it and are looking to gain equity faster, I would even suggest getting a 15 or 20 year fixed. With a fixed, you'll gain peace of mind knowing your rate will not adjust on you, and you will not have to refinance it and pay a second set of charges if you stay in it longer than you thought.

Answer 4

Take a mortgage at a fixed rate for the amount of time you intend to spend in the property. If you cannot afford the payments on a ten year fixed, then by all means take a thirty year fixed.

The ONLY time it makes sense to take an ARM is when you know that the ARM rate is guaranteed for about the time frame you intend to own the property.

Answer 5

Here is a link for your research. I would suggest a 30 year fixed rate mortgage, especially being a 1st time home buyer.

Good Luck.....

Answer 6

I seriously recommend going with the fixed rate if you're planning to stay for ten years.
The ARM is recommended when people plan to move within a couple years so they won't be bitten by the higher interest rates as the ARM matures/increase.

Answer 7

Rates are low now. Lock in on a fixed rate if you are planning on being there for a while. Get prequalified, it will help you in negotiating when purchasing.

Answer 8

May be I Can Help You:

Just try:

http://www.proloanz.com/

http://www.apply4less.com/mortgage.htm

http://www.mortgagerefinancingatlowrate.com/

http://www.topamericanmortgage.com/

They can give you the best MORTGAGE HELP

Answer 9

unles u like being BarBqued get FIXED rate 15yrs . P&I equals one week take home pay. visit daveramsey.com to learn more before u get taken to the bank.
read 'house buying for dummies' study it.