A 10 year fixed arm mortgage is a type of home loan that offers a fixed interest rate for 10 years, after which it becomes an adjustable rate mortgage. This means your monthly payments will be the same for 10 years, but can increase or decrease after that.
The fixed period of a 10 year fixed arm mortgage is typically 120 months, during which time you'll have a stable monthly payment. This can be a great option for those who want to budget their mortgage payments with certainty.
One of the main benefits of a 10 year fixed arm mortgage is the lower interest rate compared to a 30 year mortgage. This can save you thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan.
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What is a 10 Year Fixed Arm Mortgage?
A 10 Year Fixed ARM Mortgage is a type of loan that offers a fixed interest rate for the first 10 years of the loan term. This means your rate won't change for a decade.
The initial fixed interest rate is typically at a low introductory level, making it a great option for those who want to lock in a low rate for a long time. After the initial fixed period, the new, adjustable rate is tied to an interest rate index that moves based on economic and financial market factors.
If you don't refinance, you'd pay off the loan in 30 years. This type of loan can be a good choice for those who plan on living in their home for at least 10 years, as the rate won't change during that time.
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How It Works
A 10-year ARM works by combining a variable-rate and fixed-rate mortgage. This type of loan starts with an interest rate lower than a standard fixed-rate loan.
The interest rate on a 10-year ARM rises or falls according to an index level after an agreed-upon number of years pass. This is similar to how an adjustable-rate mortgage works.
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You can think of a 10-year ARM as a combination of a variable-rate and fixed-rate mortgage. This is because it starts with a fixed rate for a set period of time, in this case 10 years.
The initial interest rate on a 10-year ARM is typically lower than what you'd get with a standard fixed-rate loan. This can make it more attractive to borrowers who plan to sell or refinance their home before the fixed rate period ends.
After 10 years, the interest rate on a 10-year ARM will change according to an index level. This means that your monthly payments may increase or decrease, depending on the new interest rate.
Comparison and Options
A 10-year fixed-rate mortgage can save you more on interest over the life of the loan compared to a 5-year ARM, even if the ARM has a lower initial rate.
The interest rate on a 5-year ARM is fixed for the initial 5 years, but then becomes variable, making it difficult to compare to a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage.
To compare a 10-year fixed-rate loan to an ARM, look at the fine print in your ARM's loan estimate, which discloses the maximum percentage your interest rate can reach.
By doing the math on your 10-year ARM payments at the bottom and top of that rate range, you can get a better idea of what to expect.
To find the best 10-year mortgage lenders, consider those with a product mix, information base, and guidelines that serve the needs of 10-year mortgage loan borrowers.
Lenders must be licensed to issue mortgages in at least 35 states to be considered for the "best overall" pick.
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30-Year vs. 15-Year
A 30-year mortgage is the most common term, but you can also opt for a 15-year mortgage.
Most ARM loans, including the 10/1 ARM, have a 30-year term.
If you plan on living in your home for longer than 10 years, be sure to understand the specific set of risks associated with ARMs.
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Your interest rate could rise each year after the fixed period on a 10/1 ARM, increasing your mortgage payment.
A 15-year 10/1 ARM has a fixed rate for the first 10 years before the adjustable-rate period sets in for the final 5 years.
With a 30-year 10/1 ARM, your rate will remain fixed for 10 years and then adjust once a year for the remaining 20 years.
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Fixed-Rate vs. Variable Rate
Fixed-rate loans guarantee a set rate of interest and a fixed monthly payment amount throughout the loan duration.
The main difference between fixed-rate and variable-rate loans lies in how interest rates are handled. Fixed-rate loans have a set rate, while variable-rate loans, also known as ARMs, can adjust over time.
Banks fund longer-duration lending with short-term deposits, which creates a duration mismatch. This mismatch is compensated for by charging a higher interest rate on fixed-rate loans.
ARMs can charge lower rates of interest than fixed-rate loans by transferring some of the interest rate shift risk onto the homeowner. This makes ARMs more attractive to those who can handle potential rate increases.
The maximum percentage your interest rate can reach in an ARM is disclosed in the loan estimate. You can use this information to estimate your 10-year ARM payments at the bottom and top of that rate range.
Discount Points
Discount points can be a valuable tool for home buyers, but it's essential to understand how they work. Typically, 1 point is equivalent to 1% of the loan's principal, so for a $240,000 loan, 1 point would be $2,400.
Buying points allow a home buyer to pay for a lower rate of interest upfront. Points can be paid by the home buyer and/or seller, and they can also be rolled into the loan's principal.
On a fixed-rate mortgage, upfront points payment guarantees the lower rate of interest for the life of the loan. This means you'll save money on interest over the life of the loan.
On an ARM loan, any points payments may only hold the rate down during the introductory rate period, with rates rising significantly thereafter. Points are thus generally less valuable on ARMs than they are on FRMs.
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Our Picks
We've carefully selected the top lenders for 10-year mortgage loans based on our research. Our team reviewed data from over 30 lender reviews to find the best options.
To ensure we chose the best lenders, we considered several features, including digital application processes and available loan products. We also looked at the accessibility of product and lending information.
Our editorial team brought together all the data and scores to find lenders that offer a product mix, information base, and guidelines that serve the needs of 10-year mortgage loan borrowers. We considered lenders that are licensed to issue mortgages in at least 35 states.
We're confident that our picks will provide you with the best options for a 10-year mortgage loan.
Loan Basics and Risks
A 10 year fixed ARM mortgage might seem like a complex concept, but understanding its basics and risks can help you make an informed decision.
The loan has a 10/1 ARM structure, which means the interest rate is fixed for the first 10 years and can adjust annually after that.
This type of loan is relatively simple once you get the basics, and it's essential to know what you're getting into to avoid any surprises down the line.
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Loan Basics
A 10/1 ARM loan is a type of mortgage with a relatively simple structure.
The interest rate on a 10/1 ARM loan is fixed for the first 10 years, after which it can adjust annually.
This fixed period can be beneficial for homeowners who plan to stay in their home for a long time.
The "10" in 10/1 ARM refers to the initial 10-year period during which the interest rate remains fixed.
The "1" refers to the fact that the interest rate can adjust annually after the initial fixed period ends.
A 10/1 ARM loan might be a good option for homeowners who expect their income to increase in the future, allowing them to handle potential interest rate adjustments.
Loan Risks
Loan Risks can be overwhelming, but understanding them is key to making informed decisions.
Interest rates can be steep, with some loans charging as high as 36% APR, making it difficult to pay back the principal amount.
Defaulting on a loan can lead to severe consequences, including damage to your credit score and even wage garnishment.
Borrowers should be aware of the total cost of the loan, including fees and interest, which can add up quickly.
Some loans have hidden fees, such as origination fees, late payment fees, and prepayment penalties, that can increase the overall cost of the loan.
It's essential to read the fine print and understand all the terms and conditions before signing a loan agreement.
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Glossary
Refinancing can be a complex process, but understanding the basics can make all the difference. Here's a quick rundown of some key terms to keep in mind:
A rate cap is the maximum amount your loan's interest rate can increase for each designated period of time. This means you'll have a limit on how high your interest rate can go.
The 5/1/5 notation is a common way to express rate caps. It tells you the limits on just how high your interest rate can go. In this example, the initial rate increase can be no more than 5 percentage points, each subsequent adjustment can be no higher than 1 percentage point, and the last digit represents the lifetime maximum rate increase your loan will allow.
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Your loan's rate is based on an interest rate index plus some fixed percentage, known as the index margin. This is the difference between the index rate and the actual interest rate you'll be charged.
Here are some common rate cap notations and what they mean:
- 5/1/5: Initial rate increase of 5 percentage points, subsequent adjustments of 1 percentage point, and a lifetime maximum rate increase of 5 percentage points.
- 3/2/6: Initial rate increase of 3 percentage points, subsequent adjustments of 2 percentage points, and a lifetime maximum rate increase of 6 percentage points.
Index
The index is a crucial component of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) loan. It's a rate specified in the contract that the ARM rate will follow.
Some lenders choose from a variety of indexes, such as the 11th District Cost of Funds Index (COFI), London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR), or the FHFA Monthly Interest Rate Survey (MIRS). These indexes are often used as a reference rate.
The 12-month Treasury Average Index (MTA) and Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) are also popular indexes. Some lenders even use a proprietary internal cost of funds index.
Some of the most widely used indexes include:
- 11th District Cost of Funds Index (COFI)
- London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR)
- FHFA Monthly Interest Rate Survey (MIRS)
- 12-month Treasury Average Index (MTA)
- Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT)
- National Average Contract Mortgage Rate Bill Swap Rate (BBSW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 10 year ARM mortgage a good idea?
A 10/1 ARM mortgage might be a good option if you plan to move or pay off your mortgage early, but consider your situation carefully before making a decision. This type of loan can offer lower interest rates and save you money, but also comes with potential risks.
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