Investopedia

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage - ARM

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Adjustable-Rate Mortgage - ARM'

A type of mortgage in which the interest rate paid on the outstanding balance varies according to a specific benchmark. The initial interest rate is normally fixed for a period of time after which it is reset periodically, often every month. The interest rate paid by the borrower will be based on a benchmark plus an additional spread, called an ARM margin.

An adjustable rate mortgage is also known as a "variable-rate mortgage" or a "floating-rate mortgage".
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Adjustable-Rate Mortgage - ARM'

Both 2/28 and 3/27 mortgages are examples of ARMs. A 2/28 mortgage's initial interest rate is fixed for a period of two years and then resets to a floating rate for the remaining 28 years of the mortgage. A 3/27 mortgage is typically the same as a 2/28 mortgage, except that the interest rate is fixed for three years and then floats for the remaining 27 years of the mortgage.

Articles Of Interest

  1. Understanding Your Mortgage

    We walk through the steps needed to secure the best loan to finance the purchase of your home.
  2. Mortgages: Fixed-Rate Versus Adjustable-Rate

    Both of these have advantages and disadvantages depending on your financial needs and prospects.
  3. Make A Risk-Based Mortgage Decision

    Find out how to choose which mortgage style is right for you.
  4. 5 Risky Mortgage Types To Avoid

    There are plenty of ways to end up with a bad mortgage. The risks of these five should make every homebuyer think twice before signing.
  5. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Indexes: Know Your Benchmark

    Understanding these benchmarks can help you select the most competitive adjustable-rate loan.
  6. Option ARMs: American Dream Or Mortgage Nightmare?

    Option adjustable rate mortgages could make or break your home-buying experience.
  7. Subprime Lending: Helping Hand Or Underhanded?

    These loans can spell disaster for borrowers, but that doesn't mean they should be condemned.
  8. ARMed And Dangerous

    In a climate of rising interest rates, having an adjustable-rate mortgage can be risky.
  9. 6 Tips For Selling Your Home Fast

    Find out what you can do to stand out from the competition and make your home an easy sell.
  10. 5 Smart Ways To Use Your Tax Return

    This year, find out how to stretch your tax refund further to strengthen your future.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions
  1. Pattern Day Trader

    An SEC designation for traders who trade the same security four or more times per day (buys and sells) over a five-day period, and for whom same-day trades make up at least 6% of their activity for that period.
  2. Cost-Push Inflation

    A phenomenon in which the general price levels rise (inflation) due to increases in the cost of wages and raw materials.
  3. Happiness Economics

    The formal academic study of the relationship between individual satisfaction and economic issues, such as employment and wealth.
  4. Affluenza

    A social condition arising from the desire to be more wealthy, successful or to "keep up with the Joneses." Affluenza is symptomatic of a culture that holds up financial success as one of the highest achievements.
  5. Icarus Factor

    The term Icarus factor describes a situation where managers or executives initiate an overly ambitious project which then fails. Fueled by excitement for the project, the executives are unable to reign in their misguided enthusiasm before it is too late to avoid the failure.
  6. Angelina Jolie Stock Index

    An index made up of a selection of stocks from companies associated with actress Angela Jolie.
Trading Center