Investopedia

Continue to Site »

Conversion Option

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Conversion Option'

A clause associated with some adjustable-rate mortgages that allows the borrower to convert the variable interest rate to a fixed rate within a certain time period, or at certain future dates. The conversion option is not free; an adjustable-rate mortgage with a conversion option will typically have a higher margin, and therefore higher fully indexed interest rate, or higher costs than an adjustable-rate mortgage without a conversion option.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Conversion Option'

To analyze the economics of a conversion option, borrowers should total up the cost of the conversion option (an initial higher interest rate and/or higher loan costs) plus the cost of the actual conversion to a fixed rate, then compare this total to the costs of refinancing into a fixed interest rate at a future date.

Remember that a fee must often be paid to convert to the fixed rate, and the fixed rate that the ARM is converted to is typically based upon the market rate at the time of conversion plus a certain percentage. If the future refinancing costs are estimated to be less than the total costs of the conversion option, then the conversion option is not economical. The borrower would be better off with a traditional ARM with the intent to refinance into a fixed interest rate at a future date.

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. Make A Risk-Based Mortgage Decision

    Find out how to choose which mortgage style is right for you.

  3. How Mortgage Refinancing Affects Your Net Worth

    Find out how to determine whether refinancing will put you ahead or even more behind.

  4. How Interest Rates Affect The Housing Market

    Learn how rate changes can affect home prices and how you can keep up.

  5. 4 Steps To Attaining A Mortgage

    It starts with knowing your choices as well as your price range. We show you how to get there.

  6. 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.

  7. 5 Smart Ways To Use Your Tax Return

    This year, find out how to stretch your tax refund further to strengthen your future.

  8. Common Liabilities That Hurt Your Net Worth

    Every penny that you keep out of the liability side of the net worth equation essentially ends up on the asset side.

  9. The Dangers Of A Reverse Mortgage

    In many circumstances, a reverse mortgage can be a risk to your financial security. Here are six dangers you should consider before signing on the bottom line.

  10. Automatic Cancellation Of PMI When You're Underwater On Your Mortgage

    You might be suprised to learn that after reaching certain criteria, your PMI will be automatically cancelled.
comments powered by Disqus
Marketplace
Hot Definitions

  1. Winner's Curse

    Because of incomplete information, emotions or any other number of factors regarding the item being auctioned, bidders can have a difficult time determining the item's intrinsic value. As a result, the largest overestimation of an item's value ends up winning the auction.

  2. Glocalization

    A combination of the words "globalization" and "localization" used to describe a product or service that is developed and distributed globally, but is also fashioned to accommodate the user or consumer in a local market.

  3. Disaster Loss

    A special type of tax-deductible loss, similar to a casualty loss, where a loss has been incurred by taxpayers who reside in an area that has been designated as a federal disaster area by the President.

  4. Fool In The Shower

    The notion that changes or policies designed to alter the course of the economy should be done slowly, rather than all at once.

  5. 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.

  6. Cost-Push Inflation

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