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Variable Rate Mortgage



Definition

A Variable Rate Mortgage, also known as an adjustable-rate mortgage, is a type of home loan where the interest rate adjusts over time based on market conditions. The interest rate may increase or decrease during the loan term, typically based on changes in a reference interest rate. This change makes the monthly repayments unpredictable.

Phonetic

The phonetics of the keyword “Variable Rate Mortgage” is: ˈveəriəbəl reit ˈmɔːɡɪdʒ

Key Takeaways

  1. Fluctuating Interest Rate– Variable rate mortgages often come with interest rates that fluctuate over time. These fluctuating rates depend on the market prime rate, which is determined by various factors such as the federal interest rate and lenders’ costs.
  2. Potential Lower Costs– In many cases, initial interest rates for variable rate mortgages can be lower than those of fixed rate mortgages. This means that if the prime rate doesn’t increase significantly, you could potentially pay less overall compared to a fixed rate mortgage.
  3. Risk Factor– While a variable rate mortgage can offer potential savings, it also carries more risk. If interest rates rise, your monthly payments can increase. If you are considering this type of mortgage, make sure you are financially prepared for possible increases in your mortgage payments.

Importance

A Variable Rate Mortgage, also known as an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, is crucial in the field of business and finance as it provides borrowers and investors with a degree of flexibility. This type of mortgage ties the interest rate to a benchmark or index, which often changes over time, allowing the interest rate and subsequently, the mortgage payments, to adjust periodically. Borrowers can potentially benefit from lower initial interest rates compared to fixed-rate mortgages and can take advantage if rates drop over time. However, they also bear the risk of increased payments if rates rise. Therefore, understanding Variable Rate Mortgages is key in making informed, strategic decisions in property investment and financing.

Explanation

A Variable Rate Mortgage, also known as an adjustable rate mortgage, serves as a type of home loan where the interest rates fluctuate over time. This is mainly tied to changes in an index that reflects cost changes for lenders, which is predicated on market changes. Essentially, if the lender’s cost of borrowing money decreases or increases, the variable rate of the mortgage will also decrease or increase correspondingly. This system’s primary purpose is to distribute the risk of market fluctuations between the lender and the borrower instead of it being shouldered entirely by one party. For individuals considering a variable rate mortgage, this type of loan can be particularly beneficial in a decreasing interest rate environment because their interest rates will decline along with overall rate decreases. Thus, borrowers can reap the advantage of paying lower interest rates without having to refinance their home loans. This benefits borrowers by giving them room to manage their monthly budget more flexibly. Furthermore, variable rate mortgages often carry lower initial interest rates, which can make it easier for homebuyers to qualify for larger loan amounts. However, borrowers must be comfortable with the risk that their rates (and therefore payment amounts) may increase in the future.

Examples

1. John and Susan’s Home Purchase: John and Susan needed to purchase a home but didn’t want to get locked into a high interest rate as they believe the rates would drop in the next few years. So, they opted for a variable rate mortgage. When they took out the mortgage, the interest rate was 5%, but after two years it dropped to 4% due to changes in the local economy. This allowed them to save significantly on their monthly mortgage payments. 2. Emily’s Real Estate Investment: Emily is a real estate investor who usually flips homes for profit within a short span of time. Rather than taking a fixed rate mortgage, she prefers variable rate mortgages due to the potential financial advantage if interest rates decrease. Even though there’s a risk of rates rising, she’s comfortable with it, as she intends to resell the property within a few years. 3. Construction Company’s Large Scale Projects: A construction company acquired a multi-million dollar contract to complete a large-scale project in 5 years. Based on past patterns, they predict that interest rates will decline in the next few years. To finance the project, they choose a variable rate mortgage, enabling them to take advantage of potential future lower rates, thus reducing their total debt cost over the length of the project.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What is a Variable Rate Mortgage?
A Variable Rate Mortgage, also known as adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), is a type of home loan in which the interest rate changes over time based on a specific benchmark or index.
How does the interest rate change in a Variable Rate Mortgage?
In a Variable Rate Mortgage, the interest rate initially starts fixed for a specified period, and then it varies usually on an annual basis calibrated according to movements in a specific index or benchmark, such as the U.S. Prime Rate.
What are the advantages of a Variable Rate Mortgage?
Variable Rate Mortgages often come with lower initial interest rates than fixed-rate mortgages, which could make them advantageous for buyers who plan to sell or refinance before the rate adjusts. They can also be beneficial in periods of falling interest rates.
Are there any risks associated with a Variable Rate Mortgage?
Yes. The primary risk is that the interest rate and monthly payments might increase if the benchmark rate goes up. This could make the loan more expensive over time.
Is a Variable Rate Mortgage right for me?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your financial situation, your expectations for future interest rates, and your tolerance for risk. It’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor to make an informed decision.
Is the change in interest rate in a Variable Rate Mortgage predictable?
No, it’s not predictable because it’s linked to an index or benchmark that can go up or down based on economic conditions.
Can the interest rate in a Variable Rate Mortgage ever go lower than the initial rate?
Yes, it can. Depending on economic conditions and the index or benchmark that the rate is tied to, the rate could potentially decrease below the initial rate during the adjustment period.
What are some terms related to Variable Rate Mortgage that I should know?
Some terms associated with Variable Rate Mortgages include Adjustment Period, which is the time between potential interest rate adjustments, Initial Rate, which is the starting interest rate, and Rate Cap, which is a limit to how much the interest rate can change.
Is Variable Rate Mortgage the same as a tracker mortgage?
No, a Variable Rate Mortgage and tracker mortgage are not the same. While both have interest rates that can change, a tracker mortgage follows the base rate set by a country’s central bank directly, while a variable mortgage rate is set by the lender and can change at the lender’s discretion.

Related Finance Terms

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