Fixed-rate Mortgages Explained

There are lots of different types of mortgages. Fixed-rate mortgages, variable-rate mortgages, and even hybrids that resemble both. However, fixed-rate mortgages are the most common and most popular type of mortgage loan. Your monthly payment is more stable with a fixed-rate mortgage than with other types of mortgages. Because the interest rate is fixed for as long as you have the loan. With a standard fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payment of principal and interest does not change over the life of the loan. This is good for those with a stable income who know they can make those fixed repayments. Although the principal and interest portion of a fixed-rate mortgage is fixed over the life of the loan, the total monthly payment can change if it also includes property taxes and insurance (e.g., homeowners, hazard, flood or mortgage insurance), which may increase or decrease over time.

Fixed-rate mortgages are available for various repayment periods: 30 years, 20 years, and 15 years are the most common loan terms. Typically, the shorter the term, the less interest rate and the less interest you'll pay over the life of the loan. However, the longer the term, the lower the monthly payment because you stretch out repayment of the loan principal over a longer period of time.

Program Features

• Interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan Monthly payments of principal and interest are the same for the life of the loan The loan is usually fully amortized so it is completely repaid at the end of the loan term Available for 30-year, 20-year, 15-year, and 10-year repayment period

Considerations

A fixed-rate mortgage has stable, predictable monthly payments. A fixed interest rate may be important to you if you expect to live in your home for many years or if interest rates are low at the time your acquire the mortgage. You can choose from various repayment periods, depending on whether you want to pay your loan off faster (and save significant interest costs) or stretch your payments over a longer term for a lower monthly payment.