If you know that you will be living in the subject home for a long time, an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is usually not a good option. Fixed Rate Mortgages (FRM) are often better for home buyers who will be keeping the mortgage for most part of the loan term.

If you know you will be living in the home for only a couple years, or you will be refinancing within the next few years, an ARM loan may be your best option. They generally have a lower interest rate than fixed rate mortgages, during the initial fixed period. A lower rate means a lower monthly payment.

Is an ARM the right loan for me? - Deciding if an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is right for you will depend on your personal financial situation. Once your financial goals are decided then the terms of the ARM will also come into play with your decision.

Keep in mind that you will have to pay closing costs if you'd like to refinance that ARM into a fixed rate mortgage. If you originally bought the home with little or no money down, you may not have enough equity in your home to include the closing costs when it comes time to refinance.

It is important to compare the rates on the different types of ARM's regardless of how long you plan to be in the home. For example even if you are planning to move in 3 years, you may be able to get a better rate on a 5 year ARM than a 3 year ARM.

The advantage of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is that in most cases it offers a lower interest rate than its Fixed Rate counterpart. However, in some economic climates where the shorter interest rates are not lower than long term rates, such advantage is wiped out, and getting an ARM actually offers no benefits.

One of the most important things to think about when considering an ARM on your property revolves around how long you plan to keep the home. It's common now for homeowners to not plan to keep the home for more than 3-5 years. If this applies to you, taking a 3-year or 5-year ARM can significantly lower the interest rate on your home, saving you money each month over the typical 30-year fixed program.

How tolerant are you to risk? Fixed rate mortgages offer security because the payment does not adjust, but this peace of mind comes at a cost: fixed rate mortgages often carry a higher interest rate than an adjustable rate mortgage. If you are confident that you know how long you will be in your home, or if you like the idea of increased cash flow due to a lower mortgage interest rate, be sure to ask your mortgage broker if an adjustable rate mortgage makes sense for you.