"I want you to know that I love your website. It is so informative and easy to read. It is one of the best I have ever come across-so bright and cheerful." -Mary
Read More Testimonials»

Our Buying a Home Experts

Kelly S. Jones

Kelly S. Jones

Certified Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology and Akashic Record...

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Melanie Mannarino

Melanie Mannarino

Deputy executive editor of REDBOOK

Shared by First30Days View Profile»
Brian Yui

Brian Yui

CEO and founder of HouseRebate.com

Shared by First30Days View Profile»

Meet all of our House and Home Experts»

Got a Question?

Q&A

If you have questions about this change, you're in the right place. Our editors, experts, and community of change optimists have answers!

wishuponastar

Question:fixed rate or adjustable rate?

is one better than the other in this economy?

Asked by wishuponastar on 4/2/08 1 Answer»
JohnBroughton

Answer:

Adjustable rate mortgages have a lower interest rate - but then you have to worry when the adjustable period (1 year, 3 years, whatever) is over, the interest rate will rise. You can certainly plan to refinance before the initial period is over - but there are always costs to refinancing, and you'll be guessing as to whether rates will rise.

As a rule of thumb: if you're almost positive you'll move in a couple of years, get a three or five year adjustable rate mortgage. If you're not sure when (or if) you'll move in the future, get a fixed rate mortgage - the interest rate difference (today) isn't that much, and you'll sleep better at night because you know your mortgage payments won't go up.

Answered by: JohnBroughton on 4/16/08
Got an Answer?