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Advantages and disadvantages of a fixed rate Mortgage


By finance-editor - Posted on 02 May 2008

If you have got a plan to purchase a home or renovate your existing one, you will be looking for a mortgage. There are many types of mortgages available in the market. Check if fixed rate mortgage is what you are looking for. Fixed Rate Mortgage is a kind of mortgage where in the borrower always pays the same interest rate on his mortgage for a committed time period of the loan and is not affected by the general interest rate.

Many borrowers embraced this type of mortgage because it offers a comfort on paying their monthly mortgage payments for a certain period of time. Similar to other products of mortgage, there are advantages as well as disadvantages a borrower should consider before agreeing to this form of mortgage. Advantages of Fixed Rate Mortgage
If you want the stability and predictability of a set rate for the life of your loan, then a fixed rate mortgage may be for you.

Stability is one big advantage with FRM. Since the rate of interest is the same over the entire loan period, your monthly loan payment is predictable and one can have assurance that monthly mortgage payment remains the same amount every month.

Predictability. This type of service gives a chance to plan your finances in advance, budgeting your finances and paying them on time. When loan MIs are paid in time, it increases credit rating of the borrower and he will have the best service with the lowest rates. If mortgage amount is paid in time, one can even ask the mortgage company to re-evaluate the plan and they might even offer something lower.

FRM can be your best choice of service when you are not sure how the interest rates are going in the financial markets. In a dynamic market scenario, it is the best service you can opt for.

Disadvantages of Fixed Rate Mortgage
Since the lender gives up any chance to raise interest rates if the general interest rates go up, the interest on a fixed rate mortgage is likely to be higher than that of an adjustable rate mortgage.

Also, if the interest rates go down then it becomes more expensive, because you still need to pay the same amount (fixed rate) of interest until the completion of loan period. You cannot expect to take any benefit of declined interest rates.

Another disadvantage of FRM is that it is not for people who are unsure of their finances. You may not be able to pay the monthly bill for various reasons such as getting fired from a job, a change to a low paying job and similar financial issues.

Fixed rate mortgages services offer average interest rate of the market. For a person who is familiar with the market, he can look for something better or lower interest rate than the fixed rate mortgage.

In any case before going in for any type of a mortgage loan it is recommended that you should always consult some good financial advisers since they are best equipped to advise you.