changing from a fixed rte mortage to 5/1 arm?

TC asked:


I have a VA loan with a fixed rate of 6.375 should I refinance to a 5/1 arm with a locked rate of 4.125 or go with a fixed rate 5. It was explained that the arm would only adjust 1 point at a time per year. is this true?

Lorraine
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5 Responses to changing from a fixed rte mortage to 5/1 arm?

  1. KAL EL says:

    Cindy

    If you sign an arm loan, you are not gauranteed to be able to refinance at the end of 5 years. I wouldn’t recommend one since things are bad now, what will they be like in 5 years? You never know, you may have to finance the balance at a much higher rate or not be able to finance at all. Then what? Hard to predict the future.

  2. hmmm says:

    Jacqueline

    Why?
    For most, an adjustable mortgage loan is foolish.
    I would go for the fixed @ 5%.

    The problem with your 5/1 is that if for some reason you don’t sell before the end of the loan (5 years) your interest rate could reset to something you might not like.

    Unless you are a gambler, or an astute property investor, I would stay far away from adjustable loans.

  3. L.G. says:

    Maureen

    Go with the 5% fixed rate. An adjustable rate mortgage is NEVER wise; you can end up losing your home too easily. With the 5% fixed rate, you know what your payments will be each month. And, there’s nothing to prevent you from refinancing to a lower Fixed Rate in the future should interest rates drop. Part of the reason for the current mortgage crisis is ARM mortgages which have increased in % rate to the point that people can’t afford the higher payments.

    5% is a darned good fixed rate. Always check with your current mortgage holder first; they will often offer you a better rate to keep you as a customer. Under NO circumstances should you hire a mortgage broker (he/she can’t do anything you can’t do yourself for free) and avoid ARM mortgages like the plague no matter how attractive they may sound. It’s financial suicide.

  4. David Z says:

    Jackie

    fixed 5.

  5. Leticia C says:

    Maurice

    not certain if this is the solution to your problem but what i suggest doing for Americans who have credit problems is to check their credit score and report regularly. see if interests you.

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