Adjustable Rate Mortgage: Understand the Risks of Variable Rate Mortgage Loans

If you refinanced your old mortgage or purchased youradjustable rate mortgage amortized for the remaining
home with an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, you mightterm of your loan.
wonder what will happen once the introductory periodWhat does this mean for you? If your mortgage was
of your loan ends. Many homeowners that financeda thirty year interest only mortgage with a five year
their homes with these risky variable interest rateinterest only period, the mortgage payment will be
mortgages are in for a shock when the mortgagebased on a 25 year payment schedule at the end of
lender adjusts the interest rate and monthly payment. Ifthe interest only period. Not a big deal right? It means
you are one of these homeowners, here is what youyour monthly payment will be much higher, not simply
need to know to protect yourself from a mortgagebecause the interest rate has gone up, but because
payment crisis.you now have less time to pay back the full amount
Many homeowners purchased homes during theof your loan than if you used a traditional mortgage to
recent housing boom that they simply cannot afford.finance your home.
These homebuyers qualified for the loans usingThe bottom line is that you may not be able to afford
interest only or option mortgages because they couldthe payments once your loan is converted. If you are
not qualify for a traditional mortgage to purchase theircoming up on the end of your introductory period and
dream home. Buying outside of your means is the firstdo not know what your monthly payment will be, you
sign of trouble when it comes to personal finance.should contact your lender immediately and ask about
Homeowners in this situation that can afford theirthe change. If you do not qualify to refinance the
monthly mortgage payment during the interest only ormortgage and will not be able to afford the payments,
option period may find they cannot afford theyou may need to take on a second job or consider
mortgage payment when this period ends. If you haveselling your home.
one of these loans you should review your contract toYou can learn more about your mortgage options,
find out when the interest only or option period expires.including common homebuyer mistakes to avoid by
This timeframe usually lasts for five years; after thisregistering for a free mortgage guidebook.
time the mortgage will convert your loan to a standard