Here is a tip for those who are shopping for Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs): the "margin" is almost as important as the initial rate. The margin is the percentage point above the average yields for Treasury notes on which future rate adjustments will be calculated.

Let's compare two hypothetical one-year ARMs. The first may have an initial interest rate of 7% with a 2.5 margin, while the second begins at 6 7/8% with a 2.75 margin. Both loans have rate caps of 2%. Suppose that at the end of the first year of the loan, the average of the one-year Treasury note yield has been 5 1/2%. For each loan, the lenders will add the margin to that 5 1/2% average yield. Thus the interest rate for first loan would increase from 7% to 8%, and the second would go from 6 7/8% to 8 1/4%. While the first ARM had a slightly higher initial rate, it will have lower rates in subsequent years, unless the Treasury note rates increase enough to activate the annual caps on the amount of the increase. There is a wide variance among margins in ARMs offered by competing lenders, and this should be a factor when you decide on your loan.

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Stephanie & Randy Kelley
The San Antonio Home Quest Team
Keller Williams Legacy
1102 East Sonterra Boulevard, Suite 106
San Antonio, TX 78258-3999
(Stephanie Direct): 210-867-8743
(Randy Direct): 210-863-2661
(Toll Free): 800-201-9145
Fax: 210-493-4669
sanantoniohomequest@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Stephanie & Randy Kelley have been top San Antonio producers and leaders each year since they entered the real estate profession. They pride themselves on their ability to make the real estate buying,selling and management process as effective and trouble free as possible. Their commitment to quality customer service and satisfaction is evident and can be attested to by many happy customers and clients. Call Stephanie or Randy today!!!