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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Valerie Core
Capstone Homes Realty
532 W. Wulfenite Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928-607-4344
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Regardless of how many homes I sell I never cease to feel satisfaction of providing only the highest levels of service and integrity to my clients. I will work hard to find the home that fits your needs in everyway, as well as protecting your interests when you find it time to sell a property. The happiness of knowing that I am making the Real Estate Process an enjoyable one for my clients is obviously true source of my satisfaction that drove my decision to focus my energy in the Real Estate industry.

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