Real Estate Glossary

A fixed-rate mortgage is a type of home loan in which the interest rate remains the same for the entire term of the loan, typically 15 or 30 years. This means that the borrower's monthly mortgage payment will be the same amount each month, making it easier to budget and plan for the long term.

With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate is determined at the time the loan is originated and remains the same for the life of the loan, regardless of whether interest rates in the economy rise or fall. This makes it different than variable rate mortgages, where the interest rate can fluctuate based on changes in the market.

The main advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is predictability. Since the interest rate remains the same, the borrower knows exactly what their monthly payment will be for the life of the loan, making it easier to budget and plan for the long term. Additionally, fixed-rate mortgages may offer a lower interest rate than other types of mortgages, making them an attractive option for those who want to keep their monthly payments as low as possible.

However, with a fixed-rate mortgage, if the interest rates drop, the borrower will miss out on the opportunity to refinance their loan with a lower rate, potentially missing on savings in interest payments.

Fixed-rate mortgages are popular among home buyers, especially those who plan to stay in their home for a longer period of time and prefer the stability of a predictable monthly payment, or those who are less comfortable with the uncertainty of a variable-rate mortgage.