10/23/2026
What if you could save $150–$300 a month on your mortgage payment just by choosing a different type of loan?
For some homebuyers, that could be a game changer. And it's one reason adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are getting more attention.
According to Bankrate, ARM rates recently came in more than a full percentage point lower than traditional fixed-rate mortgages. That's potentially hundreds of dollars in monthly savings on a median-priced home.
And buyers are taking notice. About 1 in 10 mortgage applicants are now choosing an ARM, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
So, what's the catch?
Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, an ARM gives you a lower introductory rate for a set number of years. After that, your rate can adjust up or down based on market conditions.
That means you could save money upfront, but you'd also need to be comfortable with the possibility of higher payments later.
And here's something worth knowing: Today's ARMs have more borrower protections than the risky loans that made headlines during the 2008 housing crisis.
The bigger takeaway? A traditional 30-year fixed mortgage isn't your only option.
If today's rates are making your homebuying budget feel tight, there may be financing options you haven't explored yet.
Curious whether an ARM could help make your next home more affordable? Connect with a trusted lender who can run the numbers.
