3/1 ARM
This type of loan has monthly payments that are based
on a 30-year repayment schedule and the interest rate
remains fixed for the first three years. After that time
the interest rate (monthly payments) may change year after.
This is called the "adjustment period."
The new rate is based upon changes in a financial index
and is calculated by adding a specified amount to the index.
The amount that is added to the index is called the margin.
Let's say the index equals 4.5% at the time of adjustment
and the margin equals 2.50%, the new interest rate would
be 7%. However, adjustable loans usually have an adjustment
cap. So, if the adjustment cap is 2%, the new rate would be 6.5%.
There is also a lifetime cap which limits how much the
rate can go up or down during the life of the loan. These
loans can work out well for people who stay in their house
for the short term.
5/1 ARM
This type of loan is like the 3/1 ARM except for the fact
that the interest rate remains fixed for the first five years.
7/1 ARM
This type of loan is like the 3/1 ARM except for the fact that the interest rate remains fixed for the first seven years.