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    1. Loans
    2. Conventional
    3. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
    Conventional

    Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

    "Lower rates now. Flexibility later."

    Start with a lower rate than fixed loans. After your initial period (5, 7, or 10 years), the rate adjusts annually. Great for buyers who plan to move or refinance.

    3-5%

    Min Down

    620+

    Min Credit

    $766K conforming

    Max Loan

    Compare ARM OptionsTalk to a Loan Officer
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Is This Loan Right for You?

    This Loan is Perfect If You...

    • Plan to sell or move within 5-10 years
    • Expect to refinance before adjustment
    • Want the lowest initial rate possible
    • Comfortable with some future uncertainty
    • Understand rate cap protections

    This Might NOT Be Right If...

    • This is your forever home
    • Need long-term payment certainty
    • Risk-averse about payment changes
    • Planning to stay 15+ years

    Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Benefits

    Everything you need to know about your benefits

    Lower Initial Rate

    Start 0.5-1% lower than comparable fixed-rate loans

    Save Thousands

    Lower rate = thousands saved during initial period

    Rate Cap Protection

    Built-in limits prevent extreme rate increases

    Flexibility

    Perfect for buyers with 5-10 year timeframes

    Refinance Option

    Can refinance to fixed rate before adjustment period

    As Low as 3% Down

    Same down payment options as fixed conventional

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    Choose Your ARM Type

    Select 5/1, 7/1, or 10/1 based on your timeline

    Lock Lower Rate

    Secure an initial rate below comparable fixed loans

    Enjoy Fixed Period

    Your rate stays locked for 5, 7, or 10 years

    Plan Your Exit

    Sell, refinance, or continue with capped adjustments

    Choose Your ARM Type

    Select 5/1, 7/1, or 10/1 based on your timeline

    Lock Lower Rate

    Secure an initial rate below comparable fixed loans

    Enjoy Fixed Period

    Your rate stays locked for 5, 7, or 10 years

    Plan Your Exit

    Sell, refinance, or continue with capped adjustments

    Types of Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

    Choose the option that fits your situation

    Fixed rate for 5 years, then adjusts annually. Lowest initial rate of all ARM options.

    Fixed rate for 7 years, then adjusts annually. Popular middle-ground option.

    Fixed rate for 10 years, then adjusts annually. Most stability of ARM options.

    0

    ARM vs Fixed: 5-Year Comparison

    Feature5/1 ARM(This loan)30-Year Fixed
    Initial Interest Rate~5.75%~6.50%
    Monthly Payment ($400K)~$2,334~$2,528
    Monthly Savings$194/month ✓—
    5-Year Savings$11,640 ✓—
    Rate After 5 YearsAdjusts (capped)Same rate
    Best ForShort-term ownershipLong-term ownership

    * Rates and terms subject to change. Contact us for current offers.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    How does an adjustable-rate mortgage work?

    An ARM has two phases. First, a fixed-rate period (5, 7, or 10 years) where your rate doesn't change. After that, your rate adjusts annually based on a market index plus a margin. The trade-off for accepting future uncertainty is a lower initial rate than fixed loans.

    What do the numbers in "5/1 ARM" mean?

    The first number (5) is how many years your rate stays fixed. The second number (1) means the rate adjusts once per year after the fixed period ends. So a 7/1 ARM is fixed for 7 years, then adjusts annually.

    How much can my rate increase?

    ARMs have three caps: Initial cap (max first adjustment, typically 2%), Periodic cap (max yearly adjustment, typically 2%), and Lifetime cap (max total increase, typically 5-6%). If you start at 6%, your rate could never exceed 11-12%.

    Choose an ARM if you plan to sell, move, or refinance within your fixed period. Choose fixed if this is your forever home. ARMs make sense when you're confident you won't still have the same mortgage when adjustments begin.
    Absolutely. Many ARM borrowers refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage before their adjustment period begins. This gives you the benefit of lower initial payments while maintaining the option to lock in a fixed rate later.
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

    Get Rate Drop Alerts

    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) See Today's Rates
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    Lower Your Rate Today

    See how much you could save with an ARM

    Compare ARM OptionsTalk to a Loan Officer

    Or call us directly: (757) 558-2603

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