Follow Us: Google+
 
Bankrate.com

Mortgage Basics
A calculator a house and a $1 bill in the background
mortgage
Fixed-rate mortgages

Lenders offer several types of mortgages, but the most common are fixed-rate mortgages. These loans feature fixed rates and monthly payments, generally for 15-year and 30-year periods.

They're popular because:

1. Consumers balk at the thought of their house payment rising and falling with interest rates.

2. Whenever rates are low, fixed-rate mortgages are very affordable.

Fixed-rate borrowers face one major choice: 15-year or 30? For some, a 30-year loan makes more sense. For others, a 15-year one does. Here are some pros and cons of each.

 

30-year fixed rate
AdvantagesDisadvantages
  • Offers the chance to borrow money on a long-term basis without having to worry about the interest rates or payments changing.
  • Monthly payments are lower than those on 15-year loans because the interest is amortized over a longer period.
  • Lower monthly payments free up money that borrowers can pour into investments that yield more than their homes.
  • Higher interest bill increases the amount consumers can deduct at tax time, potentially reducing or eliminating their federal income tax liabilities.
  • Borrowers build equity at a very slow pace because payments during the first several years go largely toward interest rather than principal.
  • The overall interest bill is much higher because of the long amortization term.
  • The interest rates are higher than on 15-year loans.

15-year fixed rate
AdvantagesDisadvantages
  • Borrowers build equity much more quickly due to shorter amortization schedules.
  • Overall interest bills are dramatically lower than those on longer-term loans.
  • Interest rates are lower than 30-year loans.
  • Monthly payments can be significantly higher than those on 30-year loans.
  • Restricts homebuyers to smaller houses than they might be able to afford with longer-term loans.

 

advertisement

Show Bankrate's community sharing policy
            Connect with us
Compare Mortgage Rates
Zip code:
Product:



advertisement
Most Read
  1. 8 eerie ghost towns
  2. Headlight requirements by state
  3. Nick Nolte's house for sale
  4. 6 tips for successful yard sale
  5. Social Security traps to avoid
  6. 7 sedans for the young at heart
  7. 10 cars for a midlife crisis
  8. Ali Landry's house for sale
  9. 7 Social Security benefits
  10. 5 car models that lose value
Mortgage Overnight Averages
Product Rate +/- Last week
30 yr fixed mtg
3.65% 3.65%
15 yr fixed mtg
2.80% 2.78%
5/1 ARM
2.59% 2.60%
30 yr fixed mtg refi
3.64% 3.63%
View rates in your area:
 

Feeling lost in the mortgage wilderness?

Let Bankrate's Mortgage Analysis be your GPS. This newsletter tracks our exclusive mortgage features, rates and tools. Delivered Thursdays.
 
advertisement
Listing prices on luxury properties are now well over $100 million.
Partner Center
advertisement

Advertising Disclosure: Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Bankrate may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.