★★★★★“The process was easy and she was persistent and did not let us fall through.”— Gioconda, Hudson NC★★★★★“Had answers to every question we had and helped us every step of the way. Would definitely recommend.”— Trey, Marietta GA★★★★★“Our situation was a bit unusual and she was still able to make everything a breeze!”— Bradd, Williamsburg VA★★★★★“Micheal went through every part of the process and explained to us in detail so we were well informed.”— Quincy, Kannapolis NC★★★★★“Very quick and very easy process. Their team is too good. I really recommend them!”— Ketan Patel, Wesley Chapel FL★★★★★“Always available and ready to explain and answer any questions I had. Very professional!”— Sheryl, Griffin GA★★★★★“Step by step took me thru the process and worked day and night to the finished line.”— Miguel, Clementon NJ★★★★★“I felt I was dealing with a friend rather than a loan officer. She managed to get the best possible interest rate.”— Deborah, Honea Path SC★ 485+ Five-Star Reviews on LendingTree ★★★★★★“The process was easy and she was persistent and did not let us fall through.”— Gioconda, Hudson NC★★★★★“Had answers to every question we had and helped us every step of the way. Would definitely recommend.”— Trey, Marietta GA★★★★★“Our situation was a bit unusual and she was still able to make everything a breeze!”— Bradd, Williamsburg VA★★★★★“Micheal went through every part of the process and explained to us in detail so we were well informed.”— Quincy, Kannapolis NC★★★★★“Very quick and very easy process. Their team is too good. I really recommend them!”— Ketan Patel, Wesley Chapel FL★★★★★“Always available and ready to explain and answer any questions I had. Very professional!”— Sheryl, Griffin GA★★★★★“Step by step took me thru the process and worked day and night to the finished line.”— Miguel, Clementon NJ★★★★★“I felt I was dealing with a friend rather than a loan officer. She managed to get the best possible interest rate.”— Deborah, Honea Path SC★ 485+ Five-Star Reviews on LendingTree ★
Purchase

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs): Flexibility That Works for You

An adjustable rate mortgage starts with a lower introductory interest rate for a set period — typically 5, 7, or 10 years — before adjusting periodically based on market conditions. This structure can mean significant savings in the early years of your loan, making ARMs a smart choice for borrowers who plan to sell, refinance, or pay down their balance before the adjustment period begins.

At IH Lending, we help you understand exactly how an ARM works, compare it against fixed-rate options, and determine whether the initial savings align with your financial timeline and goals.

How an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Works

ARMs are structured in two phases. During the initial fixed period, your interest rate stays locked in — often below what a comparable 30-year fixed mortgage would offer. After that period ends, the rate adjusts at regular intervals (usually annually) based on a benchmark index plus a margin set by your lender.

Most ARMs include rate caps that limit how much your rate can increase at each adjustment and over the life of the loan, providing a layer of protection against dramatic payment swings.

Common ARM Structures

  • 5/1 ARM: Fixed rate for 5 years, then adjusts annually. A popular choice for buyers who expect to move or refinance within 5 years.
  • 7/1 ARM: Fixed rate for 7 years, then adjusts annually. Offers a longer period of rate stability with savings over a 30-year fixed.
  • 10/1 ARM: Fixed rate for 10 years, then adjusts annually. Ideal for borrowers who want a decade of predictable payments with a lower starting rate.

Who Should Consider an ARM?

  • First-time buyers: Take advantage of lower initial payments while building equity in your first home.
  • Relocating professionals: If you anticipate moving within a few years, an ARM can reduce your monthly costs during the time you own the home.
  • Strategic refinancers: Borrowers who plan to refinance before the adjustment period can benefit from years of below-market rates.

Why Choose IH Lending for Your ARM?

We work directly with wholesale lenders to find competitive ARM products with favorable terms, caps, and margins. Our loan officers will walk you through every detail — including worst-case scenarios — so you can make a fully informed decision with confidence.

Purchase

Refinance