What is the main advantage of an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)?

The primary advantage of an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is indeed the potential for lower initial interest rates. Unlike fixed-rate mortgages, which maintain the same interest rate throughout the life of the loan, ARMs typically start with a lower interest rate for an initial period, which can make monthly payments significantly more affordable at the beginning of the loan term. This can be especially appealing to borrowers who anticipate that their income will increase over time or who plan to sell or refinance before the adjustment period occurs.

The way ARMs work is that after the initial fixed period, the interest rate adjusts periodically based on a specific index plus a margin. This means that while borrowers benefit from lower payments initially, they must be prepared for potential increases in monthly payments once the adjustment occurs. This feature can lead to a lower overall cost of borrowing if property values appreciate or if the borrower is able to pay off the loan before the rate adjusts.

Other options do not accurately describe key benefits associated with ARMs. Fixed payments throughout the loan term and a guaranteed rate for the entire loan period are characteristics of fixed-rate mortgages, not ARMs. Additionally, while some ARMs may have low or no closing costs, this is not universally true and does not represent the main advantage of this mortgage