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Here is a tip for those who are shopping for Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs): the "margin" is almost as important as the initial rate. The margin is the percentage point above the average yields for Treasury notes on which future rate adjustments will be calculated.

Let's compare two hypothetical one-year ARMs. The first may have an initial interest rate of 7% with a 2.5 margin, while the second begins at 6 7/8% with a 2.75 margin. Both loans have rate caps of 2%. Suppose that at the end of the first year of the loan, the average of the one-year Treasury note yield has been 5 1/2%. For each loan, the lenders will add the margin to that 5 1/2% average yield. Thus the interest rate for first loan would increase from 7% to 8%, and the second would go from 6 7/8% to 8 1/4%. While the first ARM had a slightly higher initial rate, it will have lower rates in subsequent years, unless the Treasury note rates increase enough to activate the annual caps on the amount of the increase. There is a wide variance among margins in ARMs offered by competing lenders, and this should be a factor when you decide on your loan.

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Glenna Nesbitt and Shelton Floyd
Coldwell Banker J. Wesley Dowling & Associates
8805 Line Avenue Suite 100
Shreveport, Louisiana 71106
Glenna Direct Line: 318-869-5833
Shelton Mobile: 318-422-1102
Main Office: 318-861-2461
info@HomesofLouisiana.com

`Glenna and Shelton have been Shreveport residents for over 50 years with a combined real estate experience of over 30 years. Glenna and Shelton were awarded the International President’s Circle-Coldwell Banker, and the Circle of Excellence-Coldwell Banker. They are Top Producers and Certified Luxury Home Specialists. Call or email today - The Number 1 Team in Shreveport since 2002.