Did You Know?

FHA loans are one of the best options for young, first-time home buyers who have not had as much time to save for a large down payment or establish a high credit score.

Get an FHA Refinance Loan
Get an FHA Purchase Loan
FHALoan.com
Get an FHA Refinance Loan
Get an FHA Purchase Loan
Click to Start Your Refinance or Purchase Loan

FHA Adjustable Rate Mortgages in 2021


FHA Adjustable Rate Mortgages in 2021
The new year came with some changes being made in the mortgage industry, particularly when it comes to Adjustable- Rate Mortgages (ARMs). Here’s what you need to know about ARMs in 2021. 

The Index Changes 

Lenders use a specific market index off of which an ARM’s interest rates are based. Until recently, most financial institutions, including the FHA, were using the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (LIBOR), but it was decided that effective January 3, 2022, the mortgage industry will put aside LIBOR and adopt the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (SOFR). The U.S. Federal Reserve Board and New York Federal Reserve are set to oversee the transition from LIBOR to SOFR, and have recommended that most new ARMs use SOFR instead of LIBOR beginning in September, 2020. 

Why Does This Matter? 

To understand why this change matters, you must know how an ARM works. The interest rate you get with an ARM is based on an index and a margin (which is disclosed when you apply for the loan). Your adjustable rate is calculated by adding the loan margin to the index, so as the index figure changes, so will your interest rate. 

With the implementation of a new index, the changing rates of ARMs may start to look different. While both LIBOR and SOFR are used to measure the cost of short-term borrowing, the indexes measure that cost differently. Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate states that, “SOFR is based on actual market transactions whereas LIBOR was determined by what various banks would charge each other to borrow on an overnight basis.” When it became clear that certain banks were able to manipulate the LIBOR rate, SOFR was created to be a more accurate and reliable index that is less susceptible to such manipulation.  

While the majority of borrowers and loan applicants will not be affected by the new mandate, those with adjustable- rate mortgages, a home equity loan, or a reverse mortgage might see changes to their loan depending on how it is indexed.  

McBride states that ARMS based on LIBOR will no longer be purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. "SOFR is rapidly replacing it. Treasury-indexed ARMs are unaffected.”  

Next Steps 

It is important for borrowers to be in the know, and stay on top changes in their interest rate. While it is expected that the changes will relatively minor, mortgage holders with an ARM should contact their loan servicers to see which index their mortgage is based on, to avoid being caught off guard with the next adjustment. If the loan is tied to LIBOR, lenders can help identify when it will switch to SOFR and what that change could mean for the particular ARM.

------------------------------

RELATED VIDEOS:
Disclosures Give Transparency to Borrowers
Understanding the Purpose of Your Mortgage Down Payment
Putting Money Into Your Escrow Account
See Your Credit Scores From All 3 Bureaus
See Your Credit Scores From All 3 Bureaus

FHA Loan Articles

Down Payments for FHA Loans

One of the major hurdles that keeps families from purchasing a home is the need for a down payment.  The FHA’s goal is to offer more homebuying opportunities to low- and moderate-income Americans and set more easily achievable down payment requirements for borrowers. 

When Should I Get Approved for a Home Loan?

One of the first steps to take when you decide to buy a home is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. It is important to know what it means to get pre-approved for a home loan, and what the pre-approval letter does and doesn’t do for your home buying chances.

What Affects a Home Loan Applicant's Credit the Most?

A home loan is one of the most important investments you can make. Buying a home means owning property, and being a homeowner means there's potential to watch your investment grow in value over time.  But first, the lender has to make sure the borrower is a good credit risk.

When Buying with an FHA Loan, Don't Skip the Home Inspection

This wait isn’t easy when you've been shopping for a new home. But getting a home inspection is a crucial step, and not one you should consider skipping. Make sure you hire a reliable home inspector, wait for your inspection report, and watch out for these red flags. 

Reasons for FHA Refinancing

Interest rates started to decline in 2019 and still seem considerably low. The average rate for a 30-year, fixed rate home loan has fallen from 4.94% in November 2018 to 3.13% in October 2021. A point drop in your interest rate could translate to huge savings with each monthly payment

FHALoan.com is not a government agency. We do not offer or have any affiliation with loan modification, foreclosure prevention, payday loan, or short term loan services. Neither FHALoan.com nor its advertisers charge a fee or require anything other than a submission of qualifying information for comparison shopping ads. We do not ask users to surrender or transfer title. We do not ask users to bypass their lender. We encourage users to contact their lawyers, credit counselors, lenders, and housing counselors.

SecureRights Advertiser Contact Information