If you’ve been looking for a home lately, you’ve probably felt how tough affordability still is. And that’s exactly why more buyers are opting for adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs.

Here’s what you need to understand about how they work, and whether they make sense for you.

What Is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

Since a lot of people aren’t familiar with this type of loan, let’s start with a definition. This is how Business Insider explains the main difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage:

“With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate remains the same for the entire time you have the loan. This keeps your monthly payment the same for years . . . adjustable-rate mortgages work differently. You’ll start off with the same rate for a few years, but after that, your rate can change periodically. This means that if average rates have gone up, your mortgage payment will increase. If they’ve gone down, your payment will decrease.”

Basically, one doesn’t change much over the life of your loan.

And one could change… either by a little, or a lot.

Of course, things like taxes or homeowner’s insurance can still have an impact on a fixed-rate loan, but the baseline of your mortgage payment is fairly steady. But the big difference is that with an ARM, your monthly payment could change over time.

Why Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Are Getting More Attention

So, why do some buyers choose this option? It’s simple. It’s because of the upfront savings. Business Insider explains it like this:

“Because ARM rates are typically lower than fixed mortgage rates, they can help buyers find affordability when rates are high. With a lower ARM rate, you can get a smaller monthly payment or afford more house than you could with a fixed-rate loan.”

And right now, according to Mortgage News Daily and the Wall Street Journal, the upfront rate on an ARM is lower than a 30-year fixed mortgage (see graph below):

If you’re wondering how that shakes out in real dollars and cents, here’s what Redfin says. According to their research, the typical buyer could save about $150 per month by taking out an ARM instead of a 30-year fixed mortgage.

For some people, that’s enough to make a difference.

More Buyers Are Choosing Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

A growing number of buyers are willing to trade the uncertainty later for a lower payment now. Data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows the share of buyers choosing ARMs has increased, especially over the last few years (see graph below).

This doesn’t mean ARMs are becoming the go-to option for everyone. It only means some buyers are opting for this type of mortgage, so they can still buy today.

And if you remember the housing crash, seeing ARMs gain popularity again may raise concerns. But rest easy. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same.

Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford once rates adjusted.

Today, lending standards are stricter, and lenders evaluate whether borrowers could still handle the payment if rates rise. So, the return of ARMs doesn’t signal another widespread crash. It just reflects how some buyers are adapting to today’s affordability challenges.

The Trade-Off – What You Need To Consider

If you’re considering an adjustable-rate mortgage yourself, just remember it really all depends on your situation and your risk tolerance.

An ARM may make sense if you plan to move before your rate would adjust or if you expect you’ll make a higher income in the future. But there are trade-offs you need to think through.

For example, once the fixed period ends, your rate can adjust, and your payment could increase, potentially by a meaningful amount depending on where rates are at that time.

And keep in mind, there’s also no guarantee mortgage rates will come down in the future, which means refinancing later isn’t always an option. That’s why it’s important to think through your plan, understand your long-term earning potential, and work closely with a trusted lender before you choose an ARM.

Bottom Line

ARMs are getting more attention again because they can make buying a home more affordable in the short term. But they’re not right for everyone.

The key is understanding how they work, what the risks are, and whether they fit your plan. And that’s why you need to talk to a trusted lender and financial advisor before you make any decisions.

What if you didn’t have a mortgage payment on your next house? It may sound a little unrealistic. But for a number of homeowners, it’s actually doable.

Nearly 3 in 10 homes purchased today are bought in cash, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That’s far more than the pre-pandemic norm (see graph below):

So, how are so many buyers pulling that off? The answer is simple: home equity.

Back in 2020-2021, mortgage rates and the number of homes for sale were both at all-time lows. And that combination pushed home prices up, fast.

If you owned a home during that time, it likely gained significant value – maybe even enough to buy your next house in cash. NAR explains:

“. . . rising home equity has armed many existing homeowners with the financial leverage to make cash offers, allowing them to convert years of price appreciation into immediate purchasing power.”

Here’s why you may want to go that route yourself, if you have enough equity to do it.

1. Your Offer Becomes More Attractive

Sellers value certainty. And an all-cash offer removes one of the biggest unknowns in a transaction: financing. As Rocket Mortgage explains:

“Cash offers are attractive to sellers. Sellers often prefer to work with cash buyers if they can because they don’t have to worry about a buyer’s financing falling through at the last minute.”

In many markets, an all-cash offer can give you a serious edge.

2. You Can Close Faster

And since you don’t have to worry about underwriting, lender approvals, and loan processing, the time it takes to close shrinks. Cotality puts it this way:

“Cash buyers have always enjoyed an edge over borrowers. They remove financing risk, reduce delays, and often close in days rather than weeks.”

If the owner of the house you’re buying is already under contract on their next home or they just need to move fast (like for a new job), that speed is a real draw.

3. You Won’t Have Monthly Mortgage Payments

When you buy in cash, you don’t have to finance your purchase. That means you don’t have to worry about what today’s mortgage rates are and you own the house outright from the day you close. And that’s a big deal.

No mortgage.

No monthly payment.

Full ownership.

That financial freedom opens the door for other big lifestyle benefits. Zillow explains:

“Paying in cash means you own your home outright. This eliminates the need for monthly mortgage payments, freeing up your finances for other priorities like savings, travel, or home improvements.”

4. You May Get a Better Deal

And here’s one more thing that surprises a lot of homeowners: cash buyers often pay less for the house.

According to Cotality, all-cash buyers tend to spend roughly 9% less on the house than buyers who use a mortgage. That’s because some sellers are willing to accept lower offers to get a deal done quickly, with more certainty of closing, and fewer financing hoops to jump through. As Cotality explains:

“From a seller’s point of view, a lower but reliable offer can feel preferable to a higher one that may collapse weeks later.”

And that advantage grows with each passing year (see graph below):

Is an All-Cash Move Realistic for You?

Not every homeowner will buy their next house outright in cash. And that’s okay.

But the bigger takeaway is this: the equity you’ve built may give you more options than you think.

Whether that means downsizing and eliminating a mortgage entirely, or just relocating with stronger negotiating power, your current house may be what makes it possible.

Bottom Line

Before assuming you’ll need another traditional mortgage, it’s worth asking one simple question: How much equity do you really have? Because the answer might change what you thought your next move could look like.

Curious what your home equity could do for you? Ask us to run the numbers and see what kind of buying power you’re really sitting on.

While the Spring season consistently offers up some of the best conditions for home sellers, Realtor.com says there’s one window where the stars really seem to align year after year. And it’s coming up fast.

Based on their analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18.

And here’s why this window stands out as being particularly seller-friendly:

• Buyers Are More Active. According to the research coming out of Realtor.com, homes listed during this week typically get about 16.7% more views than in a normal week. And in a market where buyers have options, getting that extra attention can set the tone for your entire sale.
• Sales Happen Faster. Realtor.com also explains the added demand from buyers sets you up for a faster process. While homes have been taking longer to sell lately, homes up for sale this week were on the market for 17% less time than usual. And that’s a difference you’ll be able to feel.
• A Better Price for Your House. Since the number of homes for sale has grown, it’s normal for buyers to ask for credits, repairs, and price adjustments today. But, during this early Spring window, about 18.9% fewer homes do a price cut. That gives you a better chance of getting your full asking price.
• More Profit in Your Pocket. According to the study, well-prepped homes listed this week can command a price that’s about $5,300 more than the average week (and $26,000 more than homes at the start of the year).

And what seller doesn’t want more eyes on their house, getting an offer in hand sooner (rather than later), and their best shot at selling for top dollar?

What You Need To Do To Get Ready

If you’re already thinking about selling and you want to take advantage of this sweet spot, your next step is shockingly simple. Just talk to a local agent.

Their expertise on your area is going to be key over the next few weeks. Because these trends are going to vary by state, city, and even neighborhood. And your agent will use that insider knowledge to help you figure out what you need to do now to get your house ready. Including:

• What you’ll want to spruce up before listing
• How to prioritize any repairs (and contractors that can help)
• Quick wins that’ll have a big impact
• What buyers care most about today

For some sellers, that’s a few easy fixes they can knock out in the next couple of weeks. A fresh coat of paint. Some new mulch. Or some light Spring cleaning.

For others, it’s worth taking another month or so to make some minor updates before listing. And that’s okay. Because while this mid-April window may give sellers an advantage, it’s not your only opportunity to sell.

Zillow says the best time to list is in May. And that means the golden window for sellers isn’t closing after this one week. It’s open all season long.

Bottom Line

Getting your house on the market in mid-April may give you an extra edge, but the bigger opportunity is the Spring season as a whole. The real question is:

Do you know what you need to do before you can list?

Because it’s officially go-time for any seller planning a Spring move.

If you want your house to hit the market this week (or even this season), talk to us about what it’ll take to get it ready.

Mortgage rates have been volatile lately. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make it harder to plan. But there are still things you can do to get the best rate possible in today’s market. It starts with having the right information.

So, what’s causing the bumps in rates? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.

Mortgage Rate Volatility Is Normal

Data from Freddie Mac shows the recent volatility. After trending down for well over a year, there was a rise this month (see graph below):

While it’s easy to be distracted by the changes, here’s what you need to remember.

It’s normal for rates to bounce around a bit here and there. For example, if you look back at the graph, you’ll see that even within the past year there have been times like this when rates inched up. We’re in one of those moments right now and you need to be aware of that.

Especially when there’s economic uncertainty or big global events happening, volatility like this is expected. As Investopedia explains:

“Mortgage rates don’t move in isolation. When global events inject uncertainty into financial markets . . . that can ripple through to borrowing . . . mortgage costs can respond quickly to geopolitical developments. As long as uncertainty remains elevated, rate swings may continue.”

And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t a wise move.

You can’t control what happens with mortgage rates. But there are still things you can do to help you get the best rate possible in today’s market. And here’s where to focus your effort.

Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a big role in the rate you qualify for. Even a small improvement can make a noticeable difference in your monthly payment. As Bankrate puts it:

“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”

So, make sure you do what you can to keep your credit score up. If you’re not sure what your score is or how you can improve it, talk to a trusted loan officer.

Your Loan Type

There are also different types of home loans – and each one can have unique requirements, benefits, and rates for qualified buyers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) explains:

“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose.”

That’s why it’s so important to explore your options with a lender. You may even want to talk to multiple lenders to see how the options vary.

Your Loan Term

The length of your loan matters too. Most lenders typically offer 15, 20, or 30-year loans. Freddie Mac offers this advice:

“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.”

Again, to figure out what makes the most sense for your budget and long-term goals, have a lender walk you through all your options.

Bottom Line

Thinking about buying right now? The best advice is to accept that you can’t control where rates are going to go from here.

What you can do is work with a trusted lender and take steps that’ll help you get the best rate possible.

So, if you want to move today, talk to us and a lender to make it happen. You just need to control the controllables and focus where it counts.