An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a home loan with an interest rate that can change periodically, meaning your monthly payments may fluctuate. Typically, the initial interest rate is lower than that of a comparable fixed-rate mortgage. Once the initial period ends, the interest rate—and your monthly payments—can either decrease or increase.
An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. These loans require lower minimum credit scores and down payments than many conventional loans, making them especially popular with first-time homebuyers. According to the FHA’s 2020 Annual Report, more than 83 percent of all FHA loan originations were for borrowers purchasing their first homes.
A VA loan is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The loan itself isn’t actually made by the government, but the fact that it’s backed by a government agency makes lenders more comfortable offering these loans as they take on less risk than with a conventional mortgage. As a result, it’s possible to get a VA loan without a down payment ...