Benefits of an ARM Mortgage—Especially With a Credit Union

If you are considering getting an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the first place to look is your trusted credit union. Credit unions often have several different home loans and other financial services like checking and savings accounts, auto loans, and credit cards.

Let us take a look at some of the advantages of ARM home loans combined with why consumers choose credit unions over other options.

Credit union convenience

Whether you are getting an adjustable-rate or fixed rate mortgage, credit unions offer benefits that mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers do not. Having a financial institution with multiple products makes shopping and paying bills much more manageable.

For example, if you have your checking account with the credit union—all you have to do to pay your mortgage is transfer money internally. It makes it easier to track because you see when it is due, getting ready to be paid, and paid.

Compare that to getting a home loan from a mortgage broker or mortgage banker—that is the only service they offer. So, you would be going someplace else for your other financial needs. In today's busy world, convenience is one of the most significant advantages of using a credit union.

Groups in common

When you shop for products and services at a credit union, in most cases, you will have something in common with the organization. For example, some credit unions cater to:

• Veterans

• Teachers

• City and county employees

• Residents of a particular area

Often consumers like shopping locally or with a group with shared interests instead of a big bank or a mortgage lender.

Charity work

Although many financial institutions support charities, it may be much easier to find a credit union that supports the causes that are most important to you. For example:

• Local homeless shelters

• Veteran outreach programs

• Local economic development

• Food banks and food delivery

Credit unions may have better interest rates

Besides the lower initial interest rate of an adjustable-rate mortgage, credit unions may offer lower rates than banks or mortgage lenders. That is because they are not-for-profit. At the same time, banks and brokers are for profit. So when you are buying a home in a seller's market, getting the lowest rates so you can qualify for a higher loan amount becomes even more critical.

That is why as a consumer, it is essential to compare offerings. An easy way to do that is to compare the annual percentage rate (APR), which reflects the total cost of borrowing the money.

Check for lender incentives

Many lenders, including credit unions, often offer incentives for home loans. It is wise to check your credit union first to see if any incentives could save you money. Incentives could include lower lender fees or credit towards some of the costs of getting a home loan.

And if you do not see incentives on the lender's website, ask the loan officer you are working with to see if there are any upcoming specials.

Borrowers with credit challenges

When it comes to home loans, whether you are looking for government or conventional loans, many credit unions are less strict on credit guidelines than a bank. Each credit union has its requirements, but it is always a good idea to reach out to a credit union first if you have less than stellar credit.

And you may be pleasantly surprised. Often consumers that think they would never be able to buy a home discover that their credit is not as bad as they thought. So, it is always a good idea to reach out to a lender to see where you stand.

General benefits of variable rate loans

Not Your Forever Home

Many first-time homebuyers purchase a home only to move within a few years. Often the first home is a starter and can be a bit too small for a growing family. Other reasons to move may involve having to do with work or being in the military and getting transferred to a different location.

When you know you are going to move in 3 years, a 3/1 ARM is a good choice. The same is true for a 5/1 ARM, 7/1 ARM, or 10/1 ARM.

ARMS Have Lower Initial Rates

Generally, an ARM has a lower initial rate than a fixed-rate mortgage. That means a borrower may qualify for a higher loan amount which is especially helpful in a competitive real estate market when prices are rising, and there are bidding wars.

In a seller's market, homes often have more than one offer. Having the leeway to put in a higher bid because you can qualify for more, may mean getting the home you want.

Credit unions can not be beat

From convenience to shared goals, beloved charities, and a variety of available financial products, always check your local credit union when you need a home loan, bank account, auto loan, or credit card. And when you are shopping for a home loan, take a look at the rates for ARMs. These mortgages may get you into a home that you would not be able to afford or qualify for with a fixed-rate mortgage.