{"id":21959,"date":"2025-10-22T18:53:57","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T18:53:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/budgetadirect.com\/?p=21959"},"modified":"2025-10-22T18:54:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T18:54:07","slug":"fixed-rate-mortgage-vs-arm-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/budgetadirect.com\/?p=21959","title":{"rendered":"Fixed-Rate Mortgage Vs. ARM: What&#8217;s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div id=\"block_d5c2edfff187ac6c4ebba6f9abd24c16\" class=\"key-takeaways sm:border-l-4 border-(--accent) sm:pl-8 my-8 relative\" style=\"--accent: var(--color-blue-medium)\">\n    <!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading-4 mt-0 mb-4 text-crop-none max-sm:flex max-sm:items-center max-sm:gap-4\" id=\"key-takeaways\" data-position=\"0\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-0-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Key takeaways\" data-outcome=\"\">\n    <span class=\"shrink-0\">Key takeaways<\/span><br \/>\n        <span class=\"max-sm:h-0.5 max-sm:w-full max-sm:w-full max-sm:bg-(--accent) max-sm:rounded-full max-sm:block\"\/><br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<p>    <!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col text-gray-700 mb-0 gap-2 list-disc\">\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            With a fixed-rate mortgage, the rate literally remains fixed: It carries the same interest rate and monthly payment for the entire life of the loan.\n                                                <\/li>\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            But an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that changes at preset intervals, increasing or decreasing the monthly payment each time.\n                                                <\/li>\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            The introductory interest rate on an ARM is usually lower than the rate on a fixed-rate mortgage, but it can change significantly after the introductory period.\n                                                <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"fixed-vs-adjustable\" data-position=\"1\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-1-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages\" data-outcome=\"\">Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages<\/h2>\n<p>Fixed-rate mortgages are the go-to for most borrowers, despite adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) charging a lower interest rate to start. Here\u2019s a bit about how each option works, plus an example.<\/p>\n<h3>How do fixed-rate mortgages work?<\/h3>\n<p>A fixed-rate mortgage (sometimes abbreviated to FRM) maintains the same interest rate for the life of the loan, so your monthly mortgage payment \u2014 the principal and interest portion, anyway \u2014 won\u2019t change unless you refinance.<\/p>\n<div class=\"TipBox flex sm:items-center gap-6 sm:gap-7 md:gap-8 mx-2 sm:mx-8 mb-8\">\n    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"TipBox-icon Icon icon-offset-blue-200 text-gray-900 icon-highlight-blue-600 mt-4 sm:-mt-4 md:-mt-1\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><title>Star Icon<\/title>\n<path d=\"M8.244 24a1.92 1.92 0 0 1-1.19-.415 2.122 2.122 0 0 1-.778-2.042l.762-4.63a.706.706 0 0 0-.196-.622L3.61 13.01a2.15 2.15 0 0 1-.517-2.137c.238-.77.853-1.324 1.624-1.436l4.469-.675a.683.683 0 0 0 .516-.39l2.001-4.214C12.05 3.441 12.73 3 13.5 3c.77 0 1.451.45 1.796 1.16l2 4.213a.697.697 0 0 0 .517.39l4.47.675c.762.112 1.385.666 1.623 1.436a2.15 2.15 0 0 1-.517 2.137l-3.23 3.28a.73.73 0 0 0-.197.622l.762 4.63a2.127 2.127 0 0 1-.787 2.042 1.91 1.91 0 0 1-2.116.173l-3.993-2.19a.664.664 0 0 0-.648 0l-3.993 2.19A1.903 1.903 0 0 1 8.26 24h-.016Z\" fill=\"transparent\" class=\"icon-offset\"\/><path d=\"M6.494 23c-.439 0-.877-.145-1.246-.435a2.223 2.223 0 0 1-.816-2.14l.799-4.849a.74.74 0 0 0-.206-.653L1.64 11.488a2.253 2.253 0 0 1-.541-2.24c.249-.806.893-1.386 1.7-1.504l4.682-.707a.716.716 0 0 0 .542-.408l2.096-4.414C10.479 1.462 11.193 1 12 1c.807 0 1.52.471 1.881 1.215l2.096 4.414a.73.73 0 0 0 .542.408l4.681.707c.8.118 1.452.698 1.701 1.505.24.798.035 1.659-.54 2.239l-3.386 3.435a.764.764 0 0 0-.206.653l.8 4.85c.137.825-.181 1.64-.825 2.139a2.001 2.001 0 0 1-2.217.181l-4.183-2.293a.696.696 0 0 0-.679 0l-4.184 2.293c-.309.172-.644.254-.97.254h-.017ZM11.99 2.46a.713.713 0 0 0-.652.416L9.242 7.291c-.309.643-.893 1.097-1.58 1.196l-4.682.707a.717.717 0 0 0-.584.517.735.735 0 0 0 .18.752L5.961 13.9c.498.508.721 1.233.61 1.949l-.8 4.85a.735.735 0 0 0 .276.716c.232.181.524.2.773.063l4.184-2.293a2.015 2.015 0 0 1 1.95 0l4.183 2.293a.69.69 0 0 0 .773-.063.753.753 0 0 0 .284-.716l-.8-4.85a2.253 2.253 0 0 1 .61-1.949l3.385-3.435a.732.732 0 0 0 .18-.753.717.717 0 0 0-.583-.517l-4.682-.707c-.679-.1-1.272-.553-1.58-1.196l-2.097-4.415a.705.705 0 0 0-.653-.417h.017Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/svg>    <\/p>\n<p class=\"w-full mb-0\">\n        <strong class=\"font-bold\"><br \/>\n            Keep in mind:<br \/>\n        <\/strong><br \/>\n        Your total monthly mortgage payments can still change as homeowners insurance premiums or property tax rates rise. The portion of your monthly payment that goes to loan principal and interest, however, won\u2019t change with a fixed-rate mortgage.\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fixed-rate mortgages are more popular than ARMs. They typically come in 30-year and 15-year terms, but there are also flexible term options anywhere from eight years to 29 years.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How do ARMs work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>An adjustable-rate mortgage has an interest rate that changes at predetermined intervals after a fixed-rate introductory period, typically three, five, seven or 10 years. Generally, this initial fixed rate is lower than that of a standard fixed-rate mortgage.<\/p>\n<p>But once the introductory term ends, your rate will adjust up or down, usually every six months or every year. These adjustments are often tied to a financial index, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). Most ARMs have caps that limit how much your rate can increase.<\/p>\n<h3>Example of fixed-rate vs. ARM payments<\/h3>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of the difference in monthly payment between a fixed-rate mortgage and an ARM. In this scenario, we assumed a first adjustment of 1.5 percent, subsequent adjustments of 1.5 percent and a lifetime rate cap of 5 percent. We also excluded homeowners insurance and property taxes. Our ARM vs. fixed-rate calculator can help you compare your own payment scenarios.<\/p>\n<div class=\"w-full overflow-x-auto\">\n<table class=\"wp-block-table Table Table--stripedOdd Table--spacing1 align-middle has-fixed-layout wrapped\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\u00a0<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">5\/1 ARM (30 years)<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">FRM (30 years)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Home price<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$390,000<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$390,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Loan amount<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$370,500 (5% down)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$378,300 (3% down)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Initial interest rate<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">6.11%<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">6.89%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Initial mortgage payment<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$2,248<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$2,489<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Maximum mortgage payment<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$3,376<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">$2,489<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"differences\" data-position=\"2\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-2-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Differences between fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages\" data-outcome=\"\">Differences between fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages<\/h2>\n<p>The biggest difference between these two options is the variability of the interest rate: With a fixed-rate mortgage, the rate stays constant for the entire loan term, while an ARM rate changes over time. If your rate goes up, your monthly payment will also increase, and vice versa. This can make ARMs tricky to budget for in the long term.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the rate structure, other differences between a fixed-rate mortgage and an ARM include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<strong>Initial interest rate:<\/strong> An ARM typically has a lower initial interest rate and monthly payment than a fixed-rate loan.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Down payment minimum:<\/strong> A conventional ARM requires a higher minimum down payment of 5 percent, compared to 3 percent on conventional fixed-rate loans.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Interest calculation:<\/strong> With a fixed-rate mortgage, your rate is set at the start of the loan. With an ARM, your rate is recalculated with every adjustment, based on the index associated with the ARM, the lender\u2019s margin and caps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"similarities\" data-position=\"3\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-3-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Similarities between fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages\" data-outcome=\"\">Similarities between fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages<\/h2>\n<p>Fixed-rate mortgages and ARMs do have some aspects in common, though:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<strong>30-year standard term: <\/strong>Both types come with a standard 30-year repayment term (though other options are available).<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Credit requirements: <\/strong>Both require good-to-excellent credit to qualify for the most favorable rates and terms.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Refinance potential:<\/strong> Both offer borrowers the option to refinance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"which-is-best\" data-position=\"4\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-4-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Which one is right for you?\" data-outcome=\"\"><strong>Which one is right for you?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages both have their pros and cons. Still, one type of loan might be a better fit than the other depending on your financial circumstances.<\/p>\n<h3>Fixed-rate mortgages might be best for:<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<strong>Those planning to stay put:<\/strong> If you plan for this to be your forever home, the stability of a fixed-rate mortgage might be the best option. You won\u2019t ever need to worry about increases to your monthly principal and interest payment, and you\u2019ll have the option to refinance in the future if rates come down.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Those buying their first home:<\/strong> Buying a house is a complicated process, and the nuances of an ARM can make it even more daunting. In addition, many first-time homebuyer loan programs only come with a fixed-rate option.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Those borrowing while rates are low:<\/strong> If borrowing costs are relatively cheap when you\u2019re applying for your home loan, it makes sense to lock in that low fixed rate.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Those making lower down payments:<\/strong> Conventional fixed-rate loans only require a minimum of 3 percent down, while ARMs require 5 percent. If your savings are low or you\u2019re tight on cash, a fixed-rate loan might be more manageable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>ARMs might be best for:<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<strong>Those planning to move soon:<\/strong> If you don\u2019t plan to stick around for longer than a few years, you could save money with the low introductory payments on an ARM and sell before the rate resets.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Those who anticipate increased income:<\/strong> If you expect a financial windfall or a major rise in income over time, you might be better equipped to afford potential rate increases.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Those borrowing while rates are higher or more volatile:<\/strong> An ARM might be a more enticing option when prevailing market rates are higher or their movement is especially uncertain.<\/li>\n<li>\n<strong>Those taking out a jumbo loan:<\/strong> Borrowing more money means paying more in interest over time. An ARM could help you save on this cost, at least initially.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"faq\" data-position=\"5\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-5-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"FAQs\" data-outcome=\"\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"Accordion w-full align\">\n<li x-id=\"['panel-is-an-arm-riskier-than-a-fixed-rate-mortgage', 'heading-is-an-arm-riskier-than-a-fixed-rate-mortgage']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-is-an-arm-riskier-than-a-fixed-rate-mortgage')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-is-an-arm-riskier-than-a-fixed-rate-mortgage')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Is an ARM riskier than a fixed-rate mortgage?<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><title>Caret Down Icon<\/title>\n<path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-is-an-arm-riskier-than-a-fixed-rate-mortgage')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-is-an-arm-riskier-than-a-fixed-rate-mortgage')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<p>\n            ARMs can be riskier, yes, because the interest rate and monthly payment can increase over time \u2014 possibly to an unaffordable level.\n        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-is-an-arm-or-a-fixed-rate-mortgage-easier-to-qualify-for', 'heading-is-an-arm-or-a-fixed-rate-mortgage-easier-to-qualify-for']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-is-an-arm-or-a-fixed-rate-mortgage-easier-to-qualify-for')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-is-an-arm-or-a-fixed-rate-mortgage-easier-to-qualify-for')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    Is an ARM or a fixed-rate mortgage easier to qualify for?<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><title>Caret Down Icon<\/title>\n<path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-is-an-arm-or-a-fixed-rate-mortgage-easier-to-qualify-for')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-is-an-arm-or-a-fixed-rate-mortgage-easier-to-qualify-for')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<p>\n            Fixed-rate mortgages might be easier to qualify for. ARMs can be difficult because they require a higher down payment, and most lenders will assess your ability to make higher payments based on the potential ARM adjustments, not just the initial lower payment.\n        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA mx-auto flex flex-col items-center gap-6 my-6 max-w-108 py-12 text-base border-y border-gray-200\" data-helpful-cta=\"\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" id=\"did-you-find-this-helpful\" data-type=\"cta\" data-location=\"article-bottom\" data-position=\"banner\" data-text=\"Did you find this page helpful?\">\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-initial w-full flex flex-col items-center gap-4\" data-cta-initial=\"\">\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-question text-lg font-bold text-center text-gray-900\">\n            Did you find this page helpful?<\/p>\n<div id=\"Bf2xD7dmf6\" class=\"hidden\">\n<div class=\"wysiwyg wysiwyg--sm wysiwyg--flush max-w-xs\">\n<p class=\"mb-6 text-base\">\n                            <strong class=\"block font-bold text-gray-900\">Why we ask for feedback<\/strong><br \/>\n                            Your feedback helps us improve our content and services. 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0-4.34-.548a3.843 3.843 0 0 1-1.722-2.248c-.29-1.033 0-2.13.593-4.324l.517-1.925c.312-1.162.484-1.786.882-2.323.377-.495.872-.871 1.443-1.097.624-.248 1.281-.248 2.476-.248h4.597c.42 0 .635 0 .84.032.215.032.431.086.636.15.193.065.387.162.753.345l1.702.864c.017-.04.033-.082.053-.122a2.333 2.333 0 0 1 1.044-1.043c.496-.247 1.013-.247 1.95-.247h.16ZM7.503 3.798c-1.022 0-1.54 0-1.862.13-.302.118-.56.322-.765.58-.215.28-.345.775-.614 1.753l-.517 1.926c-.495 1.85-.775 2.871-.602 3.474a2.308 2.308 0 0 0 1 1.312c.539.323 1.594.322 3.51.322h1.142c.236 0 .473 0 .72.15.227.14.388.367.453.625.075.28 0 .516-.075.742-.959 2.969-.603 4.27-.301 4.775.183.312.44.506.774.57.162.033.41.033.572.033.128 0 .203 0 .236-.01.021 0 .085-.044.107-.065.032-.032.14-.237.227-.399 2.208-4.308 3.556-5.671 4.352-6.102a39.945 39.945 0 0 1-.003-.523v-7.79L13.63 4.175c-.28-.14-.41-.215-.56-.27a1.796 1.796 0 0 0-.344-.085c-.151-.022-.313-.01-.625-.022H7.503Zm11.596.001c-.625 0-1.077 0-1.228.076a.72.72 0 0 0-.323.322c-.075.15-.075.603-.075 1.226v7.68c0 .623 0 1.075.075 1.226.075.14.183.247.323.322.15.075.603.075 1.228.075h.16c.625 0 1.078 0 1.228-.075a.778.778 0 0 0 .324-.322c.075-.151.075-.603.075-1.227V5.423c0-.623 0-1.076-.075-1.226a.722.722 0 0 0-.324-.322c-.15-.076-.603-.076-1.227-.076h-.161Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/svg><\/span> <span class=\"text-base leading-4\">No<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <!-- Yes Form --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No Form --><\/p>\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-thankyou flex flex-col items-center gap-2\" data-cta-thankyou=\"\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<p>Thank you for your<br \/>\n            feedback!<\/p>\n<p>Your input helps us improve our<br \/>\n            content and services.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Read the full article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/mortgages\/arm-vs-fixed-rate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key takeaways With a fixed-rate mortgage, the rate literally remains fixed: It carries the same interest rate and monthly payment for the entire life of the loan. But an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that changes at preset intervals, increasing or decreasing the monthly payment each time. The introductory interest rate on an<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21960,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-21959","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-homes"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Fixed-Rate Mortgage Vs. 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