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Here is a tip for those who are shopping for Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs): the "margin" is almost as important as the initial rate. The margin is the percentage point above the average yields for Treasury notes on which future rate adjustments will be calculated.

Let's compare two hypothetical one-year ARMs. The first may have an initial interest rate of 7% with a 2.5 margin, while the second begins at 6 7/8% with a 2.75 margin. Both loans have rate caps of 2%. Suppose that at the end of the first year of the loan, the average of the one-year Treasury note yield has been 5 1/2%. For each loan, the lenders will add the margin to that 5 1/2% average yield. Thus the interest rate for first loan would increase from 7% to 8%, and the second would go from 6 7/8% to 8 1/4%. While the first ARM had a slightly higher initial rate, it will have lower rates in subsequent years, unless the Treasury note rates increase enough to activate the annual caps on the amount of the increase. There is a wide variance among margins in ARMs offered by competing lenders, and this should be a factor when you decide on your loan.

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Leigh Hill
Weichert Realtors
142 Main Street
Chester
New Jersey 07930
Leigh Hill's Cell : 908-256-2364
E-Fax : 1-888-859-0247
E-Mail: leighHill@aol.com

The Leigh Hill Team is dedicated to providing the best possible professional service in the real estate industry for the past 30 years. Leigh, A NJ MILLION DOLLAR GOLD CLUB Award winner for 7 years, Leigh Hill's priorities include a high degree of quality-executed sales for her clients. Leigh is responsible for some of the most prestigious residential developments,and single family homes in Morris and Somerset County. Their knowledge, honesty and commitment to results are the foremost reasons for their continued success. Contact "The Leigh Hill Team" for all of your real estate needs in Northwest New Jersey.