Variable Rate Mortgages (VRM)

Definition of "Variable Rate Mortgages (VRM)"

Mortgage in which the interest rate charged by the lender can vary according to some reference index not controlled by the lender, such as the interest rate on 1-year U.S. T-bills or the 11th District Cost of Funds Index. For the lender, this means that as the cost of money increases, the interest being charged on the existing mortgage can be increased, thus maintaining the gap between the cost of money and return. Either the monthly payment, the maturity date, or both can be charged to reflect the difference in interest rates. In addition, the mortgage usually stipulates a maximum annual charge and a maximum total increase in the interest the lender may charge. Under current regulations established by the FHLBB, the interest rate may not be raised more than 2.5% points above the initial rate. The rate can be changed each six months, with no more than 1/2 of 1% change each six months. Variable rate mortgages are more popularly known as adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM).

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Distance from the location of natural ground and water to the actual ground level. ...

Appraisal of a location before the purchase is made of it for potential environmental problems. ...

Rainwater pipe attached to a roof gutter channeling the run off down and away form the building. ...

Incapable of performing duties because of a lack of knowledge and training. The individual may not possess the qualifications and credentials. For example, a prospective buyer of real ...

Timeshare homes is the popular name given to the concept of fractional ownership in real estate, and, in fact, is a better term to explain its meaning.Why?Well, fractional ownership means ...

The right to deviate from the use of land prescribed by an existing zoning ordinance. ...

A statistical procedure using a body of measurable independent variables to compute an equation that successfully measures and forecasts the variance in another variable, the dependent ...

The right to allow livestock to graze on a certain range or grazing lands. Grazing rights can be obtained through a lease or by contractual agreement stipulating the period of time and the ...

When we’re talking about debt service, we refer to the amount of cash required to cover the debt’s repayment of both the interest and the principal for a certain period of time. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions