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

fee for the cost of a loan including interest and points. Points (1 point= 1% of the total loan) are advance charges for a mortgage, whereas interest in charge over the life of the ...

A sash window having two vertically moving sashes respectively offset by sash weights. Each sash closes a different part of the window. ...

An increase in land occurring from the withdrawal of a body of water. Normally, when reliction occurs, the increase in land area belongs to the individual having water rights in the area. ...

Everyone is aware of the perplexing complexities of a real estate transaction. Enter Opendoor, a company that aims to simplify this experience. If you're a house hunter, seller, real estate ...

Highly subjective term, usually an expression of monetary worth applied to a particular piece of real estate property. ...

Place where real estate is situated. The geographic location of property affects its value. For example, real estate in a good neighborhood is worth more. ...

Removal of a tenant from a portion of a rented or leased premise. ...

Housing projects specifically designed to meet the community needs of the increasing number of individuals who are largely retired, having no small children. Adult communities are found ...

In valuing real estate, substitution is the principle that the market value of a property can be relatively accurately estimated by determining market value of similar properties in the ...

Popular Real Estate Questions