What is a 10/1 ARM mortgage? Here's everything you need to know

"My mortgage broker offered me a '10/1 ARM' and said I'd save a ton on my monthly payments. But I have no idea what that even means!"
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Adjustable-rate mortgages with terms like "10/1 ARM" can be confusing, especially compared to popular 30-year fixed-rate home loans.
But ARM loans have unique benefits that may fit your situation well … if you understand how they work.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about 10/1 ARM mortgages plainly and simply.
You'll learn:
- The basics of how 10/1 ARMs work and what the terminology means
- Pros and cons compared to fixed-rate home loans
- How to decide if it's the right mortgage option for your goals
What is a 10/1 arm mortgage loan, and how does it work?
A 10/1 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a type of hybrid home loan that combines the features of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages.
- For the first 10 years of the loan, you’ll have a fixed interest rate. This provides stability and potentially lowers payments early on.
- After 10 years, the interest rate will adjust annually based on market conditions. The rate can go up or down each year.
- Most 10/1 ARM loans have caps limiting how much the rate can change each year and over the life of the loan. This prevents shocking payment increases.
The "10/1" refers to the initial 10 years of fixed rates followed by annual adjustments.
Other common ARM terms are 5/1, 7/1, and 10/6.
In a nutshell, 10/1 ARMs offer predictable payments for a decade before any changes kick in.
Let's look closer at the pros and cons.
Pros of a 10/1 ARM mortgage
Compared to a traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, a 10/1 adjustable-rate mortgage has some solid advantages:
Lower monthly payments are often at the start
Because you'll lock in a lower rate for the first 10 years, your initial monthly mortgage payments will likely be less than they would be with a fixed loan, assuming similar loan amounts and terms.
This can help free up cash flow for other goals.
May qualify for a larger loan amount
Also, because of the lower starting rates, you may qualify to borrow more with a 10/1 ARM than you might with a fixed-rate mortgage based on debt-to-income ratios.
Good option if you plan to move before 10 years
If you expect to sell your home or refinance the mortgage within the 10-year fixed-rate period, a 10/1 ARM allows you to take advantage of lower early rates without worrying about future increases.
Interest rates could go down after adjustments
While rates might rise after the fixed-rate period, there's also the possibility they’ll drop if market conditions allow. Rate adjustments can work for or against you.
Can convert to fixed-rate mortgage later on
Some lenders let you lock in a fixed rate once the initial 10-year period ends. This provides long-term stability and prevents unpredictable payment shocks.
Now, let's examine the potential drawbacks and risks.
Cons of a 10/1 ARM mortgage
When considering a 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage, understand what it is and know they are not ideal for every homebuyer.
Following are some potential downsides:
Risk of higher payments down the road
If rates trend up after the 10-year fixed period, your payments could jump significantly and become unaffordable. That possibility is unpredictable.
Difficulty budgeting without payment certainty
Not knowing how much your mortgage will cost long-term can make financial planning and budgeting difficult.
Requires stronger credit and financials
Lenders tend to scrutinize 10/1 ARM applicants more closely. You'll likely need an excellent credit and debt-to-income ratio to qualify and demonstrate you can manage potential payment spikes.
Closing costs if you refinance later
If you refinance once the fixed period ends to lock in stable rates, you'll have to pay closing costs again. Factor this into long-term expenses.
Complex loan details to understand
Compared to plain fixed-rate mortgages, ARM loans have more moving parts, like rate caps and indices that adjust interest rates. This added complexity requires more research upfront.
As you can see, adjustable-rate mortgages require careful evaluation to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks in your situation
Is a 10/1 arm mortgage right for me?
Now that you know the basics of a 10/1 ARM mortgage, here are key questions to consider when deciding if this kind of loan suits your situation:
Do you plan to move within the next 5-10 years?
If so, a 10/1 ARM allows you to take advantage of lower initial rates because you likely won't be impacted by future rate hikes. You can sell or refinance before the rate changes.
How strong is your credit score and financial health?
Because lenders scrutinize ARM applicants closely, you'll need a strong credit score, a healthy debt-to-income ratio, an entire down payment, and a savings cushion.
Can you afford potential payment increases?
Run the numbers to see if you can still afford monthly payments if rates rise several percentage points once the fixed period ends. Build in some margin to account for that possibility.
Do you prefer budget certainty over the long run?
If you lose sleep over unpredictable mortgage expenses, a fixed-rate loan brings long-term stability. But if you like the idea of gaining an advantage early on, consider an ARM.
What direction will rates and markets move?
Wouldn’t we all like to know? Of course, no one can predict this.
But if you expect rates to fall in the next 5-10 years due to economic factors, ARMs look more favorable because you could benefit later.
By analyzing these factors carefully, you can determine if a 10/1 ARM aligns with your home financing needs or if you should opt for a fixed-rate mortgage instead.