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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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The Carol Greco Group
Long and Foster Realtors
7010 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003
703-658-1600
Fax: 703-256-5152
carolgreco@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

We will provide the best service possible for every client we represent. We will never tell a client what they want to hear - if it is not reality. We will never enter into a client relationship where we know what is expected of us cannot be done in good faith. We will never enter into an agreement with a seller who is unrealistic with regard to proper pricing. When hired to sell a client's home, we will always make the recommendations that can assist their home's value or help reduce its marketing time even if it means telling them things they do not want to hear. We acknowledge that we may periodically lose business because we are truthful with our clients while a few of our competitors may tell them what they want to hear to temporarily get their business. We will always remember that to have a winning relationship with our clients, we must always have a mutual goal.

We will never lose sight that our honesty, loyalty, understanding, accountability, and creativity are what makes us so very different from the real estate masses. We will always utilize a well trained staff to assist us in the complex home selling process. We will prioritize our time so that we are working only with people who are serious about either buying or selling real estate. We will always treat all parties honestly and fairly and will always offer our properties without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, handicap, or family status. We will always promote the best interests of the owner. We will strive to obtain the best price for our owners, and we will always disclose to our owners all facts that might affect or influence their decisions.

We assure you that during our real estate careers we will always strive for excellence, and we make a commitment to continued education so that we may better serve our clients.

We look forward to Serving You!

-The Carol Greco Group