Fixed mortgage rates can be both good and bad. You need to compare mortgage types to know what's best for you. And, you will need to know the going rate on home loans in general. This type of mortgage is based on the interest rate of the loan remaining unchanged throughout the loan. In other loans, such as an adjustable loan, the interest will fluctuate with current trends. In some cases, one method can save you money, but you need to know what your options are with fixed mortgages. In the end, the choice of mortgage type will be yours.

When you take any loan, you are charged interest on a loan. This is the amount of money the mortgage company charges in order to make money. At the time of your application, your lender will talk to you about the type of loan being offered. Their rates, fixed or variable, are dependant on what the Federal Reserve determines interest rates should be. This organization bases rates on how the economy is performing -- good or bad. For example, they may lower rates if they think that the economy is falling into recession to help stimulate growth. Likewise, they may increase rates when the economy improves. There are other factors that the Federal Reserve takes into account as well. Lenders use this information to determine what interest they should charge their mortgage borrowers. In many cases, different lenders will offer different rates for different mortgage types and it is always wise to consider several lenders before making a choice for a fixed rate mortgage.

Now, the difference in fixed mortgage rates and adjustable rates are that the interest rate for the fixed mortgage remains the same throughout the course of the loan.

An adjustable mortgage is different. This loan rate can slide up or down to match the ups and downs of interest rates. Usually, there is a limit to how much it can go up or down. (please review your loan carefully – there may not be a limit in your case).

There are several advantages to choosing fixed mortgage rates over an adjustable mortgage. Yet, there are benefits for adjustable mortgages as well. For those considering the fixed mortgage rate, they can benefit from having the same basic payment from day one to the end of the loan. This is quite beneficial when interest rates are tending to go up or when the country is pulling out of a recession because it is fixed. But, fixed mortgage rates can be bad should interest rates begin to decline. If the Federal Reserve starts to cut rates, a fixed loan may be able to be refinanced, if this is something you wish to consider. On the flip side, interest rates that keep falling can be taken advantage of by using an adjustable loan. But, again, the low rate that you get at the beginning of the mortgage may increase a few years into the loan. But with that, you need to understand that it will not go up over a certain limit if there is a cap on your mortgage (please review your loan carefully – there may not be a limit in your case).

Fixed mortgages are beneficial to some people. For those that are looking for a stable payment throughout the term of their mortgage, fixed mortgage rates may be the best situation for them. The interest paid is dependant on the type of mortgage you get. To find out which is the best option for you, consult with your financial advisor.