When applying for a loan, interest rate is certainly one of the most important factors to determine whether a borrower accepts a loan or continues to shop their loan. An important decision you will need to make is whether or not you want the interest rate to be fixed or variable.

Fixed interest rates are stable over the duration of the loan, whereas variable rates, the most common type, fluctuate in accordance with changes in the national interest rate. Variable interest rates are generally used for smaller loans.

Positively, fixed rates make budgeting easier and provide security against sudden increases in the national interest rate. Conversely, should the national rate decrease, you may end up paying greater interest than you would on a variable rate.

Though appealing to most, fixed rate mortgage loans aren't for everyone. Other types of mortgage loans allow you to borrow more than you could with a fixed rate mortgage. If your stay in the home that you are borrowing against is short in tenure, then you would probably end up paying more in interest than you would if you chose a variable rate mortgage. Finally, with fixed interest rates, you are committed to that rate for the

Keep in mind that the first offer you receive is not always the best. Take your time, explore all options from many different lenders, and decide which policy best suits your needs. It is always okay to say no.

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