As its name implies, a fixed-rate mortgage is one where the interest rate on your home loan remains the same throughout its duration. This differs from a loan where the interest rate may change over time, such as an adjustable rate mortgage. Fixed rate mortgages are the most popular form of home loan in the United States largely due to the appeal of a consistent mortgage payment amount over the life of the loan.
In many instances, fixed rate mortgages have higher mortgage payments than adjustable rate mortgages. This is most often because the interest rate remains unchanged for the duration of the loan. Typically, loans with longer terms will have a higher interest rate than loans with shorter terms due to interest rate risk, or the possibility of fluctuating interest rates.