What is a fixed rate mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage is a home loan that has a constant interest rate for the lifetime of the loan. Fixed-rate mortgages are typically offered in 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-year terms—giving homebuyers the security of a predictable monthly payment. Shorter-term fixed-rate loans typically carry the lowest interest rates and are more desirable if you're comfortable handling a larger monthly payment.