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Fresno's Tower District Porchfest just wrapped with 400+ performances across 100+ venues, signaling a city that's investing in neighborhood character.
Portfolio Arms let you lock a lower rate for the first five years, then the rate adjusts annually. That initial savings appeals to buyers planning to sell or refinance before year six. The trade-off is rate risk after the initial period.
Available on application
Starting Rate
620
Minimum FICO
10% to 20%
Down Payment Range
5 years
Fixed Period
$71,434
County Median Income
Portfolio ARMs in Fresno
Portfolio Arms typically require a 620+ FICO score and 10% to 20% down payment. Lenders want to see stable income and a debt-to-income ratio under 43%.
Your credit history matters more on an ARM than a fixed loan because the lender is taking rate risk after year five. Expect tighter documentation of income and assets. Self-employed borrowers need two years of tax returns and profit-and-loss statements.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect portfolio arms eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Fresno.
Fresno's Tower District Porchfest just wrapped with 400+ performances across 100+ venues, signaling a city that's investing in neighborhood character.
Portfolio Arms let you lock a lower rate for the first five years, then the rate adjusts annually. That initial savings appeals to buyers planning to sell or refinance before year six. The trade-off is rate risk after the initial period.
Portfolio Arms typically require a 620+ FICO score and 10% to 20% down payment. Lenders want to see stable income and a debt-to-income ratio under 43%.
Portfolio ARMs are held by the lender's own portfolio, not sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. That means fewer lenders offer them compared to 30-year fixed loans.
Closing timelines run 30 to 45 days for portfolio ARMs because underwriting is more thorough — the lender keeps the rate risk. You'll need solid documentation and a clean appraisal. Rates lock for 60 to 90 days, so lock early if you find a home.
Portfolio Arms make sense in Fresno for buyers with a clear exit plan. If you're buying now and selling in four years, the lower starting rate saves real money. If you plan to stay 10+ years, a fixed rate removes the guesswork after year five.
The county's median household income of $71,434 means rate savings matter. A 0.5% lower rate on a $400,000 loan saves roughly $2,000 per year. That's meaningful for Fresno buyers stretching to qualify.
A 30-year fixed loan runs higher from day one but never changes. A Portfolio ARM starts lower but adjusts annually after year five. The choice depends on your timeline and risk tolerance.
If you're staying in Fresno long-term, the fixed rate's predictability wins. If you're building equity for a move in five years, the ARM's lower payment frees up cash now. Call for today's rate comparison between the two.
Fresno's restaurant scene is booming with at least 17 new establishments in development. That kind of growth signals neighborhood investment and rising property values. Buyers betting on Fresno's future see these openings as proof the city is moving forward.
Fresno State's 52nd annual Vintage Days brings the campus community together with food, crafts, and live concerts. Proximity to campus and cultural events adds lifestyle value that doesn't show up in the appraisal but matters to buyers choosing where to live.
The rate adjusts annually based on the index plus the lender's margin. Caps limit how much it can rise per year (typically 1%) and over the loan's life (typically 5–6% total). Your payment will likely increase.
Yes. Many borrowers refinance into a fixed loan in year four or five to lock in before the first adjustment. Refinancing costs apply, so compare the savings against closing costs.
Probably not. If you plan to stay 10+ years, a fixed rate removes uncertainty. The ARM's lower starting rate only saves money if you sell or refinance before the adjustments begin.
Portfolio ARMs typically start 0.375% to 0.75% below a 30-year fixed. The exact difference depends on market conditions. Call for today's specific rates on both products.
Most lenders want 620+ FICO, but 640+ is safer. Portfolio ARMs carry more underwriting scrutiny than fixed loans because the lender keeps the rate risk after year five.