Rhode Island Adjustable Rate Rider — Variable Rate Note (RI ARM Rider) is a legal document often used in real estate transactions in Rhode Island. This rider is appended to the primary mortgage agreement and governs the terms and conditions for adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans in the state. The Rhode Island Adjustable Rate Rider — Variable Rate Note outlines the specific provisions related to the interest rate and payment calculations for ARM loans. It allows the lender to adjust the interest rate periodically, based on changes in a specified index such as the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or U.S. Treasury Securities. Some key features and elements of the RI ARM Rider include: 1. Initial Interest Rate: This section states the initial interest rate that will be charged on the loan for a specific period of time. It is usually lower than the prevailing fixed-rate mortgage. 2. Adjustment Period: It specifies the duration between interest rate adjustments. Common adjustment periods are 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. 3. Index: The RI ARM Rider identifies the index that will be used to determine the new interest rate for each adjustment period. Commonly used indices in Rhode Island include the one-year LIBOR rate or the weekly average yield on U.S. Treasury Securities. 4. Margin: The lender sets a margin that will be added to the index rate to establish the new interest rate. The margin remains constant throughout the loan term. 5. Rate Caps: The RI ARM Rider may feature both periodic and lifetime rate caps to limit the interest rate increase. Periodic caps set a maximum limit on how much the interest rate can change during one adjustment period, while lifetime caps restrict the total increase over the loan's term. 6. Negative Amortization Provision: Some ARM riders may include a provision for negative amortization, allowing for the possibility that the monthly payments might not fully cover the accruing interest. This could result in the principal balance increasing over time. It's important to note that lenders in Rhode Island may offer different variations of adjustable rate riders, each with its own specific terms and conditions. Some of these variations may include interest-only payment options, low-rate introductory periods, or conversion options to a fixed-rate loan. When considering an RI ARM Rider, it is crucial for borrowers to carefully review and understand the details to ensure they are comfortable with potential interest rate fluctuations and payment adjustments in the future. Seeking professional advice from mortgage specialists or attorneys is advised to fully comprehend the implications and risks associated with the Rhode Island Adjustable Rate Rider — Variable Rate Note.