The fixed period on my ARM loan is expiring

When the two or three year period on most ARM mortgages from "subprime" type lenders expire, your interest rate and payment will very likely go up here in 2006. The method used to calculate the new interest rate and payment is specified in a document called the Adjustable Rate Rider, however most work basicly the same.

If the fixed rate on your ARM loan is expiring, you could be in for a case of payment shock.
The good news is if you've had an adjustable rate mortgage for the last 2 or more years, you have probably saved thousands of dollars that you would have paid with a fixed rate mortgage.
However, now is a good time to look at refinancing to a lower rate fixed rate mortgage or intermediate ARM.

In most cases your adjustment period begins the same time your prepayment period ends. You will most likely be recieving several solicitations to refinance by mail. If you like the work your mortgage broker did when you first got the mortgage it might be best to go to them for your refinance. They have all of your records on file already, they are fimilar with you and your situation already.

Many people will refinance their home mortgage loan into either a fixed rate mortgage or into another adjustable rate mortgage before their interest rate on their ARM, adjustable rate mortgage loan, is about to make its first adjustment. Refinancing your ARM loan can save you money from a big increase in your interest rate and monthly payment when interest rates are on the rise.