The length of time you plan to keep your home is one of the most important factors in choosing a loan. If you'll keep it more than five years and want the security of a fixed payment, a traditional 30-year, fixed-rate loan may be a good option. A convertible fixed-rate loan, which allows you to get a lower rate if interest rates decline, may be even better. If you'll keep your home only a short time, consider an adjustable-rate loan. An adjustable carries a low interest rate in the early years of the loan, so you'll pay less on the house before you sell.