Which of the following is a characteristic of a fixed-rate mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage is characterized by consistent monthly payments throughout the life of the loan. This means that the borrower pays the same amount each month, regardless of fluctuations in the economy or interest rates. This stability makes it easier for borrowers to budget their finances, as they can anticipate their mortgage payments without the worry of changes in their payment amounts.

In contrast, other types of mortgages, such as those with variable interest rates or adjustable payment plans, can lead to differing monthly payments based on market conditions. Additionally, higher initial costs generally are more associated with specific mortgage types, like interest-only loans or certain adjustable-rate mortgages, rather than fixed-rate mortgages specifically. Therefore, the defining feature of a fixed-rate mortgage is indeed the consistency of the monthly payments, making option B the correct choice.