Mortgage rates may fluctuate by only fractions of a percent, but those small differences can translate into thousands in long-term savings. Understanding what influences these rates can help you lock in a better deal.
While the Fed does not directly control mortgage rates, its actions influence them indirectly by affecting the broader economic environment and lender borrowing costs. When the Fed signals potential rate cuts or hikes, mortgage rates often respond accordingly, as lenders adjust to expectations of future inflation and economic growth.
At its most recent December meeting, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, bringing the target range to 3.5% to 3.75%. With these shifts on the horizon, it’s important to know where to find the best mortgage rate for your situation.
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30-year mortgage rates
December’s average mortgage rates stand at 6.19% for a 30-year fixed loan and 5.44% for a 15-year fixed, according to Freddie Mac.
With the Fed cutting rates at its December meeting, lower borrowing costs could motivate more homeowners to list their properties, boosting housing supply and helping to loosen up the market.
If you're looking for the lowest mortgage rate, you should shop around. The financial institution you usually work with may not have the best rate available, so you should look at multiple options before deciding where to go. Mortgage rates have a massive impact on your monthly cash flow and what you end up paying overall.
For example, let’s look at a home with a sale price of $420,000.
Assume you put down 20% ($84,000) and get a $336,000 mortgage. At 6.35%, you’d be paying $2,090.71 on your monthly mortgage payment. But at 6%, you’d be paying $2,014.49 monthly — saving about $914.67 each year.
To put those savings into perspective, here’s how different interest rates can affect your monthly payment, total interest and overall cost over a 30-year loan.
Interest Rate | Monthly Payment | Annual Payment | Total Interest (30 yrs) | Total Cost (Principal + Interest) |
7.00% | $2,235.42 | $26,825.00 | $468,749.90 | $804,749.90 |
6.75% | $2,179.29 | $26,151.48 | $448,544.26 | $784,544.26 |
6.50% | $2,123.75 | $25,484.98 | $428,549.48 | $764,549.48 |
6.25% | $2,068.81 | $24,825.72 | $408,771.53 | $744,771.53 |
6.00% | $2,014.49 | $24,173.88 | $389,216.32 | $725,216.32 |
These calculations are for illustrative purposes only and assume a 20% down payment on a $420,000 home. Monthly and total costs reflect principal and interest payments only and do not include property taxes, homeowners' insurance, HOA fees or other costs of homeownership.
Curious about today's rates? Explore and compare some of today's best mortgage offers with the tool below, powered by Bankrate:
If you already have a mortgage, remember that you can refinance. This was a plan for many people who bought while interest rates were high. The expectation was that when rates went down, they'd be able to refinance and get a better deal.
Refinance rates haven't gone down enough to make this an entirely attractive prospect yet, but the expectation is that in the future they will. Read more on how refinancing a mortgage works and what it costs.
Explore and compare the latest refinancing options with the tool below, powered by Bankrate:
Four ways to get a lower mortgage rate
Market conditions influence mortgage rates, but you can take several proactive steps to improve your chances of securing a lower interest rate. Here are four key strategies to help you save on your mortgage.
Raise your credit score
One of the best and most effective ways to save on your mortgage is to raise your credit score, the biggest factor in determining your mortgage rate. Upping your FICO credit score, which ranges from 300 to 850, by just 20 points can save you hundreds of dollars by lowering your mortgage.
So, while you’ll likely need at least a 620 FICO score in order to qualify for a mortgage at any rate, you'll need a higher score to get approved for the best rates. Raising your credit score can be done in a number of ways, including making card payments on time and keeping credit card balances low.
Increase your down payment
In order to get the best rates on a conventional mortgage loan from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you'll need to make at least a 20% down payment. In fact, the bigger your down payment is, the better your rate will likely be. You'll have to repay less principal and less interest over the life of the loan.
Get multiple quotes
Different lenders may offer different rates. Because of this, it's important to get multiple quotes to ensure you're getting the lowest interest rates available to you.
Consider an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
If you know you're going to sell your home in the near future, opting for an ARM could be a good decision. For example, if you're going to sell your home in four years, choosing a 5-year ARM could save you a lot in interest.
You'll be able to take advantage of the lower interest rates associated with this kind of mortgage, and you won't have to worry about your rate changing before you sell.
Looking for the best 30-year mortgage rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan. By boosting your credit score, making a larger down payment and shopping around for quotes, you can put yourself in a better position to get a lower rate.
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