Over the past month – the last few months, really – mortgage rates for fixed and government guaranteed loans like VA and FHA loans have remained fairly stable over time, fluctuating slightly here and there. However, there is one type of mortgage that is going against the trend: adjustable rate loans. In particular, the rates of ARM 7/1 and 10/1 continue to increase.
This is one of the reasons why, if you are ready to buy or refinance, you will probably want a fixed rate mortgage rather than an adjustable rate mortgage. Not only are ARM rates starting to be higher than fixed rates right now, but you could risk your rate rising even more in a few years. It’s safest to lock in an all-time low rate while you can.
Mortgage rates today
Money.com conventional rates; RedVentures government guaranteed rates.
Today’s refinance rate
Money.com conventional rates; RedVentures government guaranteed rates.
What is a mortgage rate?
A mortgage rate is the interest you pay on the money you borrow from a lender to buy or refinance your home. These are basically the fees you pay to borrow, expressed as a percentage. For example, you can take out a mortgage for $ 200,000 plus an interest rate of 2.75%.
There are two types of mortgage rates: fixed rates and adjustable rates.
A fixed rate mortgage lock in your rate for the duration of your mortgage. Even if the rates in the US market go up or down, your rate will stay the same. It’s a good deal right now, as rates are at historically low levels.
A adjustable rate mortgage keeps your rate the same for a predetermined amount of time, then changes it periodically. A 10/1 ARM locks in your rate for the first 10 years, then the rate fluctuates once a year. It’s a riskier approach these days because ARM rates start higher than fixed rates, and you risk your rate going up later.
How are mortgage rates determined?
Mortgage rates are determined by a combination of factors – some you can control and some you cannot.
The main external factor is economy. Interest rates tend to be higher when the US economy is booming and lower when it is struggling. The two main economic factors that affect mortgage rates are employment and inflation. When the number of jobs and inflation increase, mortgage rates tend to rise.
You can control your finances, although. The better your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment, the lower your rate should be.
Finally, your mortgage rate depends on what type of mortgage you obtain. Government guaranteed mortgages (like FHA, VA, and USDA loans) charge the lowest rates, while jumbo mortgages charge the highest rates. You will also get a lower rate with a shorter mortgage term.
What credit score do you need for a mortgage?
Each type of mortgage loan has a different minimum credit score requirement. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
These are just the general rules of thumb, however. Every lender has the right to demand a higher or lower credit score. (Although the FHA minimums listed here are the lowest a lender allows.)
If your credit score is above the minimum required by a lender, you could get a better mortgage interest rate.
Find out more and get offers from several lenders »
Mortgage rates last week and last month
Mortgage rate trends
Trends in refinancing rates