When purchasing a home, securing the best mortgage rate is crucial. This involves not only finding a trustworthy lender and a suitable loan but also ensuring you are approved for the lowest mortgage rate possible. Understanding the factors that influence your mortgage rate can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Why Mortgage Rates Matter
For most homebuyers, three primary factors are of concern: closing costs, monthly payments, and the interest rate on the mortgage. The lower your mortgage rate, the less you'll spend over time. For example, on a $250,000 mortgage, reducing the rate by 0.25% could save you nearly $13,000. A reduction of 0.5% could save you over $25,500. Clearly, your mortgage rate significantly impacts your overall financial burden. But how can you influence the rates offered by lenders?
Factors Beyond Your Control
Some factors affecting your mortgage rate are outside of your control. However, understanding these can help you navigate the market more effectively.
Federal Interest Rate Trends
The Federal Reserve, often referred to as the Fed, is a government entity that helps regulate the U.S. financial system. Higher interest rate environments often coincide with less disposable income, higher mortgages, and favorable returns on savings accounts, while lower rates are more favorable to borrowing and spending and often result in lowered mortgage rates.1
Inflation
Inflation and mortgage rates are closely linked. As inflation rises, so do mortgage rates. This cyclical relationship means higher mortgage rates can further influence inflation, creating a feedback loop that impacts your borrowing costs.
Location
Mortgage rates can vary based on location due to differences in state laws, foreclosure rates, and population density. While you might have some control over which city or county you buy in, moving to another state is often not feasible due to job or family constraints.
Factors You Can Control
Several factors that influence your mortgage rate are within your control. By improving these aspects, you can secure a better rate.
Credit Score
A higher credit score indicates better creditworthiness, making you a lower risk to lenders. Improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage can significantly reduce the interest rates you're offered.
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio
Lenders prefer a DTI ratio of 36% or less. A higher DTI signals greater risk, often resulting in higher mortgage rates. A DTI above 43% may even lead to loan denial. Reducing your debt burden before applying can improve your chances of securing a favorable rate.
Home Price
Homes that exceed FHA conforming limits often require a jumbo mortgage loan, which usually comes with higher rates and down payment requirements. The current limit for most areas is $766,550.2 Opting for a home within conforming limits can help you avoid these higher costs.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio
The LTV ratio compares your loan amount to your home's value. Lowering this ratio by buying below market value or making a larger down payment reduces the lender's risk, potentially lowering your mortgage rate.
Mortgage Loan Term
The term of your mortgage also affects your rate. Shorter-term loans, like 15-year mortgages, generally have lower rates than 30-year loans. Variable rate loans might offer lower initial rates compared to fixed-rate loans but come with the risk of rate increases over time.
Strategies to Lower Your Mortgage Rate
Improving your mortgage rate can lead to substantial savings. Here are some actionable strategies:
Improve Your Credit Score
Start by checking your credit report for errors and paying down outstanding debts. Regular, on-time payments and reducing credit card balances can boost your score over time.
Reduce Your Debt
Lower your DTI ratio by paying off high-interest debts and avoiding new loans before applying for a mortgage. This not only improves your eligibility but may also improve your rate.
Save for a Larger Down Payment
A larger down payment reduces your LTV ratio, signaling less risk to lenders. Aim for at least 20% down to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and to secure a better rate.
Choose the Right Loan Term
Consider the trade-offs between different loan terms. While shorter terms have higher monthly payments, they often come with lower rates and less interest paid over the life of the loan.
Shop Around for Lenders
Different lenders offer different rates based on their risk assessments and business models. Comparing offers from multiple lenders can help you find the best rate.
Lock in Your Rate
Once you find a favorable rate, consider locking it in to protect against future rate increases. Rate locks typically last for 30-60 days, which should be sufficient to complete the home buying process.
Final Thoughts
While you can't control every factor influencing your mortgage rate, focusing on what you can control can lead to significant savings. Improving your credit score, managing your debt, saving for a larger down payment, choosing the appropriate loan term, and shopping around for lenders can all help you secure a lower mortgage rate. Even a small reduction in your rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, making these efforts well worth the time and energy.
By understanding and optimizing these factors, you can achieve a more favorable financial position and make your home buying experience more affordable and rewarding.
1Source: Impact of Fed Interest Rate Cuts on Consumers (investopedia.com)
By refinancing an existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan. We may transfer the escrow account balance from the current loan to the new loan. If the current escrow amount is insufficient due to changes in taxes or insurance, we may require additional money when closing on the new loan.
