Mortgage Rates

If you're going to buy a home, you'll likely need a mortgage. It will likely be the biggest loan you've ever taken out – and getting it wrong can be a mistake that will cost you for years. Not making a mistake means educating yourself. Start by checking our Mortgage Rates tables; we update them daily. Then, read below to learn more about how the mortgage market works, which type of mortgage to choose, how to find and lock in the best rate, and more.

How much that mortgage will cost starts with the interest rate you're charged. Knowing the going rate will help you figure out how much you can afford to borrow – and keep you from accidentally agreeing to a loan that is higher than it should be for its terms and your credit score. 

These estimated nationwide mortgage rates are averages calculated by us from data we collected from several different financial institutions and are for informational purposes only. Rates were updated 08/17/2018 10:45 AM ET, may change daily, and are subject to change without notice. Loans above a certain threshold may have different loan terms, and products used in our calculations may not be available in all states. Loan rates used do not include amounts for taxes or insurance premiums. Individual lender’s terms will apply.

Buying a mortgage has a certain level of intimidation. Different mortgage types, interest rates, mortgage insurance. The process, for many, has proved to be a frustrating one.

The interest rate you pay will greatly affect the total cost of your mortgage. Mortgages can typically last up to 30 years. The choices you make can affect your finances for up to that length of time; it’s vital to understand how interest rates work. So you can get this right in the first place, we've provided the scoop on exactly how interest rates work. Read More

With so many different ingredients making up a mortgage payment, it's a good idea to know exactly where all the costs are coming from. Don't get caught paying more than you thought you had to. Know all the fees before you buy. Read More

Just as there are different types of mortgages, there are also different ways to pay off your mortgage. Depending on the structure of your loan, mortgage points can be a reliable way to reduce the interest you're charged. But since you pay points up front,  they're not the best option in every situation. We explain what they are and how they work. Read More

You've been gearing up to finally take out a mortgage on a home you may have been eyeing for some time. The question is, which type of mortgage makes the most sense for your situation? A fixed-rate mortgage is secure, but may cost more at the beginning than an adjustable-rate mortgage. On the other hand, if rates go up, you'll eventually be paying more for that adjustable-rate loan. 

Avoid making a mistake that could cost you serious money by knowing how each type of mortgage can play out in the future. Here’s the information you need to make the right decision. Read More

What do you need, fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgage? When taking out a mortgage, you are confronted with all kinds of questions that you may not know the answer to. To pick the right mortgage, it’s important to remember these differences.

We don’t want you to get the wrong deal. We’ve spelled out the difference between a fixed-rate and a variable-rate mortgage so you can be confident in your decision. Read More

One of the biggest drivers of overall mortgage costs are the interest rates. To help you get that deal, we've lined up all the tactics and methods for hunting down that great rate you need. Read More

That great low-interest rate you found in an ad may have vanished by the time you're ready to close your mortgage deal. We don’t want that to happen to you. Follow these steps to hold on to a good rate while you find the home you want. Read More

Why do mortgages cost what they do? How can you figure out whether this is even a good time to buy a home? Many different components will shape what you are paying for your mortgage. Get smarter about mortgage rates and what you can expect in the future  so you have the tools to make the wisest choices in today's economic environment. Read More

Mortgage rates seem to be a continually changing number that is generally hard to track. There are a few specific indicators that can give you a good idea of future rates. The better you can predict what the rates may be down the line, the better you can make financial decisions. Read More

If you're thinking about buying, selling or refinancing your home, mortgage rates will play a key role in how much financial sense those decisions will make. For example, what moves should you be thinking about if rates are rising? And what should you do, if a lower rate is in the wind? Don't jump into a purchase before learning how to read that forecast and what the different weather could mean for you. Read More

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) generally have a very attractive introductory rate. But after a specified time, the rate changes according to the terms of the loan. Here's how to strategize if you have an ARM and rates are rising. And if you're considering one of these loans, we're here to help you think through how you would toggle between the financial plus of a low initial rate and the potential hit of rising mortgage rates down the road. Read More

Mortgage rates affect how much you need to pay on your mortgage. They can also change the housing market as a whole. Understanding how these causes and effects work will help you search for the best deal for a new home or decide whether it's time to refinance your current place. Learn which rates and indexes to watch to make a sound decision about your next step. Read More

Which should drive your decision to buy a new home? There are so many elements that can determine what you will end up paying for your home in the end. When house prices are low, interest rates tend to be higher and vice versa. In either landscape, there are different aspects to consider before you buy a mortgage. Read More

Of course, mortgage lenders want borrowers to spend as much as possible so they can make more money. To do this, they have their own set of tricks and tools to get customers to spend more. If they have tricks, then you should, too. We put together some useful advice to help you counter any clever moves from a potential lender. Read More

Shopping for a mortgage can be a stressful and time-consuming experience. Make it less so by getting your thoughts and the information you need organized before you get started. This will also help you identify and deal with any problems that could make getting a loan more difficult. This will put you in the best position possible to get a favorable mortgage interest rate – and make sure that it really is the best you can do. That quiets that looming thought, what if there’s something better?

We've put together the information you’ll need to attack this process the right way. Read More