How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?

By Leona Hollins

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of how mortgage rates are determined is certainly no exception.

Lenders have become stricter in their standards, demanding a minimum twenty percent down payment and a concrete credit score. Lenders offer lock in periods for both rates or points. Lenders make money through interest, so if you pay off the principle of the loan early, you are avoiding paying the rest of the interest that would have compiled. When you have a fixed interest rate, you will likely be responsible for a penalty that covers a percentage of the interest you would have had left.

Mortgage rates change from day to day, rising and falling in patterns that are not always easy to anticipate. Mortgage rates are not just important to buyers but also to people looking to refinance existing loans and those with adjustable rate mortgages who are impacted by rate changes. Watching current economic conditions is imperative to considering when to refinance.

Now that we've covered those aspects of how to compare fixed mortgage rates, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Interest rates are driven by financial markets and move almost like stock prices-often changing several times a day! Interest rates are different for various types of finances, and based upon the finance offered and the customer's requirement, it's important to look for the lowest interest rate for that particular loan type. There are two major varieties of loans: fixed rate and adjustable rate. Interest rates in Alabama have never been lower! Refinance today to lower your monthly payments or cash-out to do those much needed home repairs.

Interest rates may also fall, however, in which case the rate you lock in will be higher than the rate you could otherwise get. Under certain circumstances you can back out of a locked-in rate, but to be safe you generally only want to lock in a rate if interest rates may rise. Interesting to note is Paulson had not commented on the rumours of a mandated 4.5 percent mortgage rate program in the almost two weeks that they had circulated in major news outlets. Ironically, hours after the Fed announcement on the federal funds rate reduction, Paulson walked out into the spotlight and denied the rumours. Interest is deductible - service fees are not.

Lenders who win the bid value their potential customer more and are more often willing to offer a much better product with greater incentives and lower rates. You have more options in choosing the loan that's best for you. Lenders won't portfolio 30 year fixed loans, they will only sell them to Fannie, but they'll do 5/1 ARMs all day.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about how to compare fixed mortgage rates. - 29866

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here