Todays Rates

A mortgage rate is a percentage of the total loan amount (i.e. the rate of interest) paid by the borrower to the lender for the term of the loan. Fixed mortgage rates stay the same for the term of the mortgage, while variable mortgage rates fluctuate with a benchmark interest rate that is updated publicly to reflect the cost of borrowing money in different markets.

Mortgage rates are set by the lender. The lender will consider a number of factors in determining a borrower's mortgage rate, such as the borrower's credit history, down payment amount or the home's value. Inflation, job growth and other economic factors outside the borrower's control that can increase risk also play a part in how the lender sets their rates. There is no exact formula, which is why mortgage rates typically vary from lender to lender.

After applying for a mortgage, the lender will provide a Loan Estimate with details about the loan. Pay specific attention to which lender has the lowest mortgage rate, APR, and projected principal and interest payment. Then review the Origination Charges located on the Loan Estimate under Loan Costs to see how much the lender is charging in fees (also reflected in the APR). The higher the fees and APR, the more the lender is charging to procure the loan. The remaining costs are generally applicable to all lenders, as they are determined by services and policies the borrower chooses, in addition to local taxes and government charges.

Interest rate is a percentage of the total loan balance paid to the lender on a monthly basis (i.e. the cost of borrowing money from the lender). The annual percentage rate, or APR, is the total borrowing cost as a percentage of the loan amount, which includes the interest rate plus any additional fees like discount points and other costs associated with procuring the loan.

Some lenders may use the word "points" to refer to any upfront fee that is calculated as a percentage of your loan amount. Point is a term that mortgage lenders have used for many years and while some points may lower your interest rate, not all points impact your rate. Mortgage points can be found on the Loan Estimate that the lender provides after you apply for a mortgage.

An origination fee is what the lender charges the borrower for making the mortgage loan. The fee may include processing the application, underwriting and funding the loan as well as other administrative services. Origination fees generally do not increase unless under certain circumstances, such as if you decide to go with a different type of loan. For example, moving from a conventional to a VA loan. You can find origination fees on the Loan Estimate.

Discount points are optional fees paid at closing that lower your interest rate. Essentially, discount points let you make a tradeoff between your closing cost fees and your monthly payment. By paying discount points, you pay more in fees upfront but receive a lower interest rate, which lowers your monthly payment so you pay less over time. Any discount points purchased will be listed on the Loan Estimate.

Each point equals 1% of the loan amount. For example, one point on a $100,000 loan would be 1% of the loan amount or $1,000. Two points would be 2% of the loan amount or $2,000.

The exact amount that your interest rate is reduced depends on the lender, the type of loan, and the overall mortgage market. Sometimes you may receive a relatively large reduction in your interest rate for each point paid. Other times, the reduction in interest rate for each point paid may be smaller. Each lender has their own pricing structure, and some lenders may be more or less expensive overall than other lenders - regardless of whether you're paying points or not. When comparing offers from different lenders, ask for the same amount of points or credits from each lender to see the difference in mortgage rates.

A lender credit is when a lender gives you money to offset your closing costs. Sometimes this is an exchange for a higher interest rate. When you receive lender credits in exchange for a higher interest rate, you pay less upfront but pay more over time because of the higher interest.