What Is a Good Mortgage Rate? | Assurance Financial

The COVID-19 pandemic changed many things. It introduced new phrases, like “indoor dining” and “pandemic pod,” to people’s vocabulary. It changed how people spent their time, with work and happy hour all happening from the living room. And, perhaps most importantly for people thinking of buying a home soon, it changed the housing market.

At the pandemic’s start in early March 2020, interest rates were already near record-lows. Then, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 3.45% — jump forward a few months to September, and the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 2.89%. By March 2021, rates had ticked back up to 3.08%. But after that, something curious happened.

Generally, the demand for housing influences rates. When more people want to buy a home than there are homes available, home prices tend to skyrocket. Additionally, interest rates tick upward in a seller’s market. But that doesn’t seem to be the case now — inflation is up. Historically, that means rates should be up. However, in the summer of 2021, interest rates took another dip, down to 2.98% in June.

In many ways, the mortgage rates since COVID-19 are likely what’s fueling demand for housing. Given the low inventory and sky-high housing prices, many buyers would — in more ordinary times — prefer to wait out the market. That said, buying a home today means you could potentially lock in a historically low interest rate, possibly for the next 15 or 30 years.

There’s another reason why people might be drawn to purchasing a home today, rather than waiting for the market to shift in favor of buyers. Concerns about inflation and rising prices are making many people wonder if interest rates are likely to go up soon. There’s a sense of “act now,” or get a high rate.

What’s a good mortgage rate today? If you wait out the current seller’s market and end up with a slightly higher interest rate, would that be the end of the world? It all depends on your perspective. Buying now means you could possibly lock in a lower rate — but if the market is so competitive that you end up in a bidding war and go over your budget, you might not save much in the long run. Sometimes, getting a higher rate on a lower-priced home is preferable to getting a low rate on a pricier home.

Is now the time to apply for a mortgage or refinance? Depending on your specific circumstances, the answer might be yes — even if the housing supply is low. Along with being affected by the economy overall, mortgage interest rates are also affected by you. Your personal credit history, the type of mortgage you apply for, the length of the loan and how much you borrow all affect your interest rate. Now might also be an ideal time to refinance, if you already have a mortgage and would like to take advantage of record-low interest rates.

If you’re curious to see what sort of rate you’d get on a mortgage, it doesn’t hurt to look. Learn more about mortgage interest rates and what influences them, then start your application and get ready to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates.

What Are Mortgage Rates?
How Banks Regulate and Determine Interest Rates
How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?
How do Loan Types Affect Mortgage rates?
How Can You Apply for a Mortgage Rate?
What Documentation do I Need for a Mortgage Application?
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What Are Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates are the rate of interest on a mortgage the lender sets. Two of the main types of mortgage rates are as follows.

Fixed: Fixed rates feature a set interest rate that does not change throughout a loan. A fixed rate protects you from unexpected increases in payments if interest rates in the market rise. While the interest rate stays the same throughout the loan, the terms vary depending on the loan itself. Most fixed-rate mortgages last on terms from 15, 20 or 30 years, with 30 being the most common. A 30-year mortgage offers the lowest payments per month, but overall, the cost will be higher due to interest payments. Shorter terms feature lower prices overall, though monthly payments are higher.
Variable: Variable rates, also called adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), can change. Typically, these rates start lower than the average fixed rate and rise over time. The rate can eventually pass that of a common fixed rate, so at some point, you will pay more per month than you would with a fixed mortgage. Variable rates do have a fixed period where the interest percentage cannot increase, which can last between one month to 10 years. From there, the rate changes at a determined frequency to keep up with market trends. That period between changes is adjustment frequency. ARMs will also come with a ceiling, which prevents the rate from passing a certain point.

In general, the two primary mortgages above answer what mortgage rates are. They serve as an umbrella for a variety of other loans depending on the type of mortgage you seek and the lender you work with to obtain it. The mortgage rate a lender charges you will determine your monthly mortgage payments and the total cost of the mortgage. A realistic mortgage rate is a low one you can afford to pay without breaking the bank, but how do lenders decide on these interest rates?

How Banks Regulate and Determine Mortgage Rates

Depending on the type of loan you have, lenders regulate mortgage rates based on different factors. Some of these are unique to your history, while others depend on external factors. Among the external influences of how mortgage rates are determined are as follows.

Inflation: Prices gradually rise over time, and the value of a dollar declines with inflation. Lenders that provide ARMs must compensate for inflation to maintain the original value of their loans’ interest rates. Expect your variable rate to rise over time as your lender monitors inflation.
Economic growth: If economic growth is high with increasing employment, income and spending, the demand for mortgages increases. Since more individuals have more money to spend, they may spend that money on homes. Lenders only have so much available money to give, so a rise in mortgage demand means an increase in mortgage rates. The reverse of this is also true. If the economy sees a decline, fewer people will buy homes, and rates may go down.
The Federal Reserve: The reserve’s monetary policy doesn’t directly determine mortgage rates. It does, however, establish the Federal Funds rate, which can have a similar impact as economic growth. When the Federal Reserve increases the money supply, mortgage rates go down, and vice versa.
The bond market: Because investment firms provide investment products with mortgage-backed securities (MBSs), they must encourage buyers. To get more investors in MBSs, lenders must be sure these securities generate yields for buyers. That, in turn, has an impact on how much lenders charge for mortgage rates.
The housing market: It’s no surprise the housing market has an impact on mortgage rates. When fewer houses get built or sold, mortgage rates can decline because of less demand for loans. Rates also go down as more individuals choose to rent rather than own.

With these external factors and ones from the individual borrower, a lender evaluates the risk of a loan and adjusts the mortgage rate from there. If a lender believes a loan is a high risk, the mortgage rate will be higher. A higher rate of interest ensures the lender gets the loan amount back before the homeowner can default — or fail to pay. To determine the risk, a lender evaluates aspects of your financial history.

How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?

When it comes to what mortgage rates are based on, some factors are in your control. Let’s go over a few things you can focus on that will help you find, or qualify for, a good mortgage rate. Evaluate the following from your financial history to see how a lender would determine your mortgage rates.

1. Your Credit

Your credit history and score determine the most significant factor in getting the perfect mortgage rate. A credit score reflects financial behavior, from payment history to debts and the age of your credit. Lenders look at your credit history to verify that you can repay the mortgage promptly. The sweet spot is around 660, with excellent credit being anything above 700.

The threshold for credit requirements depends on the type of mortgages and the lenders. For mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, you can get a mortgage with a credit score as low as 500. Keep in mind, lenders want one thing at the end of any deal — buyers to repay their money to them. A high credit score gives them the confidence you can do that and will result in a better mortgage rate. The reverse also follows that logic, where a lower credit score may cause higher mortgage rates.

Clean up your credit score before applying for a mortgage to get the best possible rate. Improving your score can involve correcting any mistakes and paying off debts or liabilities.

2. Your Job

As we said above, lenders want to make sure you can repay your mortgage. The ability to repay a mortgage is crucial to lenders, so another factor they review is your employment history and income. If you don’t have a job, you’re probably not going to get a good mortgage rate — — and you may not get any mortgage in general. The same standards also apply to your income and assets.

So, what are lenders looking for in a borrower? First, you should be an employee that’s on salary, and, second, you should have maintained that job for at least two years. By providing W-2 forms or other relevant tax documents, as well as two years of tax returns, you can show a lender you have reliable means to pay back a loan.

3. Your Income

As mentioned, lenders will provide you with a better mortgage rate if they are confident you can pay them back. Most lenders will look at how much debt you currently have in comparison to your income, the type of down payment you can afford to put down and your cash reserves. All of these focus on your ability to pay your mortgage. The more confident lenders are about your ability to pay them, the better your rate will be. The takeaway here is to live within your means, so don’t apply for a jumbo mortgage — anything over $460,000 — if your annual income is $30,000.

For an idea on how a lender will react to your income, you can figure out your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. The number includes your monthly debts and what you would take on with a new home, divided by your monthly income. Lenders want to see a DTI ratio of around 30% or less. By checking this number yourself, you can get an idea of your budget when searching for a home and applying for loans.

While lenders look at the main factors above through financial documents you provide, other considerations influence your mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are also based on the following:

Your location: Depending on where you’ll purchase a home, your interest rates will vary. Urban and rural homes cost vastly different amounts, so it follows that the rates can change, as well. Depending on the type of loan you go with when you buy a house, your state and even county can influence your mortgage rate. Sometimes, you don’t have the freedom to choose any location you’d like to live in, but if you do, research different areas to find the best mortgage rate.
Your new home’s price: It may seem obvious, but mortgage rates are also based on how much you pay for your new house. Generally, your loan includes the price of your new home and closing costs, minus any down payments you’ve made. Some loan types can also include your mortgage insurance, which will impact the mortgage rate. Set a budget for yourself based on your finances and how much a lender pre-qualifies you for to help guide your home search.
Your loan term and type: Remember that your loan term is how long you will take to pay off your mortgage. If you go with a 15-year term, you would have a lower interest rate than you would with a 30-year term. As we’ve outlined above, there are different loan types you can choose. Fixed rates will not rise over time, while ARMs or variable rates can change.
Your down payment: If you can make a larger down payment, it may be the right choice. The more you can pay upfront for a home, the lower your interest rate can be. As lenders evaluate the risk of giving you a loan, a sizeable down payment serves as reassurance that you will pay back the mortgage. Generally, if you can afford 20% of the new home, you will be in a good position for your mortgage rate. Consider the amount you can provide for a down payment as you build your budget.

The factors above, combined with the external influences we outlined above, help a lender determine your mortgage rate. Since your mortgage rate is a percentage of your monthly loan payment, it follows that higher payments will result in a higher mortgage rate. Your mortgage rate will also vary between the type of loan you choose.

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How Do Loan Types Affect Mortgage Rates?

Just as your financial history can have an impact on mortgage rates, the type of loan you choose when purchasing your home can do the same. While the answer to what is a good mortgage rate for first-time homebuyers may not have one simple answer, you can find loans that are better for first-time homeowners. There are many loan options out there, and some of the primary ones are as follows.

Conventional: You can receive a traditional mortgage through a private lender, such as banks or credit unions. The government-sponsored enterprisesof Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also offer conventional loans. If your financial history features certain hurdles, you may have a more difficult time getting a traditional mortgage. Consider other loans if you’ve suffered bankruptcy or foreclosure within the past seven years, you have a lot of debt or you’re just getting started in the housing world. Because the expectation with a conventional loan is that you pay a higher down payment, mortgage rates are not as high with this loan.
FHA: Also called a Federal Housing Administration loan, these don’t require as high of a credit score or down payment as a conventional loan. The FHA approves lenders and insures mortgages they provide for an FHA loan. Because of the less restrictive conditions needed for an FHA mortgage, it is popular with first-time homeowners. You may need to pay two types of mortgage insurance premiums with an FHA mortgage. The lower expectations of a significant down payment and strong credit score mean mortgage rates with an FHA loan can be higher.
USDA: You might not expect the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to finance homes, but they do work to develop rural and suburban areas. USDA loans are for low- to moderate-income individuals looking to purchase a home in a rural area. The specifics of this mortgage mean it’s not for everyone. USDA loans come in 15- or 30-year fixed options, with no ARMs available. First-time homebuyers may find a USDA loan works best for them. As you would with an FHA loan, you must pay mortgage insurance on a USDA loan. These loans often feature lower mortgage rates, so it may be something to consider if you fit all of the requirements and recommendations.
VA: Private lenders such as banks fund these loans, while the Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees them. If you are an active member of the military, a veteran meeting specific service requirements or a surviving spouse of a veteran who has passed away, you could be eligible for a VA loan. While a VA mortgage itself has no credit requirement, a lender may put one in place for security. There is also no requirement for mortgage insurance, and you may find better interest rates with a VA loan. If you meet the service requirements, you may think VA loans are your best option. With a VA loan, though, you must pay a VA loan funding fee, and you can only purchase a primary home, rather than a secondary home.

Remember, these loans come with other costs — from lender fees to mortgage insurance — that may offset the lower mortgage rates. Ultimately, the interest you pay depends on the other factors we’ve explained above. Still, knowing the different loans out there can help you when you evaluate what else mortgage rates are based on as you search.

How Can You Apply for a Mortgage Rate?

If you’re asking yourself, “What mortgage rate can I get?” your best bet is to evaluate your finances and apply for a mortgage. Before you apply for a mortgage rate, ask yourself these questions:

What can you afford monthly?
Could you adapt if mortgage rates rise?
What is the current trend of rates, and will that continue?
How long will you live in the home you purchase?
Where will you be living?

With those questions, you can help yourself eventually choose what type of loan is best for you. Since that and other factors we’ve mentioned before impact your mortgage rate, expect to provide financial information as you seek what a lender can offer you.

What Documentation Do I Need for a Mortgage Application?

When you apply for a mortgage and mortgage rate, you must submit documentation that provides details about your:

Credit history and score
Debts and liabilities, if any
Assets and properties, if any
Income and job

Using the information you provide, lenders can pre-qualify you for a particular mortgage amount. Check your credit score and finances before you plan on applying to see mortgage rates. If your credit score isn’t as strong as you’d like, you can then use that time to adjust and improve your score to make yourself more appealing to lenders. You can also choose what type of loan to apply for depending on the strength of your credit score.

Mortgages to Apply for When Purchasing a Home

The type of loan you should apply for depends on different factors. For example, you may want to consider ARMs or variable rates if you meet one or more of the following conditions.

You’re a short-term homeowner: If you don’t plan on living in one home for an extended amount of time, a variable rate allows you to own your home with a lower mortgage rate. With an average fixed-rate period between one to seven years, ARMs provide flexibility to move within that time.
You expect an increase in your income: Whether you’ve finished furthering your education, you’re entering a promising career or you anticipate receiving funds from a trust, your income can increase. You will then be able to keep up with payments as your mortgage rates rise over time.
You’re selling your old home: Until the proceeds from the sale come in, you won’t want to take on more expenses. An ARM will start you out with lower rates you can afford as you sell your home. Once you’ve sold the property, you will be able to afford the increasing mortgage rate that comes with variable mortgages.

Your overall mortgage payment comes from the principal — also known as the initial amount borrowed — the life of the loan and the mortgage rate. You will want to calculate your mortgage costs with different loan types to explore how they affect your mortgage rates as you prepare to apply with a lender. Keep the factors above in mind and remember a high mortgage rate is what you cannot work with to live within your means. Explore your options, and you will discover how to find a good mortgage rate.

Apply for a Mortgage With Us

Applying for a mortgage can be a complicated process, since there are several things lenders will review. Knowing what lenders are looking for and making that as attractive as possible is one of the best steps you can take in getting a great mortgage rate. Luckily, you have us.

At Assurance Financial, we’ll work with you, assessing your situation and doing all the heavy lifting for you. Contact one of our experts today and let us help you get the perfect mortgage rate!

Updated: 9/13/2021

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What is Considered a Good Mortgage Rate?

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