Getting the best home mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Interest rates are volatile, so it’s important to shop around and keep up with the latest rates.
The rates you get will depend on your credit score, home location, down payment amount, and loan type. It also depends on how you plan to use the money.
1. Know Your Limits
If you’ve been watching the housing market on a regular basis, you know that there are many lenders to choose from. Getting the best home mortgage rate possible requires shopping around and doing some research. Fortunately, there are some lenders that will help you find the best mortgage for your unique needs and budget. A good lender will not only provide the best rate but also give you a leg up on your competition by giving you the best terms and conditions to match. It’s also worth mentioning that the most successful borrowers are those who take the time to shop around for the best deal.
2. Shop Around
It’s not unusual for consumers to shop around for the best prices on vehicles, beds, or televisions — a great trait that can also be useful when it comes to buying a home. In fact, shopping around for the best mortgage rate can save homebuyers thousands of dollars over time — and that’s just one of the many reasons it’s essential to get pre-approved.
The good news is that interest rates are still below historic highs, and it’s never been more important to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible for your home loan. If you’re not sure how to go about doing so, don’t worry: We’ve outlined a simple process that will help you navigate this important step of the mortgage process.
When shopping for a home mortgage, it’s crucial to get quotes from at least 3-5 lenders. This will give you the most options and allow you to compare each lender’s fees, closing costs, private mortgage insurance premiums (PMI), and other important factors.
By getting just one additional rate quote, borrowers can save an average of $1,435 over the life of a typical $250,000 mortgage, according to Freddie Mac. That’s a significant amount of money that can be put to better use elsewhere.
Moreover, the more places you shop for a mortgage, the more likely you’ll be to find the best rate and terms. This is why experts recommend you compare at least a few lenders before making any decisions about your mortgage.
This is especially true in a highly competitive market where lenders are competing for your business. Taking the time to shop around will not only get you the best mortgage rate but will also make it easier for you to negotiate with lenders when the time comes to finalize your home loan.
3. Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved is a crucial part of the home-buying process. It establishes your homebuying budget and gives real estate agents and Realtors confidence that you are a serious buyer who can make a strong offer.
It also helps borrowers find the best home mortgage rate. On average, borrowers who get rate quotes from at least one additional lender save $1,500 over the life of the loan, according to Freddie Mac.
You can get pre-approved for a home mortgage by applying online through a mortgage lender or in person with a loan officer. The lender will check your financial information, including your credit score and employment history. They may also ask for proof of income, such as pay stubs and tax returns.
The lender will then write up a preapproval letter, which lets you know how much you can borrow and what your interest rate might be. You can then use the preapproval letter to search for homes within your price range.
But it’s important to note that getting pre-approved is not a guarantee you will receive a mortgage. Once you’ve found a home and submitted your mortgage application, the lender will again review your financial situation and order an appraisal.
Typically, pre-approval is valid for 60 to 90 days. If you don’t find a home before your preapproval expires, you can request a renewal.
Ultimately, getting pre-approved is the best way to start the home-buying process. It tells sellers you’re a serious buyer who can afford their home, makes your offer more competitive, and gives you the time you need to resolve issues. It also prevents potential problems that could interrupt a home sale.
4. Make Your Down Payment
A down payment is a portion of the purchase price that you pay upfront to buy a house. This can be anywhere from 5% to 25% of the home’s total value, and then a mortgage is taken out to cover the rest.
The size of your down payment has a direct impact on the interest rate you’ll receive on your mortgage, which affects your monthly payments and overall costs over time. A larger down payment usually means a lower interest rate, which can save you money on your mortgage and make paying off your home more affordable.
When you’re ready to purchase a home, it’s important to start saving for a down payment as soon as possible. It’s best to start putting aside at least three to six months’ worth of expenses, including mortgage payments, moving costs, and renovations.
You may also want to set aside an emergency fund, as well. This will allow you to cover unexpected emergencies that could happen before you’re able to close on your new home, and it will give you the financial cushion you need to make your down payment if necessary.
If you don’t have enough saved up to make a down payment, there are other ways to get the money you need. You can take out a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC), ask for a private loan from a friend or family member, or even use gift funds to help with your down payment.
Choosing the right down payment amount for your needs and goals is a very personal decision. But making sure you have enough money for a down payment will make it easier to find the home that’s right for you, and you’ll be better prepared to handle your finances once you move in.
5. Get the Best Lender
Home mortgage rates are based on a number of factors, including your credit score, loan terms, interest rate types (fixed or adjustable), down payment size, and home location. Even for borrowers with the same credit scores and similar loan sizes, rates offered by different lenders may vary significantly.
One of the best ways to get the lowest rate is by comparing lenders. This can help you save a significant amount of money over the life of your mortgage. Getting quotes from at least three lenders is recommended.
It’s also a good idea to contact multiple lenders on the same day, to get a more accurate comparison. You should also factor in any fees you might incur when calculating the potential savings from a lower rate.
Lenders have the incentive to offer the best rates, and they often negotiate their offers in order to attract your business. So, don’t be afraid to show them a lender who offers a better rate and ask if they can match it.
Another thing to consider is whether the lender you’re considering has a wide range of mortgage products. This is important because not all mortgages are created equal. For example, some borrowers will qualify for an FHA-backed loan while others will only be able to obtain conventional financing.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to find the mortgage lender that will best meet your needs. By educating yourself and doing your research, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which lender will provide the most beneficial mortgage to you. And remember, you can always switch lenders at any time if you find a better deal elsewhere. But be sure to take your time, as a higher rate can mean paying thousands of dollars more over the life of your mortgage.
