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Scoring a Low Mortgage Rate
from: Mortage & Debt FactsToday’s mortgage rates are at historically low levels. So, scoring a low mortgage rate when compared to other decades in recent history is not hard. The trouble comes in when you are trying to get the average low mortgage rate and your credit or finances keep lenders from offering you the going rate. Or, it could be that despite the going rate, you want something even lower. These are all reasonable scenarios and there are ways to work towards the mortgage rate that you envision.
Prepare Before You Apply
If you know that your credit is shaky, don’t bother to apply for a mortgage loan without first checking into your credit score. You can get your credit reports for free; however, you will have to pay to see your credit scores. You can use some of that payment to procure the services of a credit counseling agency that can recommend some strategies to help you fix your credit in preparation for applying for a home loan. Just be sure to check out the reputation of the counseling agency, as there are some agencies that are fraudulent.
There are also community services offered by state and local governmental agencies that can teach you how to start shaping up your finances to qualify for a good rate. They may have programs where you can even buy a house for less than 20% down payment and even some way to subsidize the mortgage rate, if you qualify based on income levels or special conditions. Check the website of the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to see about the many different programs from FHA to VA and more.
Pay Down With Points
If you want a mortgage rate that is even lower than the one offered (and it’s pretty good as it is), you can still ask if you pay points to lower the rate. Points are 1% of the total value of the loan and paying more points can lower your rate on the life of the loan. Of course, this increases the money you need up front, but if you are shopping for a low mortgage rate, then this is a definite strategy.
Look at Unconventional Loans
This is where people in the housing bust got in trouble, but adjustable rate mortgages are still out there. Currently, the low mortgage rate offered by an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) for a period of time is what influences people to get these types of mortgages. However, they do adjust and then the sticker shock can be substantial. So, when trying to get a low mortgage rate, make sure you understand whether it is for the life of the loan or a temporary period.
Mortgage Quotes Specific links
Mortgage Quotes News
Zillow: US 30-Year-Mortgage Rates Rose Slightly In Latest Week - Wall Street Journal
Zillow: US 30-Year-Mortgage Rates Rose Slightly In Latest Week Wall Street Journal Zillow Inc. (Z) said Tuesday its real-time measure of 30-year-fixed-mortgage rates rose in the latest week, snapping a four-week decline. The 30-year-fixed-mortgage rate on Zillow's Mortgage Marketplace edged up to 3.63%, from 3.59% a week earlier. |
Mortgage rates at record lows as 30-yr at 3.79% - MarketWatch
Mortgage rates at record lows as 30-yr at 3.79% MarketWatch WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - Mortgage rates hit record lows in the week ending May 17, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average falling to 3.79% from 3.83% in the prior week, Freddie Mac said Thursday in its weekly report. These data go back to 1971. |
Zillow: US 30-Year Mortgage Rates Fall For 4th Straight Week - Wall Street Journal
 Eastern Morning Herald | Zillow: US 30-Year Mortgage Rates Fall For 4th Straight Week Wall Street Journal Zillow Inc. (Z) said Tuesday its real-time measure of 30-year fixed mortgage rates dropped for a fourth week in a row. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate on Zillow's Mortgage Marketplace fell to 3.59%, from 3.65% a week earlier. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Hits New Record Low For Second Consecutive Week ... |
30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Rises Slightly After Falling to All-Time Low Last ... - MarketWatch (press release)
30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Rises Slightly After Falling to All-Time Low Last ... MarketWatch (press release) The 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovered between 3.55 and 3.6 percent for the majority of the week, jumping to the current rate this morning. "Mortgage rates remained historically low during the past week as continuing concerns about eurozone economic ... |
Freddie Mac Text:Mtg Survey: 30Y Fixed Avg 3.78% May 24 Wk - MNI News
Freddie Mac Text:Mtg Survey: 30Y Fixed Avg 3.78% May 24 Wk MNI News Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), showing the record lows for average fixed mortgage rates holding steady for the week. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage ticked slightly down to 3.78 percent ... |