Current Mortgage Rates

Saturday, November 21, 2009



You probably already know qualifying for a lower rate when mortgage refinancing will save you money; however, do you know how much you'll save? Even if you only qualify for a quarter point lower interest rate you can still save a boatload of cash over the lifetime of your mortgage. One factor that affects your interest rate when mortgage refinancing is the term length you choose. Mortgage refinancing with a shorter term length will get you a lower rate than a traditional 30 year mortgage.

Loans with 15 year terms are a popular choice when mortgage refinancing. You can improve the mortgage rate your lender qualifies you by cleaning up your credit and paying down your debts. Some people refinance as a way of taking advantage of lower interest rates, enabling them to reduce their monthly mortgage payments. Some refinance to a shorter-term mortgage, which enables them to build equity in their homes faster. And some homeowners refinance to tap into the equity they've accumulated in their houses, using the funds for home improvement or other needs, such as debt consolidation or their children's education. Just how low should rates be for you to consider refinancing? If it's a percentage point or more lower than what you have. Also, you've struck a great deal if you're able to recoup refinance charges within 14 months.

When shopping for a mortgage you should probably follow the five guidelines below:
  • Talk to a real estate agent or broker. Lenders regularly call agents to alert them to new financing arrangements and packages.
  • Look for rate surveys published in your local newspaper. Many papers provide brief tables on interest rates and mortgage availability.
  • Shop for quotes by telephone. Call at least five to 10 different lenders for rates and terms on fixed- and adjustable-rate loans.
  • Try computerized mortgage shopping and online services.
  • Evaluate the annual percentage rate. This figure includes discount points and other charges and spreads over the life of the loan. It indicates the effective rate of interest paid per year.



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Current Mortgage Rates*

Loan Type
National Average
30-yr. fixed4.75%
30-yr. fixed jumbo5.25%
15-yr. fixed4.25%
15-yr. fixed jumbo4.75%
7/1 ARM4.38%
5/1 ARM4.00%
3/1 ARM4.00%
1-yr. ARM3.75%
1-yr. LIBOR ARM4.38%
10/1 ARM4.62%
*Mortgage Rates Updated: 11/21/2009