4 Things You Should Know About Conventional Mortgage Rates
Securing the best conventional mortgage rate possible can pose a challenge for even veteran property buyers.
Your mortgage rate will be determined by a variety of factors that pertain to your unique financial portfolio as well as economic forces. While no one has full control over all the things that influence the process, understanding the manageable aspects can improve your negotiation position when securing a conventional mortgage.
Consider these four things that impact how conventional mortgage rates are determined.
1: Credit Is King
A borrower's credit score has a tremendous impact on the final mortgage rate. The general rule is that the higher the score, the lower the rate. The opposite generally holds true as well. Lenders usually require a minimum credit score of at least 620. Some will dip as low as 580. If yours falls lower, qualifying for a conventional loan may not be an option. But the good news about credit scores is that this is an element you have control over.
A credit report details your repayment history, previous loans, credit card and financial bandwidth, so to speak. Before mortgage shopping, get a copy of your credit report, clean up any blemishes and amp it up as high as possible.
2: Economic Growth Matters
The average home buyer has zero control over the economic forces that impact mortgage rates. But you do have choice about when to buy.
It's no secret that the country is during tremendous GDP growth, historically low unemployment, improved consumer confidence and rising wages. This may seem like a good time to buy. Not necessarily when it comes to conventional mortgage rates.
Prosperity tends to create an uptick in consumers vying for home loans. That demand seems like a good thing. But the Fed often responds to high levels of consumer confidence by raising rates across the board. The theory behind this unfortunate environment stems from the idea that lenders have limited resources.
It may seem counterintuitive, but weak economies often enjoy lower rates. For practical buying purposes, the U.S. economy looks like a juggernaut right now. You may want to buy it sooner rather than later. Rates could go up again.
3: Price And Down Payment
Another set of facts that you have control over is the down payment amount and price of the home. Conventional mortgages require a minimum down payment of 20 percent or higher. Like credit scores, the higher the down payment to better positioned you will be to secure the lowest possible rate. The basic concept trails back to the level of risk the lender takes by writing the loan. For example, borrower defaults often force banks to take losses upwards of 30-60 percent of the loan. That 20 percent shows that you have real skin in the game and are less likely to stop paying the monthly premiums. Big down payments often correlate to lower mortgage rates.
Although 20 percent remains the industry standard, borrowers can secure a loan with less down. If you qualify for a conventional loan with less than 20 percent down, expect a less than desirable rate and the additional cost of private mortgage insurance. It's kind of a double whammy.
4: Loan Types Differ
There are several variables in the loan-writing process that directly impact rates. Most loans have terms of 15-30 years and lenders are more apt to offer lower rates on shorter term mortgages. Fixed- or adjustable-rate types are also profoundly different. Adjustable mortgages tend to enjoy lower rates in weak economies. But when the country ramps up, so does your interest rate and monthly premium.
Fixed-rate conventional mortgages are static throughout the life of the loan. The rate may be slightly higher at the closing. However, you won't be betting against the economy. Lastly, borrowers can buy points. This practice allows borrowers to pay more upfront costs and enjoy lower mortgage rates for the life of the loan. It's one method some people use to overcome less-than-perfect credit scores.
As always, contact a trusted mortgage advisor with Bond Street Mortgage to discuss the best plan for your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your credit score greatly impacts your mortgage rate; higher scores usually mean lower rates, while lower scores can increase rates or even disqualify you. Lenders typically require a minimum score of 620, though some accept as low as 580.
Yes, since your credit score is a key factor and something you can control, you should obtain your credit report, fix any errors, and work on raising your score before applying.
Economic growth, such as GDP increases and low unemployment, can raise mortgage rates because higher consumer confidence often leads the Federal Reserve to increase rates.
While strong economic growth seems favorable, it can lead to higher mortgage rates; conversely, weak economies often result in lower rates due to reduced consumer demand.
No, you cannot control economic forces, but you can manage factors like your credit score to improve your position when negotiating a conventional mortgage.
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