
Stated mortgage rates are a type of mortgage that allows borrowers to state their income and credit history, rather than providing actual documentation. This can be beneficial for self-employed individuals or those who have irregular income.
The stated income mortgage rates are often higher than traditional mortgage rates, with some lenders charging 0.5 to 1.5% more per year. This is because lenders take on more risk when approving a mortgage without verifying the borrower's income.
Borrowers with stated income mortgages may be required to make larger down payments, typically 20-30% of the purchase price. This can be a significant upfront cost, but it can also reduce the risk for the lender.
Suggestion: Private Bank Mortgage Rates
Understanding Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates can fluctuate daily, influenced by factors like inflation, the bond market, and the overall housing market.
The Federal Reserve plays a significant role in determining mortgage rates, as lenders adjust their rates based on the Fed's short-term rate decisions.
Your credit score has a direct impact on your mortgage rate, with higher scores typically resulting in better rates.
A larger down payment can also lead to a lower mortgage rate, as it reduces the lender's risk.
Your debt-to-income ratio is another factor that affects your mortgage rate, with lower ratios often rewarded with lower rates.
The type of mortgage you choose, its term length, and whether it's fixed or adjustable can all impact your rate.
Here's a breakdown of the individual factors that can impact your mortgage rate:
By understanding these factors and how they impact mortgage rates, you can make informed decisions when shopping for a mortgage.
Loan Options and Comparison
To get the best mortgage rate, you need to compare loan options. The most popular type of home loan is the 30-year mortgage, but it's not the only option.
You can search for rates by state or compare loan terms to find the product that's right for you. Business Insider provides average mortgage rates for each state, so you can easily see rates specific to your area.
Additional reading: Compare Second Mortgage Rates
To compare loan offers, get preapproved from at least three mortgage lenders, ideally on the same day. This will give you an accurate basis for comparison.
Here are some key factors to consider when comparing loan offers:
- Interest rate: This is the cost to borrow the funds.
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): This includes the interest rate and other costs such as the origination fee and any points.
- Lender's ratings and experience: Evaluate lenders for convenience, responsiveness, and what other borrowers have had to say about them.
Compare Loan Options
Comparing loan options is a crucial step in finding the right mortgage for your needs. You should start by comparing rates for different types of home loans, which can be found in updated tables on various websites.
To get the best 30-year mortgage rate, it's essential to compare loan offers from multiple lenders. This will give you a better chance of landing a competitive rate.
Deciding whether a 30-year mortgage rate is right for you is a great place to start. This term is the most popular option, but you may also consider other loan terms, such as 8 to 29 years.
To compare loan offers, get preapproved from at least three mortgage lenders on the same day. This will give you an accurate basis for comparison.
If this caught your attention, see: Shop Mortgage Rates
Here are the key factors to consider when comparing loan offers:
- Interest rate: This is the cost to borrow the funds.
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): This includes the interest rate and other costs such as the origination fee and any points.
- Lender ratings and experience: Evaluate lenders for convenience and responsiveness, and read reviews from other borrowers.
The size of your down payment and your credit score will also impact the interest rate you qualify for. Be sure to factor these into your comparison.
Fixed Home Equity Loans
Fixed Home Equity Loans are a great option for homeowners looking to tap into their home's equity. They offer a fixed interest rate, which means your monthly payments will remain the same for the life of the loan.
One of the benefits of Fixed Home Equity Loans is that they have a second position lien, meaning they're a secondary loan to your primary mortgage. This can be beneficial for homeowners who want to access their home's equity without affecting their primary mortgage payments.
The rates for Fixed Home Equity Loans are competitive, with rates as low as 6.75% APR for a 60-month loan. This is a great option for homeowners who want to borrow money for a short period of time.
Check this out: Interest Rate for Mortgage Bad Credit
The APR for Fixed Home Equity Loans can vary depending on the loan term. For example, a 120-month loan has an APR of 7.27%, while an 180-month loan has an APR of 7.64%.
Here are some of the key features of Fixed Home Equity Loans at a glance:
Interest Only or Principal & Interest Repayment options are available for Fixed Home Equity Loans, giving homeowners flexibility in how they repay their loan.
Use State Comparison Tools
Business Insider provides a useful tool for comparing mortgage rates by state. You can click or scroll down to your state to see how rates are currently trending.
Many lenders also offer state-specific rate comparison tools, which can give you a better idea of what to expect. These tools can customize sample rates based on your situation, including your state or ZIP code.
Using state-specific rate comparison tools can help you make a more informed decision about your loan options. For example, you can see how mortgage rates are trending in your area and compare them to the national average.
Business Insider's state-by-state mortgage rate comparison tool is a great resource to explore.
Expand your knowledge: Fox Business Mortgage Rates
Ensure Accurate Comparisons
When comparing loan rates, it's crucial to ensure you're comparing them accurately. Lenders may include points in their rate quotes, which can make it difficult to compare offers.
Mortgage points are a cost you can pay at closing to lower your interest rate. Make sure to ask lenders for a rate quote that doesn't include points so you can easily compare offers.
Comparing apples to apples is key when shopping for a loan. This means getting rate quotes from different lenders that are on the same terms.
Additional reading: Mortgage Rates Drop Soon
Interest Rate Changes and Trends
The current mortgage rates are worth noting, with a 30-year fixed rate sitting at 7.01%. This is a significant number to consider when deciding on a mortgage.
If you're looking for a shorter mortgage term, the 15-year fixed rate is currently at 6.32% and the 10-year fixed rate is at 6.24%. These rates can save you money in interest over the life of the loan.
Additional reading: Mortgage Rates below 6
For those who want the flexibility of an adjustable-rate mortgage, the 5/1 ARM is currently at 6.51%. This type of mortgage can be a good option for those who plan to move or refinance in the near future.
Here's a quick look at the current mortgage rates:
How Often Do Interest Rates Change?
Interest rates can change frequently, and one of the reasons is that mortgage rates can fluctuate daily.
Inflation, the bond market, and the overall housing market are just a few factors that can influence interest rates.
Mortgage rates can be sensitive to changes in the economy, which is why they can change quickly.
The bond market, in particular, can have a big impact on interest rates, as it can affect the supply and demand for bonds.
Additional reading: Mortgage Bond Rates Today
30-Year Rise Despite Fed Cuts
Mortgage rates can change daily due to various factors, including inflation, the bond market, and the overall housing market.
The current mortgage rates are quite high, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate standing at 7.04 percent as of the latest lender survey.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has risen despite the Federal Reserve's quarter-point rate cut in December, which was its third cut last year. However, the Fed doesn't set mortgage rates directly.
The 10-year Treasury yield, often the benchmark for fixed mortgage rates, is influenced by the Fed's decisions. This can cause mortgage rates to fluctuate even after Fed rate cuts.
Here are the current mortgage rates:
Mortgage rates can be influenced by various factors, but the current rates are quite high, making it a challenging time for homebuyers and refinancers.
Why Can Vary
Mortgage rates can vary significantly from state to state, and it's essential to understand why this happens. National averages can be misleading, so it's better to look at rates for your specific state.
Local economic conditions can impact mortgage rates, making them higher in states with strong economies or high inflation rates. This is because lenders take on more risk when lending in areas with higher economic growth, which means they charge more to account for that risk.
Discover more: Mortgage Demand Falls amid Higher Interest Rates
The cost of doing business in a state also affects mortgage rates. States with higher costs of goods and services tend to have more expensive mortgages. It's like how car insurance rates vary by state - the same principle applies to mortgages.
Competition among lenders plays a significant role in determining mortgage rates. Areas with more lenders competing for business tend to have lower rates, as lenders try to attract customers with better deals. On the other hand, areas with limited competition may have higher rates.
State-specific lender regulations can also push mortgage rates up. Laws that make it more difficult and costly for lenders to foreclose on homes can increase mortgage rates in those states. This is because lenders factor in the added risk and expense when setting their rates.
A fresh viewpoint: Assumable Mortgages Can Help Buyers Get Sub-4 Mortgage Rates
Refinancing and Locking in Prices
Refinancing and locking in prices is a crucial part of the mortgage process. Typically, you can lock in a mortgage rate for 30 to 60 days, but be aware that if the rate lock expires, you're no longer guaranteed the locked-in rate unless the lender agrees to extend it.
See what others are reading: Home Buying Decision in a Lock Mortgage Rates
Things like your credit score, loan amount, debt-to-income ratio, or appraisal value can cause your initial rate lock to be voided during the lock period. It's essential to keep an eye on these factors to avoid any potential issues.
To give you a better idea of the current mortgage rates, here's a snapshot of some popular products:
Keep in mind that rates are subject to change, and it's always a good idea to shop around and compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal for your situation.
Should I Lock Today?
If you're considering locking in your mortgage rate, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Rates are unpredictable and can change often, so it's essential to stay informed.
If mortgage rates are rising, it's a good idea to lock in your rate as soon as possible. This will ensure that your rate doesn't rise further than the one you qualified for.
The Federal Reserve plays a significant role in mortgage rates, and their meetings can be a good indicator of potential rate changes. If you know a meeting is scheduled, it may be a good time to lock in your rate.
If you want financial certainty, locking in your rate is a smart move. It will ensure that you don't encounter unexpected changes to your estimated monthly mortgage payment.
If your closing date is set and you don't anticipate any delays, locking in your rate is a good idea. This will give you peace of mind and protect you from potential rate increases.
Here are some scenarios where locking in your rate is a good idea:
- Rates are rising
- The Federal Reserve is meeting
- You want financial certainty
- Your closing date is set
How Long Can You Lock in Prices?
You can lock in a mortgage rate for 30 to 60 days, which is the typical lock period.
If the rate lock expires, you're no longer guaranteed the locked-in rate unless the lender agrees to extend it.
Your initial rate lock can be voided if your credit score, loan amount, debt-to-income ratio, or appraisal value changes during the lock period.
Additional reading: Mortgage Rates Lock or Float
Current Refinance
Current mortgage and refinance interest rates are crucial when considering refinancing your home loan.
Interest rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages can vary, with rates as low as 7.00% and APRs as low as 7.05% as of January 6, 2025.
The type of loan you choose can also impact your interest rate, with 20-year fixed rate mortgages offering rates of 6.88% and APRs of 6.94%.
FHA and VA loans may have different interest rates, with 30-year fixed rate FHA loans offering rates of 6.96% and APRs of 7.01%.
Here are the current refinance interest rates for popular loan options:
Keep in mind that interest rates can change over time, so it's essential to stay informed and act quickly if you find a good rate.
Tips for Finding the Best Rate
To find the best mortgage rate, don't rely solely on national averages. Look at rates for your specific state to get a more accurate idea of what you could end up paying.
This can also help you better compare offers from different mortgage lenders. The rates can vary significantly from one state to another, so it's essential to consider your local market.
By doing your research, you'll be able to make a more informed decision and potentially save thousands of dollars on your mortgage.
What Makes a Good Interest
A good interest rate on a mortgage is one that balances low costs with reasonable terms. Consider not only the interest rate, but also the other terms of the loan, like annual percentage rates (APRs) and fees.
Comparing loan details from multiple lenders is key to determining the best deal for your situation. This will help you find a mortgage with a good interest rate.
Annual percentage rates (APRs) should be taken into account when evaluating interest rates. This will give you a more accurate picture of the loan's total cost.
Fees and closing costs can add up quickly, so be sure to factor them into your calculations.
Expand your knowledge: Mortgage Fha Rates Closing Costs Refinance
Don't Rely on National Averages

Looking at national averages might give you a general idea of mortgage rates, but it's not enough. You should also consider rates for your specific state to get a more accurate picture of what you'll pay.
Mortgage rates can vary significantly from one state to another, so it's essential to research rates in your area. This can help you compare offers from different lenders more effectively.
By looking at state-specific rates, you can make a more informed decision and potentially save money on your mortgage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will mortgage rates ever be 3% again?
Mortgage rates returning to 3% may take decades, but it's not impossible. Experts predict a long wait, but homebuyers may see lower rates in the future.
What is the difference between stated rate and APR?
The stated interest rate only shows the interest charged on a loan, while APR includes additional fees, providing a more comprehensive picture of the total borrowing cost. This difference is crucial to understand when comparing loan offers and making informed financial decisions.
What is the 30-year mortgage rate right now?
As of December 31, 2024, the current 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.04%. Check back for updates on the latest mortgage rate trends.
Is 7% high for a mortgage?
Yes, 7% is considered a relatively high mortgage rate, especially for top-tier borrowers, but it's not uncommon for lower-credit or non-QM borrowers. Mortgage rates can fluctuate significantly over time, so it's essential to stay informed about current market conditions.
Sources
Featured Images: pexels.com