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Teel & Waters Real Estate Company Inc
Greg Watson, Teel & Waters Real Estate Company IncPhone: (256) 682-6605
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Finding the best mortgage rate: Compare & choose carefully

by Greg Watson 01/24/2024

If you’re trying to find the best possible mortgage rate, compare and research your options carefully. Similarly to when comparison-shopping for products or services, the more you know about the choices available to you, the better your decision will be.

However, mortgage rates are more complicated than other types of comparison shopping. With multiple factors determining interest rates, here are the most important things to know:

Factors affecting mortgage rates

Your credit score is one major factor in determining your loan rates. The higher your score, the lower your risk is considered by the lender, and the lower your payment rate. Other financial details like debt-to-income ratio are also on the table. 

The type of mortgage you choose also impacts your rates. A fixed-rate mortgage will have a higher interest rate overall, but will never change. An adjustable rate mortgage may begin with a low rate, but increase over the life of the loan.

Down payment amount can also affect mortgage interest rates. Often, a larger down payment might qualify you for a lower rate.

Market factors

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to control every factor in determining mortgage rates. The national and global economies and the Federal Reserve all affect the mortgage market and interest rates. Mortgage lenders take these “big picture” factors into account with your personal financials when offering you a rate.

How to find the best mortgage rate

It can seem overwhelming to check interest rates while searching for a mortgage. Unfortunately, it can require some time to learn the best way to do it. 

Comparing loan rates with lenders directly is the quickest and most important step in the house purchasing process. Even small differences in rates of six figures will accumulate dramatically over a 30-year mortgage. 

Knowing what to expect for a monthly mortgage payment is crucial to budgeting, and understanding the ins-and-outs of how an interest rate is calculated will help. Consult a financial advisor or research online to find the most pertinent information when searching for your perfect mortgage loan.

About the Author
Author

Greg Watson

Hi, I'm Greg Watson your favorite Northwest Florida Realtor. I have been a teacher and coach for 21 years and have been at Crestview High School in Crestview, FL for 10 years teaching P.E. and coaching boys basketball. In 2019, we were the Class 7A State Champions! I was born and raised in Huntsville, AL and went to college to play basketball at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. I moved to the Emerald Coast 10 years ago and I absolutely love it. This will be my home forever. 

I started selling real estate over 2 years ago and I can't imagine doing anything else. I love helping people and the opportunity to see the smiles on people's faces at closing time is an amazing feeling. I am excited about helping you find your next home here or helping you to sell your home. I am a hard worker and will do everything I can to help you with your needs. I am excited about this opportunity and I ask that you give me a chance. You won't regret it!