How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?

By Jack Botham

The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage--at least it seems that way. If you've been thinking you need to know more about how mortgage rates are determined, here's your opportunity.

Mortgage rates are considered to be very crucial as they include the calculation of the overall interest and the number of years for which the person is supposed to pay. In fact, the mortgage system is actually centered on this concept. Mortgage rates are watched closely by those who regard them as the rudder to the housing market. Mortgage rates for a 15 year loan increased from 4.82 percent in the middle of May 2009 to 5.25 percent just one month later. Thirty-year mortgage rates increased from 4.86 percent to 5.72 percent during the same period.

Lenders frequently charge 1%, but you can always negotiate the mortgage rate origination fee lower. Also, if the origination fee is much higher than 1% you need to either negotiate it down, or find another lender with a more favourable overall mortgage rate. Lenders and servicers alike appear to be understaffed and the current staff are improperly and poorly trained to get the job done.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything about how mortgage rates are determined and how to compare fixed mortgage rates should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

If fewer buyers can get 30 year fixed loans because Fannie won't/can't approve the building, then of course the lenders will push people to ARMs. Lenders use rate caps to show how much of an interest rate change is permitted each adjustment period. A rate cap protects consumers from wild swings in their loan index by limiting the increase from period to period.

Mortgage rate tip #2 Lock in the rate When negotiating your mortgage rate, make sure your lender is prepared to lock in your rate for at least 30-60 days. This way you will be guaranteed a particular rate even if rates skyrocket the next day. Mortgage rate "locks" are agreements between you and your lender that settle ahead of time what your interest rate will be during the terms of your note.

Locking is up to you. Mortgage rates would shoot right through the roof as the Federal Reserve kept on hiking short-term interest rates. The common wisdom was that the two were linked as closely as two tango dancers. They always moved in concert.

That's the latest from the how mortgage rates are determined authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level. - 31377

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