Millennium Realty
Donna Coakley-Mcgowan, Millennium RealtyPhone: (774) 287-2060
Email: [email protected]

A basic guide to getting a good mortgage rate: Compare & choose

by Donna Coakley-Mcgowan 07/17/2024

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

Donna Coakley-Mcgowan

Licensed since 1983 Donna is a well known and well respected veteran of the local real estate market. Donna has made her mark as both a manager of a brokerage firm and as an agent. Ms. Coakley McGowan has participated in extensive training in residential real estate and specializes in both Buyer and Seller Agency.   

"I am extremely pleased to welcome an Associate of Donna’s caliber and expertise” said Judy Leonelli, Owner. "I have known Donna for many years and have admired her professionalism and talent for the pragmatic resolution to the difficulties that can arise during a transaction. When Donna is involved you know there will be a successful outcome.”  

Ms. Coakley McGowan has lived in Upton since 1995 and knows the area and all of its attributes. She currently serves the Town of Upton and the Regional School District as Chairperson of the School Committee.  She and her husband Mark and their two children reside in Upton.