Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Are you glued to your screen, constantly refreshing to find out today's mortgage rates ? As of February 26, 2025, we've seen a welcome dip in mortgage rates. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is currently sitting at 6.35%. Well, breathe a sigh of relief, because there's a bit of good news!

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Additionally, set aside extra savings for closing costs, moving expenses, and any home updates or repairs you may need right away. If you shop around first, you could end up with a lower interest rate and better terms. Compare interest rates, closing costs, and loan terms carefully.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

JULY 1, 2025

ARM Volatility: Adjustable-rate mortgages show mixed movements. Here's a comparison to help you weigh your options: 5-Year ARM: Great Option if you are planning to move within 5 years or expect a significant increase in income that will offset eventual rate adjustments.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 20, 2025

30-Year Fixed: This remains a popular choice for many homebuyers due to its lower monthly payments , making homeownership more accessible. However, it's crucial to understand the risk of rate adjustments after the initial fixed-rate period.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help. Federal loan options: Government-backed loans like FHA, VA, and USDA loans are popular among first-time buyers, offering flexible credit and down payment requirements.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

APRIL 11, 2025

When you pay your mortgage each month, the payments go toward a tangible asset rather than a landlord. Owning a home can also bring more financial stability , especially with a fixed-rate mortgage, as it offers predictable monthly payments, compared to rent, which can rise.

Marketing

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 20, 2025

Factor in all the costs involved, such as appraisal fees, closing costs, and any prepayment penalties on your existing loan. Are you looking to lower your monthly payment, shorten your loan term, switch from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage, or tap into your home equity for other financial needs?

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 31, 2025

This rate environment makes careful shopping and understanding your loan options even more critical. Let's quickly touch on the different types of loans listed. Fixed-rate mortgages (like the 15-year, 20-year, and 30-year options) keep the same interest rate for the entire loan term.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Loans and programs for first-time buyers Loan Who qualifies Minimum down payment Minimum credit score Key qualifications Conventional loans Borrowers with good credit and stable income 3% 620 Strong credit, steady income, low DTI ratio FHA loans Borrowers with lower credit scores and limited savings 3.5%

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 15, 2025

This includes not just the interest rate, but also other fees associated with the loan, giving you a more accurate picture of the total cost. Loan Type Matters: As you can see, rates vary significantly based on the type of loan. Jumbo loans, which are for larger loan amounts, typically have higher rates.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 5, 2025

Understanding Different Types of Mortgages When considering a mortgage, its essential to understand the various types available, as each suits different financial situations and preferences. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage This is the most popular type of mortgage, with payments spread over 30 years at a fixed interest rate.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 26, 2025

Plus, putting down at least 20% can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). Consider Different Loan Types: Explore different loan types like fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), FHA loans, and VA loans to see which one best suits your financial situation.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 4, 2025

Several factors influence these rates daily, and even small fluctuations can impact your monthly payments and the overall cost of your loan over time. According to data released by Zillow , as of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has edged up.

Loans

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 8, 2025

Today's mortgage rates, as of April 8, 2025 , show an average of approximately 6.50% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. This figure reflects a slight decrease in rates following recent political news but remains susceptible to fluctuations due to inflationary pressures.

Mortgages

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

Along with the obvious advantage of a lower interest rate, an assumed loan can also come with fewer transaction fees and greater speed. There are typically fewer fees involved when you do an assumable mortgage rather than a new origination. VA Loans: Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA ) loans are usually assumable.

FHA loan

HomeLight

AUGUST 26, 2020

Lower mortgage rates and lower payments are excellent reasons to refinance, but there are other reasons someone might want to consider refinancing. Converting an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage. VA IRRRL (interest rate reduction refinance loan).

Fixed-rate mortgage

Realtor.com

DECEMBER 14, 2022

Getty Images / Realtor.com When it comes to making the largest purchase of their lives, most homebuyers would prefer to play it safe in choosing a loan. That’s why fixed-rate mortgages, the gold standard of home loans, have long been the most popular. Buy mortgage points to lower your rate.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Realtor.com

DECEMBER 14, 2022

Getty Images / Realtor.com When it comes to making the largest purchase of their lives, most homebuyers would prefer to play it safe in choosing a loan. That’s why fixed-rate mortgages, the gold standard of home loans, have long been the most popular. Buy mortgage points to lower your rate.

Fixed-rate mortgage

HomeLight

JUNE 22, 2023

If you’re going to buy a home, you’ll need enough savings for a down payment, closing costs, and financial experts advise that you should also have enough money left over in your savings accounts to cover at least three months of expenses in case of an emergency. It usually costs between 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount annually.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Plus, down payment and closing costs in New Jersey can set you back thousands of dollars. Many people can make their monthly house payments, but it can be difficult to come up with the money for a down payment and closing costs to buy a new home in the first place. Types of down payment assistance available in New Jersey.

Land

Redfin

AUGUST 12, 2024

These loans offer significant advantages, including no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. Additionally, VA loans have limited closing costs and no prepayment penalties. USDA-insured loans USDA-insured loans are guaranteed by the U.S.

Loans

Realty Biz

JUNE 15, 2022

A fixed-rate mortgage is stable for 15 to 30 years, but rents may increase on average as much as 5% per year. . Money spent on a mortgage each month is building equity in something you’ll eventually own, and is a foundational means to growing wealth. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan.

Debt-to-income ratio

Realty Biz

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

Figure Out What Mortgage Program Works Best When you start looking for a mortgage , one of the first steps should be deciding what loan terms you want. For example, do you want a 30-year fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage? A fixed-rate mortgage will give you more stability if you stay in the home longer.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

JANUARY 27, 2021

Don’t forget to budget for closing costs. Closing costs are one-time costs that go along with your home purchase, and you pay them on — you guessed it — closing day. A lot of times people have no idea until they get the Loan Estimate that they have $15,000 to $20,000 worth of closing costs,” Ortman explains.

Closing costs

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 18, 2024

In the long run, choosing a 15-year mortgage can lead to greater savings and shorter debt obligation. Let’s break this down further: Fixed-Rate Mortgages : The predictability of fixed rates is beneficial for budgeting. Interest Rates : Compare the offered rates and terms from multiple lenders.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Here's a snapshot of today's mortgage rates by Zillow , giving you a clear view of where things stand: Mortgage Type Current Rate 30-Year Fixed 6.50% 20-Year Fixed 6.25% 15-Year Fixed 5.83% 5/1 ARM 6.50% 7/1 ARM 6.45% 30-Year VA 5.98% 15-Year VA 5.48% 5/1 VA 6.06% What's the takeaway?

Mortgages

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 22, 2022

As a cash buyer, you can also save on closing costs. You don't need to pay a bank attorney for the mortgage. Financing turnkey rental properties with cash means you don't need to put real estate taxes in escrow upfront nor pay for a mortgage application and loan origination fees. Fixed-rate mortgages.

Finance

HomeLight

AUGUST 31, 2021

You’ll want to be sure you’ve kept the home long enough to recoup your transaction costs — real estate agent fees, closing costs, and any repairs or maintenance done to the home to prepare for sale. Homeownership is a way to hedge against inflation by keeping housing costs static and predictable.

Closing costs

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 8, 2024

Here are some scenarios where refinancing could be beneficial: Homeowners with Existing Mortgages Above 6% : If you currently have a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 7.5% , refinancing to a 30-year fixed rate at 6.56% can result in substantial monthly savings.

Mortgages

Redfin

FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Your loan type can also affect PMI requirements. For example, a fixed-rate mortgage carries less risk than an adjustable-rate mortgage and usually has a lower PMI premium. . 4) Pursue a VA loan if you qualify. 5) If you are a physician, you may qualify for a particular physician loan.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 11, 2023

When considering mortgage options, it’s important to understand the different types available. A fixed-rate mortgage provides stability and predictability, with a consistent interest rate throughout the loan term. What are closing costs?

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 24, 2024

Refinancing essentially allows you to replace your current loan with a new one with a lower interest rate, potentially bringing substantial relief to your monthly payments. It's important to consider any associated fees with refinancing, such as closing costs, to ensure it makes financial sense in your situation.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

JANUARY 31, 2022

Conventional loans can be approved with as little as 3% as a down payment. USDA loans are available mostly in rural areas and enable buyers to put down zero percent of the price. VA loans enable eligible active duty military personnel and veterans to buy a home with zero percent down.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 31, 2024

Follow the 28/36 rule: Housing costs should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debt payments should not surpass 36%. Calculate potential costs: Include property taxes, insurance, lender fees, closing costs, and down payments in your budget. Can I negotiate mortgage terms with a lender?

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 27, 2025

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): Proceed with Caution: ARMs typically start with a lower interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages. However, after a set period (usually 5, 7, or 10 years), the rate adjusts based on market conditions. FHA Loans: Lower credit score requirements and down payment options.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 5, 2025

Fixed-rate mortgages allow borrowers to lock in their interest rates for the loan's duration, ensuring predictability in monthly payments. The attractiveness of these loans becomes evident when compared to the inconsistencies of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

Mortgages

The Close

DECEMBER 29, 2022

Clients might be interested in an ARM because it allows borrowers to take advantage of interest rate decreases without having to go through a whole refinance process and pay additional closing costs. It’s an official form certifying that a veteran has met the terms that qualify someone for a VA loan.

Purchase and sale agreement