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Headline Mortgage News January 10, 2024
Mortgage Rates Today: January 10, 2024— 30-year fixed mortgage rates are steady. 15-Year Mortgage Rates Increase. Today, the current average mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.35% compare to last week when the mortgage rate was 7.29% while the average rate on a 15-year mortgage is 6.49%. The annual percentage rate (APR) on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is 7.24%. The APR was 7.22% last week. APR is the all-in cost of your mortgage loan. On a 30-year jumbo mortgage, the average rate is 7.20% @ source bank rate. With today’s interest rate of 7.35%, a 30-year fixed mortgage of $100,000 costs approximately $689 per month in principal and interest (taxes and fees not included), the GCA Best Mortgage Calculator shows. Borrowers will pay about $148,054 in total interest over the life of the loan.
The average interest rate on a 15-year mortgage (fixed-rate) is 6.49% compared to last week, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rate was at 6.35%.
The APR on a 15-year fixed is 6.43% compared to 6.30% this time last week. At today’s interest rate of 6.49%, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage would cost an estimated $870 per month in principal and interest per $100,000. You would pay around $56,681 in total interest over the life of the loan.
Mortgage interest rates are determined by a complex interplay of various economic, financial, and individual factors. Here are some of the key factors that influence mortgage interest rates:
Economic Conditions: The overall health of the economy plays a significant role. When the economy is strong, with low unemployment and robust economic growth, interest rates tend to rise. Conversely, during economic downturns or recessions, rates tend to fall as central banks may lower their policy rates to stimulate borrowing and spending.
Central Bank Policies: Central banks, such as the Federal Reserve in the United States, set short-term interest rates through their monetary policy. Changes in these rates can have a cascading effect on longer-term interest rates, including mortgage rates.
Inflation: Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money over time. Lenders typically require higher interest rates to compensate for the expected loss in value of the dollars they will be repaid in. Therefore, when inflation expectations rise, mortgage rates tend to go up.
Supply and Demand: The supply and demand for mortgage loans in the secondary market can affect rates. When there’s high demand for mortgages and a limited supply of funds, rates may rise. Conversely, when there’s less demand or more supply, rates may fall.
Creditworthiness: Your personal credit score and credit history influence the interest rate you’ll be offered. Borrowers with higher credit scores and better credit histories are typically offered lower interest rates because they are considered less risky.
Loan Term: The term of the mortgage (e.g., 15 years, 30 years) can also impact the interest rate. Shorter-term loans often come with lower interest rates than longer-term loans because they pose less risk to lenders.
Down Payment: A larger down payment can often lead to a lower interest rate. Lenders may view borrowers who make a substantial down payment as less risky.
Type of Mortgage: Different types of mortgages, such as fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), have different interest rate structures. ARMs typically start with lower initial rates but can adjust over time, while fixed-rate mortgages maintain the same rate for the entire loan term.
Market Conditions: Mortgage rates can be influenced by market sentiment, investor demand for mortgage-backed securities, and geopolitical events. These factors can lead to short-term fluctuations in rates.
Regulatory Environment: Government policies and regulations can impact mortgage rates. For example, government programs and incentives can make certain types of mortgages more attractive to lenders and borrowers.
It’s important to note that these factors can change over time and can interact in complex ways. Mortgage rates are also influenced by a wide range of regional and local factors, making it essential for borrowers to shop around and compare offers from different lenders to find the best mortgage rate available to them based on their unique financial circumstances.
What determines APR? APR stands for “Annual Percentage Rate.” It is a financial term used to express the true cost of borrowing or the annualized cost of a financial product, such as a loan, credit card, or mortgage. The APR includes not only the interest rate on the borrowed funds but also any additional fees, points, or other costs associated with obtaining the loan or credit.
The APR provides borrowers with a more comprehensive understanding of the total cost of borrowing, making it easier to compare different loan or credit offers from various lenders. Lenders are typically required to disclose the APR to borrowers to ensure transparency in lending practices and help consumers make informed financial decisions.
It’s important to note that the APR is expressed as a percentage, and a lower APR generally indicates a more favorable loan or credit offer because it represents a lower overall cost of borrowing. However, it’s essential to consider other factors, such as loan terms, repayment schedules, and your specific financial situation, when evaluating loan or credit options. Demand for mortgage loans is down despite lower mortgage rates.