Understanding Mortgage Rates
What Determines Mortgage Rates?
Several key factors influence mortgage rates:
-
Federal Reserve Policy
- The Fed's monetary policy decisions
- Federal funds rate changes
-
Economic Indicators
- Inflation rates
- Employment data
- GDP growth
-
Market Conditions
- Housing market trends
- Supply and demand
- Bond market performance
Types of Mortgage Rates
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability with consistent monthly payments. Common terms include:
- 30-year fixed
- 15-year fixed
- 20-year fixed
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
ARMs typically start with lower rates but can adjust over time:
- 5/1 ARM
- 7/1 ARM
- 10/1 ARM
Remember to use our mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments.