home loan interest rates

Home Loan Interest Rates

Comparing loans of different lenders to get the lowest home loan interest rates is often the most difficult part of home loan shopping. Firstly, it is important to keep in mind that mortgage packages consist of more than interest rates. They consist of a quoted home loan interest rate, points and closing costs.

• Points are an up-front fee paid to the lender at closing. Each point equals one percent of the loan amount. Points are charged, or paid, to lower or increase the rate on the loan. Most lenders will allow you to choose amongst a variety of rate and point combinations for the same loan product. Therefore, when comparing rates of different lenders, make sure you compare also the associated points.
  
  Closing costs typically consist of loan related fees, title and escrow charges, government recording and transfer charges and can add thousands of dollars to the cost of your loan. When comparing lenders it is important to compare loan related fees (i.e. the fees which lenders charge to process, approve and make the mortgage loan), since the other fees are typically independent of the lender.
  


• Secondly, when comparing loans of different lenders you need to thoroughly investigate and compare all loan features: maximum LTV, mortgage insurance payments (if any), credit and cash reserve requirements, qualifying ratios, etc. Pay special attention to the presence of prepayment penalties and the availability and terms of conversion options (such as rate reduction option, or option to convert an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage).
  


• Thirdly, for each loan you are comparing find out the lock-in period, during which the interest rate and points quoted to you will be guaranteed. Lock-ins of 30, 45 and 60 days are common. Some lenders may offer a lock-in for only a short period of time (15 days, for example). Usually, the longer the lock-in period, the higher the price of loan. The lock-in period should be long enough to allow for settlement before lock-in expires.
  


• Finally, make sure that you are comparing the home loan interest rates on the same day. Rates change daily, if not a couple of times a day. Internet search, if used efficiently can ease your search load considerably.