The Main Factors Determining Your Mortgage Interest Rates
- Lakeview Mortgage Bankers
- Sep 14, 2022
- 3 min read

Mortgage interest rates are one of the essential factors in determining the cost of your home loan. They can also be one of the most confusing. Here's what you need to know about determining mortgage interest rates.
The lender sets mortgage interest rates, often influenced by the prime rate, the rate banks charge their best customers.
But there’s more to it than that. The interest rates also depend on the type of loan you’re getting, the term of the loan, and your credit score.
In today's article, let's explore what you should know about determining mortgage interest rates. Here's what you need to know:
Your Credit Score
One of the main factors determining your mortgage interest rate is your credit score. Lenders use your credit score to determine your creditworthiness, which measures your ability to repay a loan. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be.
A good credit score is above 700. This is a good score because you are more likely to be approved for a mortgage with a lower interest rate. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time and maintaining a good credit history.
You can get a free credit report from many websites if you're unsure what your credit score is. Once you know your score, you can start looking for a mortgage. Compare rates from different lenders to get the best deal.
The Location of Your Home

When it comes to mortgage interest rates, home location is one of the most important factors that lenders consider. After all, where your home is located can affect both the value of the property and the amount of risk the lender is taking on. Check here today's Long Island, New York mortgage interest rates.
Generally, homes in more rural areas will have lower interest rates than in major metropolitan areas. This is because there is less risk for the lender—there is less chance of the property being worth less than the loan amount and less chance of the borrower defaulting on the loan.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. If a rural property is particularly large or valuable, the interest rate may be higher to offset the increased risk. And in some cases, urban properties may have lower interest rates than rural properties, depending on the specific market conditions.
Your Downpayment

When it comes to mortgages, many factors determine the interest rate you’ll end up paying. One of those factors is your down payment.
A higher down payment usually results in a lower interest rate because it shows the lender that you’re less of a risk. And, of course, a lower down payment means you’re borrowing more money and will likely pay a higher interest rate.
The down payment you need to make depends on the type of loan you’re getting. Typically, you need to put down at least 5% for conventional loans, but for government-backed loans like FHA loans, you may be able to put down as little as 3.5%.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the factors that determine mortgage interest rates is essential so you can be prepared when shopping for a mortgage. The three main factors are the type of loan, the borrower's credit score, and the current market conditions. You can control your loan type and credit score by shopping around and comparing rates. Market conditions are out of your control, but you can keep an eye on them by following the news and talking to your lender.
If you’re looking for the best home rates, specially if you're located in Long Island, New York, we can help you. Lakeview Mortgage Bankers is here to help you get the lowest rate for your home loan. We have the best mortgage agents that will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. With our help, your new home awaits! Contact us today to learn more and get started!
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