How to Get an Accurate Mortgage Rate Quote
March 27, 2010
by Francis
1 comment
When it comes to shopping for a home loan, there are several things to take into consideration.
First, you want to be sure that you are examining mortgage rates for your specific location, as mortgage rates may differ from state to state.
If, for example, you reside in the city of Baltimore, you would head over to your computer and search for something like Baltimore Mortgage Rates.
By doing so, you guarantee that you are looking at rates that are accurate within your particular city and state.
Second, you want to ensure you are comparing apples to apples, so when asking about mortgage rates, always be sure to request an Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, as well.
Your Annual Percentage Rate is simply your quoted interest rate plus any other costs associated with the loan, expressed as a percentage. This is truly the only way to ensure you are getting an accurate mortgage rate quote.
For example, if you were quoted a rate of 5.000%, but the APR is 5.625%, you can be sure that the fees associated with that loan are very high, and you might even be paying points.
If, on the other hand, the quoted rate was 5.000% and the APR were just 5.125%, this would indicate that the costs associated with that particular loan are very low.
Usually, the APR can be found on your Truth-in-Lending disclosure, or TIL, so be sure to request this disclosure before locking in your interest rate. This will ensure that you get the APR in a timely fashion.
Following these simple guidelines can help to ensure that your mortgage shopping process is quick and painless.