First, make sure you are comparing current mortgage rates for the same type of mortgage. Mortgage rates and closing costs can change significantly from one day to another, so if you are comparing offers from multiple lenders it must be done on the same day. For example, if you are shopping mortgage rates and have a quote for a 30 year fixed at 5.75%, only compare it to other 30 year fixed quotes at 5.75%.

Next, compare the total of all points and lender fees for each mortgage (from section 800 to 813 on the Good Faith Estimate), that is the price of the mortgage. The lender with the lowest cost has the best mortgage rates.

If you are refinancing, you will also need to review the cost of title insurance, closing/attorney, and appraisal. Some large national companies have negotiated excellent rates for these services on your behalf. The company with the lowest combination of points, fees and third party costs for the same rate and product has the best mortgage rates.

Home loans offered include fixed rate, adjustable rate, interest only, FHA, VA, USDA mortgages and more. Plus, the mortgage rates for any home mortgage loan can differ widely.

Fixed Rate Home Mortgage Loans
With a fixed rate home loan you don’t have to worry about your monthly payment changing…ever. Your mortgage rate and payment are fixed for the life of your home loan. Fixed rate mortgage loans range from 10 to 40 years.

FHA Home Mortgage Loans
FHA home loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Although FHA mortgage rates may typically be higher than conventional mortgage loans, FHA home loans offer many advantages including low down payment requirements, flexible credit guidelines.