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Mortgage rates are at all-time lows right now, and they will probably stay low for at least a few weeks. It's possible rates will inch higher if the Federal Reserve announces it will taper asset purchases at its September 21-22 meeting.

If you want to take advantage of today's low rates, apply for preapproval with a lender. Preapproval locks in a rate for around 60 to 90 days.

Ask each lender for a loan estimate . This is an itemized list of fees that helps you compare what you'll pay from lender to lender. Ideally, you'd choose a lender that charges both a relatively low rate and low fees.

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How to get a low mortgage rate

Mortgage rates are at all-time lows, so it could be a good day to lock in a rate — especially if you know you want to buy soon.

But rates will probably stay low for a while, so you don't necessarily need to rush to take advantage of low rates if you aren't quite ready yet. You have time to boost your financial profile, which could help you get an even better rate.

To get the best possible rate, consider these steps before applying:

  • Increase your credit score
  • Save more for a down payment . The minimum down payment you'll need depends on which type of mortgage you are after. But if you can make more than the minimum down payment, you'll probably be rewarded with a higher rate.
  • Lower your debt-to-income ratio. Your DTI ratio is the amount you pay toward debts each month, divided by your gross monthly income. Most lenders want your ratio to be 36% or lower. To improve your ratio, pay down debts or look for ways to increase your income.

You can secure a low rate now if your finances are in good shape, but you don't need to rush to get a mortgage or refinance if you're not prepared.

15-year fixed-rate mortgages

A 15-year fixed mortgage locks in your rate for the entire 15 years you'll spend paying down your mortgage.

A 15-year term comes with higher monthly payments than a longer term, because you're paying off the same loan principal in fewer years.

But a 15-year term will cost you less than a 30-year term in the long run. You'll get a lower interest rate and pay off your mortgage in a half the time.

30-year fixed-rate mortgages

If you get a 30-year fixed mortgage , you'll pay a set rate for 30 years. A 30-year fixed mortgage has a higher interest rate than a 15-year fixed mortgage.

You'll make smaller monthly payments with a 30-year term than with a 15-year term because you're dividing your payments over an extended period.

On the other hand, you'll pay more in interest with a 30-year fixed mortgage than with a shorter term, as you're paying a higher interest rate for more years.

ARMs

An adjustable-rate mortgage, often known as an ARM, will lock in your rate for a set period. Then your rate will change regularly. A 7/1 ARM keeps your rate constant for seven years, then your rate will increase or decrease once per year.

You may consider choosing a fixed-rate mortgage over an ARM, even though ARM rates are currently at all-time lows. The 30-year fixed rates are lower than ARM rates, so you might want to secure a low rate with a fixed mortgage. Additionally, you won't risk a future ARM rate increase.

If you're thinking about getting an ARM , discuss with your lender what your rates would be if you chose a fixed-rate versus an adjustable-rate mortgage.

Best Mortgage Rates Today: Thursday September 2, 2021

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