In today’s high interest rate market, securing the lowest possible rate can save you thousands over the life of your mortgage. However, the problem often lies in finding the best deal from mortgage lenders.
While the days of 4 percent interest rates may be behind us for now, there are still several things you can do to get the lowest rate possible. This article discusses the benefits of negotiating a lower mortgage rate and some tips on how to do it effectively.
Benefits of Negotiating Mortgage Rates
Negotiating your mortgage rate can have many benefits, including:
- Lower Monthly Payments: One of the most significant advantages of negotiating with lenders is the potential to secure a lower interest rate. A lower interest rate results in lower monthly mortgage payments and makes homeownership more affordable.
- Reduced Interest Costs: A lower interest rate not only lowers your monthly payments but also reduces the total amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan, meaning you’ll save a significant amount of money in the long run.
- Improved Financial Flexibility: Lower monthly mortgage payments can free up funds for other financial goals and expenses, such as saving for retirement, paying off other debts, or investing in home improvements.
- Faster Loan Payoff: With a lower interest rate, more of your monthly payment goes toward paying down the principal balance of your mortgage. Doing this can help you build home equity faster and potentially pay off your mortgage sooner.
How to Negotiate a Lower Mortgage Rate
Before negotiating your rate with a lender, make sure you’ve done everything you can to improve your credit score. A higher score can make you more attractive to lenders and help you qualify for lower rates.
Understand Current Rates
New borrowers should understand the current interest rate environment. Start by researching interest rates in your local area and at the national level. There are tons of reputable online sources for real estate news, but you can also consult with local banks and credit unions to talk directly with an expert.
Working With Your Lender
Now it’s time to apply for the mortgage with your lender. Once you’ve chosen a fixed-rate or adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), submit all the necessary paperwork to your lender and provide any additional documentation they require.
Your lender will likely contact you to discuss the interest rate you qualify for. Here is your time to negotiate.
The Negotiation Process
Lenders are more likely to offer better rates to borrowers they see as low-risk. So, if you have a strong credit score, stable employment history, or a substantial down payment, you may have more leverage to convince the lender to give you a lower rate.
If you’ve been shopping around with multiple lenders, this is where you will want to present a competing offer (more specifically, a Loan Estimate) to the current lender. Most lenders will try to match or beat competing offers to earn the business of new borrowers.
If the lender is unwilling to meet your terms or provide a competitive rate, be prepared to walk away and explore other options. Sometimes, the willingness to walk away can lead to more favorable offers.
The Bottom Line
Negotiating a lower mortgage rate is something many new borrowers overlook when buying a home. The ability to reduce your rate by even just a small percentage can end up saving you thousands on your mortgage.
Remember to take proactive steps to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage and present competing offers to force lenders to offer their best rates.
With this information in mind, you’ll be on your way to securing a low interest rate and buying the home of your dreams.
Are you ready to get the home buying process started? The Kim Holland Homes team is the #1 real estate team on Long Island. Contact us or call Kim today at 516-236-6303 to start the process of finding your dream home.
