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Understanding how mortgage interest rates work, and why you probably won't get the interest rate you see online or elsewhere is probably one of the most confusing aspects of any mortgage loan.
While you see interest rates online, or in printed material such as newspapers, you must understand all lenders have the same basic interest rates and hard costs. No one lender is able to be significantly better than anyone else.
It is all about the advertising, and the rate and costs combinations. It is our belief that posting rates is basically unfair to most consumers. We list national mortgage rates averages on this website to give you a basic indication of where the market is at, as opposed to what YOU may actually receive, because:
Due to the ever-changing nature of mortgage interest rates, it is almost impossible to keep a web site current. For example, a client may visit the site at 12:00 PM only to call at 2:00 PM and find that the rates have changed.
Therefore, we prefer you contact us, or complete our ONLINE QUOTE FORM for a more accurate and expedient method in relaying current interest rates to our prospective clients.
While rate is important, you have to look at the overall cost of your loan. (Click HERE for REAL closing cost information) This includes looking at the APR, the loan fees, as well as the discount points and origination fees.
Most lenders include standard 1% loan origination costs in their quotes, some show lower closing costs by having no loan origination costs. Sounds great, but do you realize they just increase the interest rate so you pay the costs over time versus up-front today?
Other lenders are including discount points to offer their great rate, while doing everything they can to avoid you finding that out until much later in the process because most people don't want to pay discount points.
So when one lenders says 2 points they mean 2 points, whereas another lender means 2 points plus 1% origination. Some lenders quote "lender fees plus prepaids" when you ask about closing costs, where other lenders quote every penny required to complete the transaction. The quoted difference can APPEAR to be thousands of dollars, when in reality, it is not.
I usually explain three interest rate and closing cost options to each client, so they can pick what is best for them:
None of these options are automatically good or bad. They are just options.
The cost/rate of the mortgage, however, cannot be your only criteria. There is no substitute for asking family and friends for referrals and for interviewing prospective mortgage companies. You must also feel comfortable that the Loan Officer you are dealing with is committed to your best interests and will deliver what he/she promises! [Read about Joe Metzler]
That the company knows how to do Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Dakota mortgage loans, and that the loan will actually close on time as promised.
Communication with your loan officer is too important to let a "lowest rate" quote from some hack shop on the Internet make your lender decision.
APR is probably the most confusing item in a mortgage loan. The basic idea is it takes your loans real interest rate, then factors in closing costs to get you the APR (annual percentage rate). I have a whole different article on how choosing your mortgage loan by APR can cost you money.
Be sure to read "Beware of the BAD Good Faith Estimate" so you don't get taken by misleading information.
PRO TIPS: Avoid Internet Lenders and Stick with a Local Company! There is nothing from some out-state internet boiler room operation that you can't get from the lender down the street.
For refinances, almost without fail, whoever has your loan now is never the best deal.
Searching rates on home loans, or rates for refinancing your mortgage in MN, WI, IA, ND, or SD? We have some of the best rates on home loans!
Remember, no lender is able to quote 100% accurate rates until they have a full application, have reviewed credit, etc. Rates posted here are an indication of where the market is generally at, as opposed to what you may actually receive.
Although you may see Interest Rates published on the Internet and in the Minneapolis paper, or your local newspaper, many times these are primarily "teaser" rates. Be careful of focusing too much on a published Interest Rate from sources such as the newspaper, or on the Internet, that appear to be objective, but are really items they push for their paid advertisers. They appear competitive, but may really be a representation of a product that does not relate to your situation, or more often, comes loaded with points or costs you do not want to pay. Your final interest rate will be determined by several factors, including credit, loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, and debt ratio.
We maintain the lowest TRUE closing costs in the industry, and the Minneapolis, St Paul Minnesota area. Even for first time home buyers! When comparing rates in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota, be sure to compare closing costs too. An Interest Rate quote is just the tip of the iceberg, and basically meaningless unless you know who your dealing with, and fully understand the associated costs! There is so much more to your loan than looking at some low teaser rates through some automated web site quoting system! That is why you won't find rates here. We believe in accurate quoting based on your exact situation.
Our lender closing costs and Third Party Fees are extremely low, as we DO NOT add any junk fees to your closing costs. Don't sacrifice service, your time, and your credit scores shopping when we offer a Satisfaction Guaranteed Rate
We remain as one of the most popular mortgage sites on the Internet for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota homeowners, and it's not just because of our LOW rates. Its because we offer the whole package!
We are a Minnesota based direct lender and mortgage broker, giving you the best of both worlds. We offer great rates, qualified Loan Officers, and a wide range of products. We keep it simple! Slick advertising is not our game. We think MATH and so should you! Before choosing any lender, read "Rate Shopping" and learn how to cut through the advertising BS!
We provides fully automated processing, with all of the latest approval systems, and give you instant Email notification of each step of your loan! As both mortgage bankers and mortgage brokers, our clients receive double benefits with one loan application.
Best Rate or Lowest Cost? Don't be fooled by one or the other.
Read these articles for more eye opening information.
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33 Wentworth Ave E, St Paul, MN 55118
Contact
Main (651) 552-3681
Joe@JoeMetzler.com
Cell/Text (651) 705-6261
We also call from
(651) 615-7545
(952) 486-6135
Cambria Mortgage
NMLS# 322798 Branch:1888858
Joe Metzler Loan Officer
NMLS# 274132. License MN #MLO-274132, WI #11418. SD #MLO.03095, ND #NDMLO274132, IA #36175, FL #LO119389, CO #100536785
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Equal Housing Lender. The Joe Metzler Team at Cambria Mortgage lends in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, and Florida only. This is not an offer to lend or to extend credit, nor is this a guaranty of loan approval or commitment to lend. Information here can become out of date, and may no longer be accurate. Products and interest rates are subject to change at any time due to changing market conditions. Not all programs available in all states. Actual rates available to you may vary based upon a number of factors. Consumers must independently verify the accuracy and currency of available mortgage programs. All loan approvals are subject to the borrower(s) satisfying all underwriting guidelines and loan approval conditions and providing an acceptable property, appraisal and title report. Joe Metzler, NMLS 274132, Cambria Mortgage NMLS 322798. © 1998 - 2024.