Current Mortgage Loan Rates - South Carolina

Rates Posted: March 29, 2023

30 Year
Fixed

Rate: 6.375% | APR 6.502

15 Year
Fixed

Rate: 5.875% | APR 6.076

FHA 30 Year
Fixed

Rate: 5.50% | APR 6.645

VA 30 Year
Fixed

Rate: 5.50% | APR 5.657

Whether you’re trying to buy your first home or have been through the process before, the term ‘loan rates’ probably brings some nerves. After all, the rates you receive on your mortgage can determine the amount you pay for your property for 15 or 30 years. Without experience in the field, you’re likely to have questions about: 

  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates 
  • 15-year fixed mortgage rates
  • 30-year fixed FHA loan rates
  • 30-year fixed VA loan rates

With this in mind, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions (and their answers). By the end, you should have a better understanding of how mortgage loan rates work and how important they are when purchasing or refinancing a property. 

Of course, don’t be afraid to contact the team at BrickWood Mortgage to learn more about mortgage interest rates, purchasing, refinancing, and getting the best mortgage for you.

How will my mortgage rate be calculated?

Ultimately, a selection of your personal details will combine with the property details to determine the final mortgage rate. For example, your income and credit score play important roles in the process. After all, lenders want to know that you can repay any loan they offer. If you have good income and a solid credit score, this tells lenders that you are in a strong position to repay a loan and will be unlikely to default. 

In terms of the property itself, some things taken into consideration include the property price, loan type, and down payment. As you can see above, the average rates vary depending on the type of loan. For example, 15-year fixed mortgage rates are different from 30-fixed rates. Likewise, both of these will have different average rates to 30-year FHA loan rates and 30-year VA loan rates. 

All in all, interest rates are based on risk. The lower the credit score, the riskier the loan. The riskier the loan, the higher the rate. As a borrower, you need to do what you can to reduce the risk for the lender and position yourself as a reliable borrower.

Is it best to choose the lender with the lowest rate?

While this might seem like the best financial decision, you shouldn’t immediately jump for the lowest rate without considering the whole picture. Some lenders charge points or upfront fees at closing to offer lower interest rates. For some buyers, this makes sense. However, it might make more sense for buyers with limited cash to keep their cash now until their income goes up in the future. If you don’t plan on living in the property long-term, paying points for a lower interest rate is often best avoided. 

When working with a reliable broker like BrickWood Mortgage, you will receive tailored advice so that you end up with the perfect mortgage.

How frequently do rates change?

As you start on the home-buying journey, you’ll see that rates tend to change each day (in some cases, they can change more than once per day!). Why? Because mortgage rates change with the market and the market is constantly moving and evolving. As well as looking at rates online, you should also check when they were last updated to ensure you are comparing current rates.

How does a conventional fixed-rate mortgage work?

A conventional mortgage is any mortgage loan that is not backed or insured by the federal government. As well as fixed conventional loan programs, you’ll also find adjustable conventional loan programs. Typically, the most popular conventional mortgage is the 30-year fixed mortgage as the mortgage payment is fixed for the entire 30-year life of the loan.

In terms of the different lengths, a 15-year mortgage will take 15 years to pay off while a 30-year mortgage will take 30 years. With this in mind, the monthly payments for the latter will be lower since you’re spreading the cost of the loan over a longer period. In some cases, this allows prospective buyers to choose a more expensive home. 

With so many conventional loan options to choose from, we highly recommend contacting a mortgage broker to ensure you avoid common pitfalls and select the best mortgage for your situation.

How do I get the best rate when buying or refinancing?

While you can go through the process alone, we highly recommend working with experts like BrickWood Mortgage because we have experience and expertise in the market. With professionals by your side, you can make more informed decisions and capitalize on the best opportunities. 

For example, one of the biggest mistakes people make when refinancing is ending up on a much higher interest rate. If you buy or refinance at the right time, you’ll get a mortgage and rate that suits your financial position.

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