There is no such thing as today's rate.
There is only YOUR rate.
The rate in the news is an average. Yours depends on your credit score, your down payment and your loan size. See real offers, in plain English.
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The number nobody shows you
What each loan really costs you
Same house. Five offers. The difference in real dollars. Scenario: $400,000 home, 20% down, $320,000 30-year fixed, 740 credit score.
- Lender A
- Lender B
- Lender C
- Lender D
- Lender E
| Lender | Rate | APR | Points | Monthly | 30-yr cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lender A | 6.375% | 6.473% | 0.625 | $1,996 | $401,948 | View offer |
| Lender B | 6.500% | 6.618% | 0.750 | $2,023 | $412,037 | View offer |
| Lender C | 6.625% | 6.726% | 0.625 | $2,049 | $420,933 | View offer |
| Lender D | 6.750% | 6.879% | 0.875 | $2,076 | $431,380 | View offer |
| Lender E | 6.875% | 7.008% | 0.875 | $2,102 | $441,077 | View offer |
Cost = interest + points + fees paid to date. Principal excluded. Monthly is principal and interest only. All loans 30-year fixed terms. Illustrative offers, updated September 2, 2026. Rates reflect a 30-day lock. Not all borrowers will qualify. Loans are subject to credit approval. How offers are ranked
Why the rate in the news is not your rate
The same lender gives different people different rates. Here is what moves yours.
What your credit score costs at 20 percent down
On a $320,000 loan, a 660 score costs $3,200 more up front than a 740 score, before any lender markup.
Freddie Mac Exhibit 19, effective 07/01/2026. Applies to conventional loans; FHA, VA and USDA price differently.
Credit score
The biggest lever. Higher scores unlock lower rates.
Down payment
More down means less risk for the lender, and a lower rate for you.
Loan size
Jumbo loans and very small loans both cost more.
When you actually learn your real rate
- Day 1Quote
An estimate based on what you tell them.
- Day 3Loan Estimate
The first official numbers, in writing.
- Day 20Rate lock
Your rate stops moving.
- Day 30Closing Disclosure
The final number. Three days before you sign.
We show you what to expect at every step.
Learn in 60 seconds
▶Rate vs APR
The real difference and why it changes your total cost.
▶Why brokers show the number last
What happens on day 1, day 3, day 20 and day 30.
▶What points really buy you
When paying points saves money, and when it does not.
▶How much house can I afford
A five-minute answer without a lender on the phone.
Explore loan types
Buying a homeConventional purchase loans
RefinancingLower your rate or change your term
VA loansFor veterans and service members
Self-employedBank statement and other income options
FHA loansLower down payment, flexible credit
Jumbo loansAbove the conforming limit
Home equityHELOCs and second mortgages
Reverse mortgageFor homeowners 62 and overCalculators
Mortgage paymentEstimate your monthly payment and total cost.
Divorce buyoutSee if you can afford to buy out your spouse.
DSCR rentalCash flow and qualifying for investment loans.
VA funding feeYour fee based on service and down payment.
Points breakevenSee if paying points for a lower rate is worth it.
Refinance breakevenWhen a new rate actually beats what refinancing costs.
