by Christy Bieber | Feb. 1, 2021
The Ascent is reader-supported: we may earn a commission from offers on this page. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation.
Image source: Getty Images
Mortgage rates stayed mostly stable on Feb. 1, 2021, with some loan types seeing no change at all from Friday. Here's what to know if you're buying a home.
On the first day of February, mortgage rates remain unchanged from Friday on several loans. If you're considering purchasing a home as the new month gets underway, here's what you need to know about average mortgage rates on Feb. 1, 2021.
Mortgage Type | Today's Interest Rate |
---|---|
30-year fixed mortgage | 2.800% |
20-year fixed mortgage | 2.579% |
15-year fixed mortgage | 2.208% |
5/1 ARM | 3.194% |
Data source: The Ascent's national mortgage interest rate tracking.
The average 30-year mortgage rate today is 2.800%, unchanged from Friday's average. A mortgage loan at today's average interest rate would cost you $411 per $100,000 borrowed. Total interest costs would add up to $47,922 per $100,000 borrowed over the life of the loan.
The average 20-year mortgage rate today is 2.579%, down 0.032% from Friday's average of 2.611%. If you borrow at today's average rate, you'd have a monthly principal and interest payment of $534 per $100,000 borrowed. Over the life of the loan, your total interest costs would add up to $28,102 per $100,000 borrowed.
This is one of the top lenders we've used personally to secure big savings. No commissions, no origination fee, low rates. Get a loan estimate instantly and $150 off closing costs.
As you can see, when you shorten your loan repayment time, total interest costs decline but monthly payments go up. That happens because you aren't paying interest for as long, but you are making so many fewer payments that each one needs to be higher.
The average 15-year mortgage rate today is 2.208%, unchanged from Friday's average. You'd be looking at a principal and interest payment of $653 per $100,000 borrowed at today's average rate. For each $100,000 you borrow at today's average rate, total interest costs would add up to $17,564
Again, interest costs are even lower with this loan than the 20-year fixed-rate option, but monthly payments go up even more since you take another five years off the time you have to pay back the loan.
The average 5/1 ARM rate is 3.194% up 0.01% from Friday's average of 3.184%. When an ARM has a lower starting interest rate than a fixed-rate loan, it may make sense under some circumstances to secure an adjustable-rate mortgage -- even though these loans are riskier. Since that's not the case now and since rates are almost sure to rise from their current level, which is near record lows, it's not advisable to secure an ARM now.
A mortgage rate lock guarantees you a certain interest rate for a specified period of time -- usually 30 days, but you may be able to secure your rate for up to 60 days. You'll generally pay a fee to lock in your mortgage rate, but that way, you're protected in case rates climb between now and when you actually close on your mortgage.
If you plan to close on your home within the next 30 days, then it pays to lock in your mortgage rate based on today's rates -- especially since they're so competitive. But if your closing is more than 30 days away, you may want to choose a floating rate lock instead for what will usually be a higher fee, but one that could save you money in the long run. A floating rate lock lets you secure a lower rate on your mortgage if rates fall prior to your closing, and while today's rates are still quite low, we don't know if rates will go up or down over the next few months. As such, it pays to:
To find out what rates are available to you, compare rates from at least three of the best mortgage lenders before locking in.
Chances are, interest rates won't stay put at multi-decade lows for much longer. That's why taking action today is crucial, whether you're wanting to refinance and cut your mortgage payment or you're ready to pull the trigger on a new home purchase.
Our expert recommends this company to find a low rate - and in fact he used them himself to refi (twice!). Click here to learn more and see your rate. While it doesn't influence our opinions of products, we do receive compensation from partners whose offers appear here. We're on your side, always. See our full advertiser disclosure here.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.
The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters.
Copyright © 2018 - 2021 The Ascent. All rights reserved.
By submitting your email address, you consent to us sending you money tips along with products and services that we think might interest you. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please read our Privacy Statement and Terms & Conditions.