Mortgage Loan Rates

A mortgage is a loan that uses a parcel of real estate as collateral. A mortgage loan rate is the interest rate charged on a mortgage. Mortgages are classified into two types: residential mortgages and commercial mortgages. In case of a residential mortgage, the self-occupied residential property of a borrower is then provided as collateral.

A commercial mortgage is a loan in which a real estate occupied by a borrower other than a residential property is provided as collateral to secure payment of the principal and interest, or just the interest. In the case of commercial mortgages, the collateral is usually a commercial building, an office, a store or other business real estate.

Commercial mortgages are typically made by businesses that need the money for working capital, purchasing new equipment, or expansion. Since a business may be formulated as a partnership, corporation, or a limited liability firm, the business' assessment of creditworthiness by a financial institution is relatively more complex.

Mortgage loan rates for a residential mortgage differ from the rates for a commercial mortgage as the rates are usually higher in the case of a commercial mortgage. This is because the risk associated with residential mortgages and the percentage of defaults is actually lower compared to commercial mortgages.

Mortgages can be classified as fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgages. Both of these mortgages may be obtained for residential and commercial properties. The initial interest rate of an adjustable rate is actually lower compared to the fixed rate mortgage.

The Federal Reserve Board primarily governs mortgage loan rates and if the board changes the interest rates, the mortgage lenders should then adjust their interest rates accordingly. They are also influenced by economic and market factors such as inflation.

Generally, lower rates can be availed if you pay a 20% down payment or more of the loan amount. On the other hand, if you pay a down payment of 5% or less of the loan amount, you may only have to qualify for a higher interest loan.

Generally, mortgage loan rates fall between 5% and 13%. Long term loans have slightly higher interest rates than the short-term ones, and the difference is usually below 1%. Loan rates may also differ with mortgage loan types like home equity loans, FHA loans, VA loans, commercial loans, home improvement loans, and bad credit/sub prime mortgage loans.