Learn More About 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.

These mortgages are typically made by businesses that require the money for working capital, purchasing new equipment, or even an expansion. And because a business may be formulated as a partnership, or a limited liability firm, the assessment of creditworthiness of a business by a financial institution is more complex.

Mortgage loan rates for a residential mortgage actually differ from the commercial mortgage, as rates are usually higher for the commercial ones. It is because the risk that is associated with residential mortgages, and the default percentage is lower, compared to commercial mortgages.

Mortgages can also be classified as either fixed rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages. Both of these can be obtained for residential and commercial mortgages. The adjustable rate mortgage initial interest rate, however, is usually lower than the fixed rate mortgage interest rate.

Mortgage loan rates are governed primarily by the Federal Reserve Board and so, if the board changes the interest rates, the mortgage lenders should adjust their interest rates accordingly. They are also influenced by many market and economic 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.