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Get Started To See Today’s Mortgage Rates

Current mortgage interest rates change daily. Complete the application and see your calculated rate.

Current mortgage interest rates change daily. Personalized mortgage rates are calculated after completing the mortgage application. You can compare options after applying to multiple lenders. NerdWallet has picked standout mortgage lenders to help you get started.

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A mortgage is a loan to buy a home. When you borrow the money, you promise to repay the loan at an agreed-upon interest rate. That's the all-important mortgage rate borrowers are so interested in. It's just one factor, and no doubt the most important to consider, when you are trying to determine how much a loan will cost you. To borrow the money, the lender will charge you a fee, expressed as an interest rate assessed for the life of the loan.

A mortgage is set up so you pay off the loan over a specified period called the term. The most popular term is 30 years. Each payment includes a combination of principal and interest.

Typically, each monthly payment includes about one-twelfth of the annual cost of property taxes and homeowners insurance. The lender often collects this money in an escrow account, and may even pay the taxes and insurance when they're due.

Mortgage rates published on lender websites and advertised online can set unrealistic expectations for the interest rate you'll really earn. How do you know you have a good mortgage rate?

Once you know what kind of home loan will work best for you, it will be time to compare three or more lenders to determine the right mortgage rate offer for you. With a Loan Estimate from each lender compared side-by-side, you'll be able to see which lender is giving you a good mortgage rate combined with the lowest origination fees.

The answer depends on your needs. Lenders vary by the types of loans and services they offer as well as their credit score minimums and other requirements for borrowers. The best mortgage lender is the one that offers the products you need, has requirements you can meet and charges the lowest mortgage rates and fees.

» MORE: Calculate your mortgage payment