The first step to securing the best deal on a mortgage and refinancing rates in Indiana is understanding how the housing market is performing as a whole. According to real estate data from Zillow, Indiana homes currently stand at a median value of $139,000, considerably below the nationwide median list price of $179,000.
Nevertheless, Zillow has scored the state’s market health at 3.1 points out of a possible 10, earning a “less healthy” rating on its Market Health Index. Luckily, the state has seen an upward trend over the past year, as the median home value has increased by 10.3 percent since 2017.
This trend is predicted to continue, with values rising another 2.5 percent over the next year. The recovering market performance has some experts feeling optimistic about the future of Indiana’s housing market, suggesting it may be a good time for homebuyers to invest.
Mortgage Rates in Indiana
Although market health is improving, it’s important to note that mortgage and refinancing rates are affected by a range of factors beyond regional performance. A rise in national interest rates can cause fluctuation within the state, though the effects may be mitigated by local economics, state laws and competition between lenders.
New banks and lenders are opening every year, which can make choosing difficult. It also means you may not be getting the best rate.
To improve your chances at an affordable rate, be sure to review your finances and weigh all the available mortgage options before deciding on a lender. This article will break down some essential information about the loan application process and offer advice on how you can get the best mortgage or refinancing rates in Indiana.
Factors That Affect Mortgage Rates & Refinance Rates in Indiana
Lenders consider a number of important financial markers when determining what mortgage or refinancing rates to offer a homebuyer. For most lending institutions, the application process boils down to risk assessment.
To get the best deal, borrowers need to understand how certain elements will affect the rates they’re offered and prepare for tough questions from the lender.
Loan Type
Depending on your eligibility, you may qualify for a number of different loan options. Almost all lenders provide conventional loan types, like fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages, but some also offer government-backed loans that feature different qualification requirement. To make sure you’re considering all available options, look into alternatives to traditional mortgages, such as VA, FHA, USDA, and jumbo loans.
Interest Rate Type
Another important factor to consider is the type of interest rate on the mortgage and refinance loan. Fixed-rate mortgages are great for homebuyers who are planning to live in their home for the long-term, as it locks in a fixed interest rate for the full term of their mortgage. In contrast, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) can offer greater flexibility and opportunities to save due to the variable nature of the interest rate. Most ARM loans start with a fixed rate for a set amount of time and switch to a market-driven interest rate once that period has elapsed.
Refinancing Type
Some lending institutions offer refinancing options for borrowers who have been paying off their mortgage for several years. Each lender offers different types of refinancing loans at different rates, though some are more popular than others. The most popular type is a rate and term refinance, which allows homeowners to renegotiate their interest rate and loan term or switch to a different loan program.
Credit Score
Lenders consider credit history to be one of the surest ways of measuring a borrower’s ability to uphold their long-term financial obligations. Homebuyers with high credit scores typically have more options to choose from and more leverage during rate negotiations. Those with low credit scores tend to have a tougher time qualifying for certain loan programs, as lending institutions consider them high risk. Though negotiating a favorable interest rate may be challenging, there are plenty of lenders willing to work with borrowers with low credit scores.
Down Payment
The amount you’re able to put down upfront is a major factor for determining mortgage and refinancing rates, as it demonstrates a borrower’s personal stake in the property. The higher your down payment, the lower your interest rate will be. For borrowers with fewer savings to work with, some lenders offer down payment assistance programs and no-money-down options to help them get started.
Understanding how these critical elements affect the mortgage and refinancing application process is essential to finding the best interest rate possible. Keep in mind that the rate you’re offered will depend on your specific financial circumstances, so be sure to review your finances before negotiations begin.
How to Get the Best Mortgage & Refinancing Rates in Indiana
The only way to get the best deal on a mortgage and refinancing rates in Indiana is to collect and review as much information as possible. Lenders will have a number of complex questions to determine your eligibility and formulate your interest rate, so preparation is crucial.
Remember, the driving forces behind your search for the perfect mortgage or refinancing program should be your financial needs and long-term goals. If you’re unsure how to get started, consider the following tips:
- Do your research: The best place to start is with a review of your overall finances, including credit score and history, income, savings, pre-existing debt, and financial obligations. If you’re confused about certain financial terminology, make sure to utilize the wealth of to clarify what it all means. It’s also important to research into best practices for mortgage lenders and local market performance, as the location, size, price, and amenities of the home your purchasing will affect your overall rate.
- Compare your options: After you’ve reviewed your finances, the next step should be to compile all the loan types you’re eligible for into an organized list. Each lender will have a different mortgage and refinancing program qualifications, so be sure to cast a wide net during your search. This method of comparative shopping is the only way to ensure you get the best deal on your mortgage, as it will help you avoid irrelevant or overpriced loan offerings.
- Ask lenders a lot of questions: When it comes to negotiating mortgage and refinancing rates, the more prepared you are the better. Lenders are used to working with homebuyers with different levels of knowledge, yet nearly half of all mortgage borrowers don’t shop around when buying a home. To avoid inflated interest rates, borrowers should call a variety of lending institutions with a list of targeted questions. Every lender will have a different answer to your questions, making the comparative shopping process that much easier. Some things to ask a lender about include minimum credit score requirements and down payment amounts, closing fees and other back-end costs, the benefits and limitations of each loan type, and whether the lender offers any perks or rewards.
Recommended Mortgage Companies in Indiana
Finding the best available mortgage rate can be a daunting task, in part because of the numerous lenders operating in Indiana. To ensure you’re considering all your options, check out these top lending institutions:
JG Wentworth
This lender provides a fast, automated application process through their online portal and offers flat lender fees on most of its loans. JG Wentworth is known for its VA loan option and frequently works with service members with credit scores around 620.
New American Funding
Offering a diverse range of mortgage options, this lender is ideal for borrowers looking for nontraditional credit evaluations and down payment assistance programs. New American funding has helped thousands of borrowers with low credit scores obtain affordable mortgage rates through its easy-to-use online application process.
Quicken Loans
As the largest Federal Housing Administration lender in the nation, Quicken Loans has become the fastest growing mortgage provider on the market. This lender is a perfect match for first-time homebuyers, offering a convenient online application process and on-demand customer service.
CrossCountry Mortgage
This full-service mortgage lender provides a range of financing options, including conventional fixed- and adjustable rate mortgages, FHA, USDA, VA, and jumbo loan options. CrossCountry Mortgage is great for borrowers seeking a face-to-face home financing experience and exceptional customer service.
AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation
Competitive pricing is a major benefit of working this lender, as it offers rate matching opportunities for borrowers across 49 states. Homebuyers can initiate their mortgage application via phone, which is supported by a network of affiliated real estate agents.
