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Jeff Ostrowski
Written by
Laurie Richards
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On Friday, September 13, 2024,the national average 30-year FHA mortgage APR is 6.09%. The average 30-year FHA refinance APR is 6.18%, according to Bankrate's... latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.
On this page
- Weekly national mortgage interest rate trends
- Current FHA loan rates
- FHA loan requirements
- Should you get an FHA loan?
- How to get the best FHA loan rate
- FHA loan FAQ
- Additional FHA loan resources
How to compare mortgage offers
Comparison-shopping for a mortgage isn’t just smart — it’s crucial to get the most competitive rate and mortgage terms. Even a 0.1 difference in an interest rate can save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Bankrate’s mortgage rate table allows you to easily compare personalized rates from our marketplace of trusted lenders. Here is how to compare mortgage offers on Bankrate in 3 easy steps:
- Determine the right type of mortgage: There are a lot of options in home loans, so it’s important to research and decide what type of mortgage might be best for you, given your finances and your short- and long-term goals.
- Gather necessary documentation: In order for lenders to give you the most accurate quote, you will need to provide paperwork once connected with a lender that verifies your income, assets, debts and employment.
- Compare mortgage offers online: Bankrate helps you easily compare mortgage offers by using our mortgage rate table below. Our rate table filters allow you to plug in general information about your finances and location to receive tailored offers. As you weigh offers, be sure to consider APRs, lender fees and closing costs to ensure you’re making accurate comparisons — and maximizing your savings potential.
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On This Page
On This Page
- Weekly national mortgage interest rate trends
- Current FHA loan rates
- FHA loan requirements
- Should you get an FHA loan?
- How to get the best FHA loan rate
- FHA loan FAQ
- Additional FHA loan resources
Weekly national mortgage interest rate trends
Current mortgage rates
| 30 year fixed FHA | 6.54% |
Today's national FHA mortgage interest rate trends
For today, Friday, September 13, 2024, the national average 30-year FHA mortgage interest rate is 6.05%, down compared to last week’s of 6.26%. The national average 30-year FHA refinance interest rate is 6.14%, downcompared to last week’s of 6.33%.
Whether you're buying or refinancing, Bankrate often has offers well below the national average to help you finance your home for less. Compare interest rates here, then click "Next" to get started in finding your personalized quotes.
We’ve determined the national averages for mortgage and refinance interest rates from our most recent survey of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders. Our own mortgage and refinance interest rates are calculated at the close of the business day, and include annual percentage rates and/or annual percentage yields. The interest rate averages tend to be volatile, and are intended to help consumers identify day-to-day movement.
Current FHA loan rates
Since the pandemic, rates on FHA loans have bounced around — from less than 3 percent during the pandemic to 8 percent in October 2023. For most of early 2024, FHA mortgage rates have hovered around 7 percent. The table below brings together a comprehensive national survey of mortgage lenders to help you know what are the most competitive FHA loan rates. This interest rate table is updated daily to give you the most current rates when choosing an FHA mortgage home loan.
| Product | Interest Rate | APR |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Year FHA Rate | 6.05% | 6.09% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | 6.32% | 6.36% |
| 15-Year Fixed Rate | 5.57% | 5.65% |
| 5/1 ARM Rate | 5.92% | 5.92% |
| 30-Year VA Rate | 6.17% | 6.21% |
Rates as of Friday, September 13, 2024 at 6:30 AM
| Product | Interest Rate | APR |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Year FHA Rate | 6.14% | 6.18% |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | 6.35% | 6.40% |
| 15-Year Fixed Rate | 5.66% | 5.73% |
| 5/1 ARM Rate | 5.87% | 5.87% |
| 30-Year VA Rate | 6.21% | 6.25% |
Rates as of Friday, September 13, 2024 at 6:30 AM
FHA loans vs. conventional loans
FHA loans can have lower interest rates than conventional loans, but they also have higher upfront costs. How do FHA loans compare to 30-year fixed mortgages? See the table below for an example of the costs associated with an FHA loan versus a 30-year fixed loan. Keep in mind that interest rates are dependent on the market and the borrower's creditworthiness.
| 30-year fixed FHA loan | 30-year fixed conventional loan | |
| Assumptions: FHA loan includes 3.5% down, 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium rolled into the loan amount, annual mortgage insurance premium of 0.55% for the first 10 years of the loan. Conventional loan assumes 5% down and 1% annual private mortgage insurance premium for the first five years. | ||
| Home price | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Loan amount | $393,000 | $380,000 |
| Interest rate | 6.875% | 7% |
| Monthly payment (Principal and interest) | $2,912 | $2,850 |
| Monthly mortgage insurance | $180 | $317 |
| Total monthly payment | $3,092 | $3,167 |
| Total interest | $655,283 | $646,104 |
| Total mortgage insurance | $28,355 | $19,000 |
| Total cost | $1,076,638 | $1,045,104 |
If you qualify for both a conventional and FHA loan, which should you choose?
If you qualify for both, I’d almost certainly go for the conventional loan. FHA’s hefty mortgage insurance (MIP) includes 1.75 percent of the loan amount upfront, plus monthly premiums. FHA loans are a great option for borrowers with sub-700 credit scores and not a lot of cash for a down payment, but the downside is the MIP, which FHA charges because of the higher risk factor. If you can get a conventional loan, you’ll find that the private mortgage insurance (PMI) costs less and is easier to get rid of once your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio hits 80 percent.For borrowers who don’t qualify for a conventional loan, the smart move is to take the FHA loan, then refi into a conventional loan once your credit improves and the LTV ratio looks better.
FHA loan requirements
- FHA loan limits: $498,257 for a single-family home; higher in costlier counties and for multifamily homes
- Minimum credit score: 580 with a 3.5% down payment, or 500 with a 10% down payment
- Maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: Up to 50%
- Mortgage insurance premiums (MIP): 1.75% of your loan principal upfront; monthly premiums thereafter based on amount you borrow, down payment and loan term and type
- Financial and work history: Proof of consistent employment and income
Read more:FHA loan requirements
FHA mortgage insurance
FHA loans require borrowers who put down less than 20 percent to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). Mortgage insurance costs add a meaningful amount to your monthly payment, so keep these costs in mind when you’re budgeting for a home.
There are two types of premiums: the upfront mortgage insurance premium (1.75 percent of the base loan amount) and an annual mortgage insurance premium (0.15 percent to 0.75 percent, depending on the loan term, loan amount and the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio). The annual premium is owed for the loan’s lifetime if your down payment is less than 10 percent; if you put down at least 10 percent, however, the premiums can be removed after 11 years.
FHA loan limits
Each year, the FHA updates its lending limits or the maximum amount the agency will insure for a given area and property type. These limits are influenced by mortgage market-makers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s conforming loan limits. For 2024, the national ceiling is $498,257 for a single-family home, and up to $1,149,825 in high-cost areas.
Learn more:The latest FHA loan limits
Should you get an FHA loan?
FHA loans are aimed at certain types of borrowers. Some ways to know if this option is for you include:
- Your credit score is below 700 (but above 580)
- You have limited down payment savings (but enough to pay 3.5 percent, plus closing costs)
- You don’t mind the tradeoff of higher mortgage insurance premiums for looser underwriting criteria
- You’re a first-time buyer
Pros of FHA loans
- Low down payment requirement
- Friendly to first-time homebuyers (includes those who have not owned a home for at least three years)
- Financing for mobile homes and factory-built homes
- May accommodate people who own the land where the home will be located and those who live in a mobile home park
- Can lock in a low rate without a large down payment
Cons of FHA loans
- Borrower required to pay two types of mortgage insurance: an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and an annual premium
- Require that the house meet certain standards, which decreases buying options
How to get the best FHA loan rate
- Work on your credit score. For the most competitive FHA rate, you’ll need good to excellent credit, though you can still qualify with a score as low as 580.
- Improve your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Generally, the lower your DTI ratio, the better your rate.
- Shop around and compare multiple offers. This step can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Consider the interest rate as well as the annual percentage rate (APR). The latter accounts for the lender’s fees. Be sure to read customer reviews on lenders as well for additional insight.
FHA loan FAQ
Additional FHA loan resources
- FHA loans resource page
- How to find the best FHA lenders
- FHA refinance rates
Meet our Bankrate experts
Written by: Jeff Ostrowski, Principal Reporter, Mortgages
I cover mortgages and the housing market. Before joining Bankrate in 2020, I spent more than 20 years writing about real estate and the economy for the Palm Beach Post and the South Florida Business Journal. I’ve had a front-row seat for two housing booms and a housing bust. I’ve twice won gold awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors, and since 2017 I’ve served on the nonprofit’s board of directors.
Read more from Jeff Ostrowski
Edited by: Laurie Dupnock, Editor, Home Lending
I’ve spent five years in writing and editing roles, and I now focus on mortgage, mortgage relief, homebuying and mortgage refinancing topics. I’m most interested in providing resources for aspiring first-time homeowners to help demystify the homebuying process. In 2021, I earned a Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing. I have an MA in English.
Read more from Laurie Dupnock
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