Mortgage rate deals for week ending Aug. 27, 2022: Top offers from lenders

The average rate for mortgage offers clicked on by Bankrate readers Thursday was 4.64 percent, up 20 basis points from the previous week. Mortgage rates are higher than they were a year ago, so it remains important to shop around if you want to find a good deal for a new mortgage or a refinance.

Bankrate’s “clicked-on” rate reflects purchase mortgages and refinances with all terms, including 30-year and 15-year loans.

The best deals come with some fine print. For instance, to score the best combination of rate and costs, you’ll generally need a credit score of 740 or higher and a down payment of 20 percent or more. Many of the lowest rates posted on Bankrate.com also include discount points, a way of buying down the rate by paying more at closing.

Rates for mortgages change constantly, and they’ve recently settled down after a sharp rise in early 2022. Those ups and downs reflect the volatility of the mortgage market as the economy continues to grapple with raging inflation.

While it still might make sense to refinance your mortgage, the calculation has changed: Most refis now are being done by homeowners pulling out equity, typically a line of credit, to pay for renovations or repairs.

Key takeaway

Be sure to get at least three offers — you can save thousands of dollars by comparison shopping.

Compare mortgage rates in your area now.

Average clicked on rate for purchase loans

The average rate clicked on by Bankrate readers for 30-year purchase mortgages was 5.11 percent on Thursday.

Average clicked on rate for refinance loans

The typical rate clicked on by Bankrate readers for 30-year refinances stood at 5.07 percent Thursday.

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You can use Bankrate’s mortgage payment calculator to estimate your monthly payments and see the effect of making extra payments. The tool can also help you determine how much interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan.

Compare refinance rates in your area now.