Figuring out the formula for mortgage rates can seem like magic. There are so many factors that can nudge rates up or down. So here at Dream Finders Homes, we thought we’d offer a bit of insight into what makes mortgage rates change.
What Does The FED Have To Do With It?
The role of the Federal Reserve Bank in mortgage rates is a bit confusing. The members of the Federal Reserve Bank do not set mortgage rates. Rather, they control the Fed Funds Rate, which is the interest rate at which financial institutions borrow money from each other in order to meet short-term loans and withdrawals. Short-term interest rates do not impact long-term financing, like mortgages.
What about the “prime rate”? Each bank decides on its own prime rate, which is the interest rate for lending money to customers with good credit. These financial institutions may set their prime rate according to the Fed Funds Rate, often a few percentage points higher. Credit cards, for example, reflect the prime rate. If you have a good credit rating, you get a lower interest rate on your credit card balance.