Yes, to some degree, mortgage interest rates are negotiable. Mortgage lenders have some flexibility when it comes to the rates they offer. However, in many cases getting a lower rate on your loan will come with a price, such as paying “points” to get a lower rate.
Yes, you can negotiate your home loan interest rate. Just like when it comes to negotiating your salary, if you don't ask for something better, you likely won't get it. Most lenders aren't going to just spontaneously offer you a better rate – you're going to have to ask for it.
Call and make your request
If you have good credit, you can remind the representative of that and point to your history of being a good customer (by regularly using your card and paying your bills on time).
Some lenders may be willing to negotiate with cash-strapped borrowers to offer relief options and minimize the lender's financial loss. Common debt negotiation strategies include asking for reduced interest rates, working with a lender to create a repayment plan and considering debt consolidation.
Credit card interest rates can make it harder to pay off your debt, but you may be able to negotiate a better rate or a limited-time offer by simply calling your credit card issuer. While it can some time and effort and your request may be denied, it doesn't hurt to ask.
Getting a mortgage from a bank
However, any lender you select won't necessarily have the best rates available to you, even your own bank. It's important to compare mortgages before selecting a lender directly, as they'll only be able to offer you the best option from their own range.
The simple answer is yes, your lender may agree to lower your interest rate without a refinance. This is known as a loan modification — it's a tool designed to help you reduce your mortgage payments and avoid default.
Current mortgage interest rates in California. As of Monday, January 13, 2025, current interest rates in California are 7.33% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.61% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. This aligns with current national mortgage rate trends.
Check out local credit unions, specialty lenders and mortgage brokers. Let your agent know about any lower rates you may have found, and depending on the product conditions, they may be willing to match it.
Today's rates seem high compared with the recent 2% rates of the pandemic era. But experts say getting below 3% on a 30-year fixed mortgage is unlikely without a severe economic downturn.
If you're in a better financial situation than you were when you first signed your loan, you could potentially negotiate your fixed-rate mortgage to a lower interest rate.
The lowest average mortgage rates on record came about when the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate in 2020 and 2021 in response to the pandemic. As a result, the weekly average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 2.65%, while the average 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage sunk to 2.10%.
At its February 2024 meeting, the Reserve Bank Board decided to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35 per cent. This decision supports progress of inflation to the midpoint of the 2–3 per cent target range within a reasonable timeframe and continued moderate growth in employment.
Reduce your loan term
Making the equivalent of two extra mortgage payments per year, for example, will knock off 9 years and 4 months from the total term of your loan. A shorter mortgage term also means that you'll own your house outright sooner.
Yes, you can and should negotiate a mortgage rate when you're getting a home loan. Research confirms that those who get multiple quotes get lower rates. But surprisingly, many home buyers and refinancers skip negotiations and go with the first lender they talk to.
Even people with good credit scores make mistakes, and a bank may charge a penalty APR on your credit card without placing a negative mark on your credit report. Penalty APRs typically increase credit card interest rates significantly due to a late, returned or missed payment.
So, if you have been a responsible borrower and have made all your repayments on time, chances are you will be offered lower rates on your loan. If not, you can negotiate with the concerned lender provided you have a good business relationship with the lender. Other than that, keep a close eye on festive offers.
Don't be afraid to contact your lender and ask for a better deal. Speak with confidence and ask for the same rate offered to new customers. You may find lenders will be willing to negotiate to retain their customers, provided you are in a strong position with no missed repayments etc.
You may be able to lower the rate of your current loans or your credit cards, especially if your credit score has improved or if overall interest rates have gone down since you initially applied for the loan. Make sure to consider any fees that might be associated with refinancing.