California Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates for California go down to 3.00%

Mortgage rates for California on Lender411 for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are at 3.00%. That dropped from 3.00% to 3.00%. The 15-year fixed rates are now at 2.56%. The 5/1 ARM mortgage for California is now at 4.56%.

Following California Mortgage Rate Trends

Mortgage rates rise and fall according to several factors. If you get to know some of those factors, you may find it easier to predict how mortgage rates in California will react to news headlines, economic reports, and market dynamics. 

Treasury Bonds

Treasury bond dynamics have the most direct affect on mortgage rates of everything else in this section. Treasury bonds, also called Treasury notes, are some of the most secure investments available because they are insured by the government and do not require high rates.

When Treasury note interest rates rise, banks are able to raise mortgage interest rates. Investors who buy Treasuries like to compare them to corporate bonds, money market funds, CDs, or home loans. Those who desire a higher return for their funds will invest in home loans, which in their trading form are bought and sold as mortgage-backed securities (MBS). If Treasury yields rise, so must the return that MBS provide in order to keep investors interested, and so mortgage interest rates rise for borrowers. 

Economic Reports and Headlines

One of the most significant short-term mortgage rate movers is the economic report. Every week, data is released concerning inflation, building permits, manufacturing, home sales, jobless claims - the list goes on. When this data comes back sour enough,  MBS will be bought up by traders because bonds are a less risky investment than volatile stocks. When more MBS are bought up, mortgage interest rates fall. 

The opposite may be true of a significant report which reflects positive economic change - MBS will likely be sold off and mortgage interest rates will rise. 

But domestic reporting is not the only influence for U.S. rates; overseas markets and headlines may also move MBS trading depending on how the activity could affect the U.S. economy. If a headline out of Europe or the Middle East poses a risk for the U.S., bonds will likely be bought up and mortgage interest rates will drop. 

Prime Rate

The prime rate is the absolute minimum mortgage rates that banks will offer the ideal borrower. It is based on the federal funds rate, which is the interest rate at which the most creditworthy depository institutions borrow funds from the Federal Reserve. Depository institutions include banks, loan associations, and credit unions. 

When the prime rate fluctuates, mortgage rates adjust accordingly. However, the prime rate fluctuates slowly over time. It is therefore not reasonable to watch the prime rate to see what mortgage rates will tomorrow, but it can be useful to keep an eye on the prime rate in case of drastic annual changes. 

Home Mortgage Loans in California

Mortgage loans are designed to be paid off over several decades.  In California, as with other states, 

mortgages are commonly offered with 15 year, 30 year, and 40 year lengths.  There are also both fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages which as their names imply will have either fixed or varilable interest rates during all or part of the loan term.

If you’re short on funds for a down payment, consider an FHA loan.  This mortgage type allows borrowers to purchase a home with a minimal down payment of 3.5% of the total property price.  Your lender can inform you of additional stipulations or restrictions associations.

To learn more about homeownership in California or research CA home buying programs, visit the California HUD portal

Follow these links to learn more about California mortgages.

• California Reverse Mortgage
• California FHA Loans
• California VA Loans
• California First Time Home Buyer Loans
• California Commercial Loans

Lenders in: California.