Local Rates

Baltimore Mortgage Rates Survey – Week of July 16, 2012

According to a recent Primerates.com survey of Baltimore mortgage rates offered by the largest area banks & credit unions, two Baltimore institutions offered rates below 4.00% on 30-year fixed-rate conforming loans in the Baltimore area for well-qualified borrowers. The Columbia Bank (www.thecolumbiabank.com) and Wells Fargo (www.wellsfargo.com) offered rates at 3.63%.

While most lenders will push one of the three products on the list below, there are other options for the borrower.  The 30-year fixed rate loan is the most popular since it offers the lowest monthly payment.  The trade-off is paying a higher interest rate.  For those who have a better cash flow, the 15-year product may be more suitable.  The 15-year fixed rate loan will allow the borrower to pay more toward principal with each payment, and since it has a lower interest rate the overall amount of money that is paid in interest will be much lower.  While many people steer clear of the 5/1 ARM it is beneficial to some borrowers.  For instance, a person with a smaller loan (usually due to refinancing) may have the cash flow to pay off their ARM in 5 years or less.  This person could save an extra 1% in interest payments over the 15-year product and never worry about the rate adjusting later in the life of the loan.

Top Baltimore Area Banks and Credit Unions As of 30 Yr-Rate 30 Yr-APR 15 Yr-Rate 15 Yr-APR 5/1 ARM-IR 5/1 ARM-APR
Wells Fargo 07/15/2012 3.63% 3.80% 2.88% 3.18% 2.25% 3.15%
The Columbia Bank 07/15/2012 3.63% 3.69% 3.00% 3.12%  N/A  N/A

 

Listed rates from banks, thrifts, and credit unions were listed on their websites on the date indicated for conforming loans with 0 points.  Data is believed accurate at time of collection, can change without notice, and will vary based on an individual’s credit history.  Contact a specific institution for current rates.

Have You Seen This...

Oops! CFTC Makes a $55 Trillion Mistake

See it Now! x