Local Rates

Baltimore Mortgage Rates Survey – Week of April 30, 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 above 4.00% on 30-year fixed-rate conforming loans in the Baltimore area for well-qualified borrowers. Wells Fargo (www.wellsfargo.com) and The Columbia Bank (www.thecolumbiabank.com) offered rates at 3.88%. The Severn Savings Bank (www.severnbank.com) offered rates at 4.00%.

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 04/30/2012

3.88%

4.05%

3.00%

3.31%

2.25%

3.07%

The Columbia Bank 04/29/2012

3.88%

3.94%

3.25%

3.37%

 NA  NA
Severn Savings Bank 04/29/2012

4.00%

4.02%

3.38%

3.42%

 NA  NA

 

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.

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