Local Rates

Boston Mortgage Rates Survey – Week of August 13, 2012

According to a recent Primerates.com survey of Boston mortgage rates offered by the largest area banks & credit unions, six Boston institutions offered rates below 4.00% on 30-year fixed-rate conforming loans in the Boston area for well-qualified borrowers. Bank of America (www.bankofamerica.com) and Rockland Trust (www.rocklandtrust.com) offered rates at 3.50% while the Sovereign Bank (www.sovereignbank.com) and Century Bank and Trust (www.centurybank.com) offered rates at 3.63%. Danversbank (www.danversbank.com) offered rates at 3.75% and the RBS Citizens (www.citizensbank.com) offered rates at 3.88%.

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 Boston 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
Bank of America 08/10/2012 3.50% 3.65% 2.75% 3.03% 2.38% 3.11%
RBS Citizens 08/10/2012 3.88% 3.91% 3.00% 3.06% 2.63% 3.07%
Sovereign Bank 08/10/2012 3.63% 3.78% 2.99% 3.27% NA NA
Rockland Trust 08/10/2012 3.50% 3.56% 2.88% 2.99% 2.75% 3.25%
Century Bank and Trust 08/10/2012 3.63% 3.67% 2.99% 3.08% 2.88% 2.92%
Danversbank 08/10/2012 3.75% 3.90% 3.00% 3.25% 2.75% 3.19%

 

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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