Mortgage Rates Champaign IL Comparison Guide

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If you're considering purchasing a home in Champaign, IL, understanding mortgage rates is crucial. Mortgage rates in Champaign, IL can vary depending on the lender and the type of loan.

Homebuyers in Champaign, IL can expect to pay around 3.5% to 4% of the home's purchase price in closing costs. This may include fees for title insurance, appraisal, and credit reports.

Mortgage rates in Champaign, IL can also be influenced by the borrower's credit score. Borrowers with excellent credit (720+ FICO) may qualify for lower interest rates, while those with poor credit (below 620 FICO) may face higher rates.

Understanding Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates can be confusing, but understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is currently 7.05%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

To calculate your mortgage rate, lenders consider various factors, including your credit and finances, loan amount, loan structure, location of the property, and economic factors. Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your interest rate, with a better score resulting in a lower rate.

Consider reading: Shop Mortgage Rates

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The Federal Reserve's decisions, such as the recent rate cut on December 18th, 2024, can also impact mortgage rates. Additionally, the lender you work with can set rates based on their own supply and demand, and mortgage points can help you reduce your interest rate and monthly mortgage payments.

Here are some key factors that determine your mortgage rate:

  • Your credit and finances
  • Loan amount
  • Loan structure
  • Location of the property
  • Whether you're a first-time homebuyer
  • Economic factors
  • The lender you work with
  • Mortgage points
  • The size of your down payment

How Calculations Are Made

To understand how mortgage rates are calculated, it's essential to know how Bankrate determines its national average and top offers. The national average is calculated by averaging interest rate information from over 100 lenders nationwide.

Bankrate's top offers are based on the weekly average interest rate among top offers within its rate table for the selected loan type and term. This means you can compare the national average to top offers on Bankrate to see how much you can save.

For instance, on a $340,000 30-year loan, being offered a top rate on Bankrate could translate to significant annual savings. According to Bankrate, for the week of December 29th, top offers on Bankrate were X% lower than the national average, resulting in $XXX in annual savings.

Here's an interesting read: What Is the Apr for Home Refinance

Factors That Determine

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Your mortgage rate is determined by several factors, including your credit and finances. The better your credit score, the better interest rate you'll get.

Your credit score is just one part of the equation. The size of your down payment and the amount of debt you carry also play a role. Generally, if you have more money to put down, you'll get a lower rate. If you have additional debt, your rate might be higher.

The loan amount itself can also impact your rate. It's like how a bigger house costs more to buy, a bigger loan can cost more to borrow.

The type of loan you choose can also affect your rate. You've got options between a fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loan, and the length of the loan (like 30 years or 15 years) can also make a difference.

Where you're buying can also influence your rate. Rates vary depending on the location of the property, so it's worth doing some research.

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As a first-time homebuyer, you might be eligible for special loan programs that come with a lower rate. It's worth exploring these options if you're just starting out.

Lastly, the lender you work with can also set your rate based on their own supply and demand. This is just one of the many factors that determine your mortgage rate.

Teaser Rate Definition

A teaser rate is a lower initial rate offered on a mortgage loan for a set time period before the actual fixed mortgage rate goes into effect.

Teaser rates are often obtained through an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loan, which can have 3-, 5- or 7-year options.

The current state of mortgage rates in Champaign, IL is influenced by national trends. As of January 2025, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 7.05%.

The national mortgage interest rate trends are shaped by factors such as inflation and the Federal Reserve's actions. According to Jacob Channel, a senior economist, the Fed's impact on mortgage rates will be minimal as long as inflation remains a concern.

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In recent weeks, 30-year mortgage rates have risen to 6.93%, while 15-year mortgage rates have increased to 6.14%. This is a significant jump from previous months, with rates fluctuating between 6% and 7% over the last half of 2024.

The current national mortgage rates forecast indicates that rates are likely to remain high compared to recent years. This is reflected in the historical mortgage rates in Illinois, which show that average rates have been on the rise over the last two years.

Here's a comparison of the current national mortgage rates with the historical rates in Illinois:

Keep in mind that these rates can fluctuate, and it's essential to stay informed about the current market to make informed decisions about your mortgage.

Comparing and Choosing

To get the best mortgage rate in Champaign, IL, you need to comparison shop. This means getting quotes from at least three to five lenders. You can use online rate-comparison sites or reach out to lenders yourself.

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Research shows that shopping with multiple lenders can save you up to $1,200 a year. To make a good comparison, shop for quotes on the same day, as mortgage interest rates change daily. Don't forget to look at the annual percentage rate (APR) for each offer, which includes interest and fees.

To choose the best mortgage lender for you, consider your financial goals and weigh the pros and cons of different loan types. For example, a 15-year loan may offer lower interest rates, but it may also come with higher monthly payments. Always check the APR, not just the interest rate, when comparing FHA and conventional loans.

Here are some top mortgage lenders reviewed by LendingTree:

  • Alliant Credit Union
  • Ally Bank
  • Alterra
  • AmeriSave Mortgage
  • Bank of America
  • Better Mortgage
  • BMO Harris Bank
  • Caliber Home Loans
  • Carrington Mortgage Services
  • Cashcall Mortgage
  • Chase Bank
  • Churchill Mortgage
  • Fairway Independent Mortgage
  • Flagstar Bank
  • Guaranteed Rate
  • Guild Mortgage
  • Lower
  • Mr. Cooper
  • Navy Federal Credit Union
  • Penfed Credit Union
  • PennyMac
  • Rocket Mortgage
  • Sebonic Financial
  • SoFi Bank
  • Spring EQ
  • TD Bank
  • Truist
  • Veterans First Mortgage
  • Veterans United
  • Wells Fargo
  • Wintrust Mortgage
  • Zillow Home Loans

How to Compare

Comparing mortgage rates can be a daunting task, but it's crucial to save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. You can start by deciding on the right type of mortgage for your situation, considering your credit score and down payment, how long you plan to stay in the home, and how much you can afford in monthly payments.

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To comparison shop, you can use online rate-comparison sites like LendingTree, which allow you to enter your information into one form and send it off to multiple lenders. Alternatively, you can reach out to lenders yourself, either by calling them, visiting a bank near you, or getting rates online at many lenders' websites.

Shopping around is essential, as mortgage rates change daily and vary widely by lender, loan type, and term. Be sure to pay attention to the APR, or annual percentage rate, which reflects the total cost of the loan, including the interest rate and other fees.

To save even more, consider boosting your credit score to 780 or higher, making a bigger down payment or borrowing less, reducing your total monthly debt load, or picking a shorter loan term. You can also use a mortgage calculator to estimate how much you might save.

Here are some mortgage lenders to consider:

  • Alliant Credit Union
  • Ally Bank
  • Alterra
  • AmeriSave Mortgage
  • Bank of America
  • Better Mortgage
  • BMO Harris Bank
  • Caliber Home Loans
  • Carrington Mortgage Services
  • Cashcall Mortgage
  • Chase Bank
  • Churchill Mortgage
  • Fairway Independent Mortgage
  • Flagstar Bank
  • Guaranteed Rate
  • Guild Mortgage
  • Lower
  • Mr. Cooper
  • Navy Federal Credit Union
  • Penfed Credit Union
  • PennyMac
  • Rocket Mortgage
  • Sebonic Financial
  • SoFi Bank
  • Spring EQ
  • TD Bank
  • Truist
  • Veterans First Mortgage
  • Veterans United
  • Wells Fargo
  • Wintrust Mortgage
  • Zillow Home Loans

Next Steps

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To get a mortgage, it's essential to improve your credit score, which can significantly impact your approval chances and interest rate.

Saving for a down payment can be challenging, but setting aside a portion of your income each month can help you reach your goal faster.

Choose a mortgage lender that suits your needs, considering factors such as interest rates, loan terms, and customer service.

Be prepared to answer questions from your lender, such as how much you earn, how much you spend, and what you plan to use the mortgage for.

30-Year Fixed

The 30-year fixed mortgage is a popular choice for homebuyers, and for good reason. It's a straightforward and predictable option that offers stability and security.

You'll have 30 years to repay the loan, and the interest rate you pay will remain the same throughout the entire term. This means your monthly payments will be the same for the next 30 years, unless you refinance or make extra payments.

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The average Illinois mortgage rate for a fixed 30-year mortgage is 6.83% as of January 2025. This can be a significant factor in determining your monthly mortgage payment.

One of the benefits of a 30-year fixed mortgage is that as you pay back the loan, more of each payment will go toward equity and less toward interest. This process is called loan amortization.

To give you a better idea, here are some lenders that offer 30-year fixed mortgages:

  • Alliant Credit Union
  • Ally Bank
  • Alterra
  • AmeriSave Mortgage
  • Bank of America
  • Better Mortgage
  • BMO Harris Bank
  • Caliber Home Loans
  • Carrington Mortgage Services
  • Cashcall Mortgage
  • Chase Bank
  • Churchill Mortgage
  • Fairway Independent Mortgage
  • Flagstar Bank
  • Guaranteed Rate
  • Guild Mortgage
  • Lower
  • Mr. Cooper
  • Navy Federal Credit Union
  • Penfed Credit Union
  • PennyMac
  • Rocket Mortgage
  • Sebonic Financial
  • SoFi Bank
  • Spring EQ
  • TD Bank
  • Truist
  • Veterans First Mortgage
  • Veterans United
  • Wells Fargo
  • Wintrust Mortgage
  • Zillow Home Loans

Refinancing and Qualifying

You might choose to refinance your mortgage to a new loan at a lower rate if interest rates fall. The process isn't much different from your original mortgage application, and you'll likely pay less in closing costs this time around compared to when you first bought a home.

To find out how much you could qualify for, you need to apply for mortgage preapproval. Lenders use the preapproval process to review your overall financial picture, including your assets, credit history, debt, and income.

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Your preapproval letter will have a loan amount printed on it, which you can use as a guide for your house-hunting journey. However, it's recommended to avoid borrowing the maximum amount, as our mortgage calculator can help you determine whether your mortgage payment leaves enough room in your budget to comfortably cover your other monthly bills.

Recommended read: Housing Loan Amount

How to Refinance Your Current Mortgage

Refinancing your current mortgage can be a great way to save money on your monthly payments. As interest rates fall, you might choose to refinance your mortgage to a new loan at a lower rate.

The process isn't much different from your original mortgage application, and you'll likely pay less in closing costs this time around compared to when you first bought a home.

You can work with the same lender or shop around to see if you can find a lender who will offer you a lower interest rate or more favorable loan terms. Remember that when you refinance, you're getting a new loan, which means paying closing costs and other homebuying fees all over again.

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If you're not planning to stay in your home for much longer, refinancing may cost you more than you'll be saving on your monthly payments.

To qualify for the IHDA's I-Refi program, you must meet the income, credit, and purchase price requirements. This program can provide up to $50,000 in federal assistance to help reduce the amount you owe and refinance.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when refinancing your mortgage:

  • Refinancing can save you money on your monthly payments.
  • You'll likely pay less in closing costs compared to your original mortgage application.
  • You can work with the same lender or shop around for better terms.
  • The IHDA's I-Refi program offers up to $50,000 in federal assistance for eligible borrowers.

How Much Can I Qualify For?

To determine how much you can qualify for, you need to apply for mortgage preapproval. Lenders use the preapproval process to review your overall financial picture.

Your preapproval letter will have a loan amount printed on it, which can serve as a guide for your house-hunting journey. Avoid borrowing the maximum amount to ensure you have enough room in your budget for other monthly bills.

Interest Rates and APR

The world of mortgage rates can be confusing, especially when it comes to interest rates and APR. APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is a broader measure of the costs you'll pay to take out a loan, including interest rate plus closing costs and fees.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Mortgage Fha Rates Closing Costs

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The national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is currently 7.05%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders. This means that if you take out a 30-year mortgage at this rate, you can expect to pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

A typical interest rate accounts only for the fees you're paying a lender for borrowing money. In contrast, APR captures a wider view of the costs involved. For example, at a 7% interest rate, your monthly payment on a $350,000 mortgage could be $1,862.85, excluding property taxes and home insurance.

Here's a quick comparison of how different interest rates affect your monthly payment:

Remember, these figures are just examples and don't take into account other costs like property taxes and home insurance. Be sure to factor those in when calculating your monthly payment.

Loan Types and Options

When choosing a mortgage, you have several options to consider. A fixed-rate mortgage provides a predictable payment schedule by maintaining the same rate for the life of the loan, available in terms of 30, 25, 20, 15, and 10 years.

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You can also consider an adjustable rate mortgage, which starts with a fixed rate for an initial term, then changes to an adjustable rate, available in terms of 3/1, 5/1, and 7/1.

Other options include VA and FHA mortgages, which offer fixed-rate loans with low down payments and low interest rates, and USDA mortgages, which offer low-interest rates and no down payment, but only for 30-year terms.

Here are some key differences between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages:

Loan Types

Loan types can be a bit overwhelming, but let's break it down. There are several types of mortgage loans available, each with its own pros and cons.

A fixed-rate mortgage provides a predictable payment schedule by maintaining the same rate for the life of the loan. This can be beneficial for those who want to know exactly how much they'll be paying each month.

There are several types of fixed-rate mortgages, including 30-year, 20-year, 15-year, and 10-year loans. For example, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate of 7.23% and an APR of 7.44%.

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If you're considering an ARM, you should know that it's a loan with an interest rate that can change during the mortgage term. An introductory interest rate can last for a period of between one and 10 years, but after that, the rate can jump.

Some loan types are specifically designed for certain groups, such as veterans or those purchasing a home in a rural area. For instance, a VA mortgage is a fixed-rate loan up to 100% financing for qualified veterans, with little or no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.

Here's a breakdown of some common loan types and their available term lengths:

Ultimately, the best type of mortgage loan will depend on your individual financial situation and goals. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each loan type before making a decision.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a great way to tap into your home's equity for big expenses or projects. The LTV ratio is the percentage of your home's value that you can borrow against, and in this case, it's 80%, 90%, or 100%.

A different take: Equity Loan Rates Ny

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The APR, or annual percentage rate, varies depending on the LTV ratio. For an 80% or 90% LTV, the APR is as low as 8.00%. That's a relatively low rate, especially if you're looking to borrow a large sum.

You can take advances on your HELOC for up to 10 years if you have an 80% or 90% LTV. If you have a 100% LTV, advances are only available for the first 5 years.

The repayment term for a HELOC is typically 20 years for an 80% or 90% LTV, and 15 years for a 100% LTV. That's a long time to pay off a loan, but it's worth noting that you'll only pay interest on the amount you borrow.

Here's a summary of the HELOC options:

To qualify for a HELOC, you'll need to meet certain criteria, including direct deposit of $500+, 6 electronic withdrawals from your Loyalty Checking account, and a monthly average balance of $500+ in that account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current mortgage interest rate in Illinois?

The current mortgage interest rate in Illinois is 7.027% for a 30-year fixed, 6.293% for a 15-year fixed, and 7.480% for a 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage. Check our rates for the latest information and to find the best option for your needs.

Will mortgage rates ever be 3% again?

Mortgage rates returning to 3% are unlikely in the near future, with some experts predicting it may take decades. However, interest rates can fluctuate, and it's worth monitoring market trends for potential changes.

Is 7% high for a mortgage?

Yes, 7% is considered a relatively high mortgage rate, especially for top-tier borrowers. However, rates can fluctuate, and what's considered high today might be different tomorrow.

James Hoeger-Bergnaum

Senior Assigning Editor

James Hoeger-Bergnaum is an experienced Assigning Editor with a proven track record of delivering high-quality content. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, James has curated articles that captivate and inform readers. His expertise spans a wide range of subjects, including in-depth explorations of the New York financial landscape.

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