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How Mortgage Interest Rates Work

By Allen Krewzz
Published July 5, 2026Updated July 5, 2026
How Mortgage Interest Rates Work

What Moves Mortgage Rates Broadly

What Determines Your Personal Rate

Discount Points: Buying Down Your Rate

If you expect to sell or refinance before reaching the break-even point, paying points usually isn’t worth it — the upfront cost never gets fully recovered.

Interest Rate vs APR

Rate Locks

Why Shopping Multiple Lenders Matters

Common Mistakes

Conclusion