I get a lot of excited questions based on information people see on the latest “average interest rate” news. This data is usually published monthly by the media, so it is a regular source of misleading data.
The average interest rate is a compilation of a lot of different interest rate quotes and variables, that do not apply to everyone’s exact situation. The average interest rate is a national average figure, with interest rate quotes from across the country that may not apply locally, and many times also includes interest rate quotes with points. But most consumers do loans with 0 points. Hence, the “average interest rate” you see on TV or in the newspaper always looks artificially low.
For example, if in compiling the average interest rate figures one bank quotes 4.5% with 3 points, and another 5.125% w/ 0, and another 4.75% w/ 1.75 points, the media may report an average interest rate of 4.93%, for example. They never explain that there are points involved. They also never explain that rates are priced differently state to state and region to region. And rates are different based on if the loan is a purchase or a refinance, and based on the loan size, the property type, your credit score, etc.
When the “average interest rate” figures are released I get a flurry of phone calls telling me that rates have dropped. Then I step through and explain that the 4.93% “average interest rate” quote they see does not apply to their $850,000 loan amount, because an $850,000 loan is considered a Jumbo loan which carries higher rates. And the “average interest rate” is an average based on Conforming loan amounts (which are $417,000 and under).
Or I may get a call from a client who sees that the “average interest rate” is 4.93%, and angrily wants to know why their rate was recently locked in at 5.25%. And one of many explanations may be that they have a 667 credit score, which requires a higher interest rate.
So, when you see a “average interest rate” figure, it’s hard to rely on that to know what your rate quote should be.
The media, as usual, is long on hype and short on details, when they report the news. And, as usual, before you believe what you see, read or hear; don’t assume it is true, and do your own research before acting on it.
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