If you’ve been following mortgage rates lately, you’ve probably noticed just how unpredictable they can be. One day, rates dip slightly. The next day, they climb again. For prospective homebuyers, that kind of volatility can feel stressful—or even paralyzing when trying to decide if now is the right time to buy.

But here’s the key takeaway: you don’t need to control the rates to take smart steps toward homeownership. Understanding what you can control makes all the difference.

Why Mortgage Rates Are Fluctuating

Mortgage rates don’t move randomly. They react to economic conditions, inflation expectations, Federal Reserve policy, and broader financial market activity. For example, after a relatively stable month of March, April has seen rates on a roller-coaster ride, according to Mortgage News Daily.

Trying to time the market perfectly is rarely a winning strategy. Rates could rise or fall unpredictably, and waiting for the “perfect” moment could cost more in the long run as home prices continue to climb.

The good news? You can influence the rate you qualify for by focusing on factors within your control: your credit score, your loan type, and your loan term.

1. Control Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the most powerful tools for securing a lower interest rate. Even modest improvements can translate to significant monthly savings.

Bankrate explains:

“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”

Simple steps—like paying down high credit card balances, making payments on time, and monitoring your credit report for errors—can help improve your score. Even small changes can meaningfully reduce your monthly mortgage payment over time.

2. Choose the Right Loan Type

Not all loans are created equal. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans all have different requirements, benefits, and interest rates. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) explains:

“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose. Talking to multiple lenders can help you better understand all of the options available to you.”

Working with a knowledgeable mortgage professional can help you navigate these options and identify the loan that fits your financial situation best.

3. Evaluate Your Loan Term

The length of your loan—commonly 15, 20, or 30 years—also affects your interest rate and total payments. Freddie Mac notes:

“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.”

Shorter-term loans often have lower interest rates but higher monthly payments, while longer terms reduce monthly payments but cost more in interest over time. Understanding how different terms affect your financial goals is essential.

Bonus Strategies to Protect Yourself from Rate Volatility

• Lock in Your Rate Early: Many lenders allow rate locks that can protect you from short-term increases while your loan is processed.
  
  
• Consider Points: Paying “points” upfront can lower your interest rate over the life of the loan.
  
  
• Compare Lenders: Shopping around can reveal differences of several tenths of a percentage point, which adds up on a long-term mortgage.
  
  

Bottom Line

Mortgage rates may move up and down like a roller coaster, but you don’t have to be at their mercy. By focusing on factors you can control—your credit score, loan type, and loan term—you can position yourself for the best possible outcome in today’s market.

Connect with a local real estate agent and a trusted lender to discuss strategies tailored to your situation. The right preparation now could save you tens of thousands of dollars and put you in a stronger position for homeownership—even amid rate volatility.