Today’s WI Mortgage & Refinance Rates

Buying a home in Wisconsin

According to Zillow, the typical home value in Wisconsin is lower than the typical value of $349,816 across the US. The typical home value in Wisconsin is $262,362, and home values have increased 13.7% over the past year.

Historic mortgage rates for Wisconsin

By looking at the average mortgage rates in Wisconsin since 2010, you can see trends for 30-year fixed mortgages, 15-year fixed mortgages, and 7/1 adjustable mortgages:

Seeing how today’s rates compare to historic Wisconsin mortgage rates may help you decide whether you’d be getting a good deal by getting a mortgage or refinancing now.

Mortgage calculator

Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today’s mortgage rates would affect your monthly payments.

By clicking on “More details,” you’ll read about how to save money on your mortgage.

Wisconsin first-time homebuyer programs

If you get either a conventional mortgage or FHA mortgage from a participating lender, you may qualify for one of the following programs through the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority:

• WHEDA Easy Close Down Payment Assistance: Receive a loan for up to 6% of your home price to use for a down payment. You’ll repay the loan over 10 years and pay the same interest rate as you pay on your mortgage.
• WHEDA Capital Access Down Payment Assistance: You can receive a loan for up to $3,050, or 3% of a conventional mortgage and 3.5% of an FHA mortgage — whichever is greater. You won’t pay any interest.
• Federal Housing Administration mortgage: You can get a down payment of 3.5% with a credit score of at least 580, or get a mortgage with a credit score between 500 and 580 with 10% down using this loan, which is also called an FHA loan. 
• United States Department of Agriculture mortgage: These loans, also called USDA loans, can be useful if you are a low-to-moderate income borrower looking to buy a home in a rural or suburban area.
• Veterans Affairs mortgage: These mortgages, also called VA loans, are for active-service military members or veterans, or spouses of members who have died and can provide lower interest rates than conventional mortgages.

Refinancing your mortgage in Wisconsin

Mortgage refinance rates are low these days, so it could be a good time to refinance your current mortgage into one with a lower interest rate — especially if the new rate would be significantly lower.

You might end up refinancing with the same lender that gave you your original mortgage, but it’s not always the best idea. A different company could offer you a lower rate the second time around. Shop around for a lender that will offer the best interest rate and charge relatively low fees.

How to get a low interest rate on your mortgage

Here are some tips for landing a good interest rate on your mortgage:

• Save for a down payment. With a conventional loan, you may be able to put down as little as 3%. But the higher your down payment, the lower your rate will likely be. Rates should stay low for a while, so you probably have time to save more.
• Increase your credit score. Many lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 to receive a mortgage. But the higher your score, the better your rate will be. To improve your credit score, be sure to pay all your bills on time. You can also pay down debts or let your credit age.
• Lower your debt-to-income ratio. Your DTI is the amount you pay toward debts each month, divided by your gross monthly income. Most lenders want to see a DTI of 36% or less, but an even lower DTI can result in a better rate. To improve your DTI, pay down debts or figure out whether you can earn more money.
• Choose a federally backed mortgage. If you’re eligible, you might consider a USDA loan (for low-to-moderate-income borrowers buying in a rural area), a VA loan (for military members and veterans), or an FHA loan (not designated for any particular group). These loans typically come with lower interest rates than conventional mortgages. As a bonus, you won’t need a down payment for USDA or VA loans.

Improving your financial situation and choosing the right type of mortgage for your needs can help you get the best interest rate possible.

Mortgage and refinance rates by state

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