Answers · Updated 2026-09-26
How to Get a 3% to 4% Mortgage Rate Today
Can I still get a 3% to 4% mortgage rate? Yes, on the right home. Assumable FHA and VA loans let a qualified buyer take over the seller's existing loan at the rate it was written at, often in the 3% range, and new-home builders frequently pay to buy down the rate for buyers who use their preferred lender.
With an assumption, you pay the seller the difference between the price and the remaining loan balance, in cash or with a second loan, and the servicer must approve you. Builder buydowns can be permanent for the life of the loan or temporary, such as a 2-1 buydown that rises over the first two years, so ask which one you are getting. Availability depends on the specific home and current builder incentives. Rates shown are examples, not an offer to lend.
Step by step
- Look for homes with an assumable FHA or VA loan and ask the listing agent for the current rate and balance.
- Or shop new-construction communities offering a builder-paid rate buydown.
- Ask whether the buydown is permanent or temporary (2-1, 1-0).
- Get pre-approved so you qualify for the assumption or the builder's lender.
Related questions
How do I stop paying rent?
Buy a home with a monthly payment close to what you already pay in rent. The path is: check your credit, get pre-approved by a lender, find out which down payment assistance programs you qualify for, then shop for homes priced to your approved payment.
I'm tired of paying rent. What should I do?
Find out what your rent would buy. Enter your current rent and city above to see a home price range with a similar monthly payment, then talk to a lender about a pre-approval. It costs nothing to check and does not commit you to buy.
How much house can I afford with what I pay in rent?
As a rough rule, every $1,000 a month you pay in rent supports about $130,000 to $140,000 in purchase price, assuming an FHA loan with 3.5% down at a rate around 6.5%, including taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance. At $3,250 a month in rent, that is roughly a $440,000 to $480,000 home.
How much money do I need to buy a house?
Less than most renters think. FHA loans require 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score, some conventional loans require 3% down, and VA and USDA loans can require 0% down. Closing costs typically run 2% to 5% of the price and can often be covered by seller credits or assistance programs.