Getting the best possible mortgages rates isn’t easy, but it can be done. Here’s what you need to know.

What type of mortgage you’re going to get. – There are two different types of mortgages: fixed rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages. The former locks you into an interest rate that you’ll pay over the course of the loan’s term. The latter’s interest rate fluctuates, as you might expect, and they usually offer lower introductory rates. However, it’s important to really remember that the interest rate can and will change eventually later on.

Whether you’re going to pay for points or not. – Points are basically upfront fees — one percent of the total mortgage amount — that’s paid to lower the interest rate by a fixed amount. Paying for points is a good idea if you’re going to be paying the loan off over a long time. However, upfront costs often outweigh these savings further on.

Whether you qualify for a special program. – You might be eligible for a special program that can make the house-buying process more affordable, which is why it’s a good idea to think before you buy. Some of the programs that you might qualify for include VA loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, and first-time homebuyer programs. Look into these options, and you may find yourself with in a better place to get great mortgages rates.

Getting home mortgage lenders to give you great rates isn’t easy, and the myriad of different factors — like the different types of mortgages or the difference between high versus low deposit home loans — doesn’t make it any less difficult. Nevertheless, you can get great home loans rates if you’re willing to put in the work.

If you have any questions about mortgages rates, feel free to share in the comments.