Today’s mortgage and refinance rates in North Carolina

Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

Buying a home in North Carolina

According to Zillow, the typical home value in North Carolina is lower than the typical value of $356,026 across the US. The typical home value in North Carolina is $324,649, and home values have increased 23.8% over the past year. 

Historic mortgage rates for North Carolina

By looking at the average mortgage rates in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 learn about how today’s rates will affect your monthly payments.

By clicking on “More details,” you’ll see how rates can impact your long-term finances, too.

North Carolina first-time homebuyer programs

If you get a mortgage from a participating lender and are either a first-time homebuyer or an army veteran, you may qualify for financial assistance through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. Here are your options:

• NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment Program: Receive up to $8,000 for down payment assistance. You’ll pay back the loan if you sell, refinance, or transfer your home within 15 years. Otherwise, the state forgives your loan after 15 years.
• NC Home Advantage Tax Credit: Claim 30% of the interest paid on your mortgage each year on your federal taxes, or 50% if the house is a new construction. You can claim up to $2,000 per year. This program can be combined with the state’s down payment assistance program.
• 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 North Carolina

Mortgage refinance rates are at all-time lows right now, so it could be a good idea to switch your current mortgage for one with a better interest rate — especially if the new rate would be significantly lower.

You may decide to refinance with the same lender that gave you your initial mortgage, but it’s not always the best idea. A different lender may offer you a better deal the second time around. Shop around for a company 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 more for a down payment. With a conventional loan, you may be able to put down as little as 3%. But lenders reward a higher down payment with a better interest rate. Mortgage rates should stay low for a while, so you may have time to save a bigger down payment.
• Increase your credit score. Many lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 to receive a mortgage. But you can land a better interest rate with a higher score. The most important factor for boosting your score is to pay all your bills on time.
• 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 for a conventional mortgage, but a lower DTI can result in a lower rate. To improve your DTI, pay down debts or consider opportunities to increase your income.
• 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

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Washington DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming