The big news in real estate at the end of September 2018 was that mortgage rates reached a seven year high as they continued an upward trend they started at the beginning of this year. Rates are expected to continue to rise into next year and beyond. While the base rate is at 4.71% as of today (according to FreddieMac.com), it is important to remember that most people are receiving rates in the mid- to high 5% range or even in the low 6%. Unfortunately googling interest rates and expecting to pay what you see on the large websites that pop up first isn't going to happen for most people. Your credit score, the amount of the loan, and your down payment all play into what rate you'll receive, a