Skip to Main Content

Minnesota Mortgage and Refinance Rates

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 6.95%. The national average 30-year fixed refinance APR is 6.96%, according ... to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

Current mortgage rates in Minnesota

After a decade of low rates, mortgage interest rates climbed in 2023 to their highest levels since 2000. As of Thursday, March 28, 2024, current interest rates in Minnesota are 7.06% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.50% for a 15-year fixed mortgage.

Elevated mortgage rates continue to make housing affordability a challenge for Minnesota homebuyers, and refinances far less desirable for homeowners. While mortgage rates are difficult to predict, many economists expect them to remain well above their historical lows for the foreseeable future.

Home prices remain high, too, with the median sale price in Minnesota up 4.9 percent year-over-year as of Feb. 2024, according to Redfin. Minneapolis’ median sale price ($325,000) was up 8.3 percent year-over-year, and St. Paul’s median sale price ($281,400) was up 10.6 percent.

Refinance rates in Minnesota

Refinance rates in Minnesota have risen significantly in the past two years, making refinancing less of an option for Minnesotans. Refinancing might be challenging in the current high-rate environment, but you could save thousands if rates dip and you snag a lower rate. Check out our mortgage refinance calculator to understand whether refinancing in Minnesota would be a smart move for you.

Along with rising rates, home values have grown significantly. Minnesota borrowers who saw their home equity rise in recent years might still be interested in refinancing as a way to tap those funds.

Minnesota mortgage rate trends

As of October 2023, mortgage rates nationally and in Minnesota rose to their highest levels since 2000, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. As the Federal Reserve may cut rates this year, rates are expected to trend downward in 2024 and into 2025.

National mortgage rates by loan type

Product Interest Rate APR
30-Year Fixed Rate 6.91% 6.95%
15-Year Fixed Rate 6.42% 6.50%
5-1 ARM 6.63% 8.00%
30-Year Fixed Rate FHA 6.69% 6.73%
30-Year Fixed Rate VA 7.04% 7.08%
30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo 7.02% 7.07%

Rates as of Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 AM

 

 

Mortgage statistics for Minnesota

Minnesota’s home prices have registered robust appreciation for years. Here are some statistics about mortgages and the housing market in The Land of 10,000 Lakes:

  • Average home value (as of Mar. 2024): $323,034 (Zillow)
  • Homeownership rate (as of Q4 2023): 73.9% (U.S. Census Bureau)
  • Number of homes for sale (as of Feb. 2024): 13,483 (Redfin)
  • Homes with price drops (as of Feb. 2024): 21.9% (Redfin)

Mortgage options in Minnesota

If you want to make Minnesota your home, you have several mortgage options to choose from:

  • Minnesota conventional mortgages: To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 620 and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of no more than 45 percent. If you make a down payment of less than 20 percent, you’ll need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums, as well.
  • Minnesota FHA loans: If your credit history disqualifies you from a conventional mortgage, you might be able to obtain a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). If you have a down payment of at least 3.5 percent, you could qualify for this type of loan with a credit score as low as 580.
  • Minnesota VA loans: If you’re a veteran or active-duty member of the military, you might qualify for a mortgage guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A VA loan doesn’t require a down payment or mortgage insurance, but you do need to pay a funding fee, which ranges from 1.25 percent to 3.3 percent.

First-time homebuyer programs in Minnesota

Minnesota offers first-time homebuyer programs that can help those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years find low-interest mortgages. These programs, administered through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, also offer smaller loans to help pay fees and closing costs. Here’s an overview:

  • Minnesota Housing Start Up: If you’re a first-time homebuyer or haven’t owned a home in the past three years, you might be eligible for the Minnesota Housing Start Up program. This program includes fixed-interest mortgages with as little as 3 percent down, along with closing cost and down payment assistance loans up to $18,000. To help lower your monthly mortgage payment, the Start Up program also includes low- or no-mortgage insurance options. To qualify, you must meet Minnesota Housing income limits (up to $142,800 based on county) and purchase price limits ($659,550 in the 11-County Twin Cities Metro and $604,400 in all other counties as of 2024).
  • Minnesota Housing Monthly Payment Loan: If you qualify for Start Up or another Minnesota Housing loan, you might be eligible for up to $18,000 toward your down payment or closing costs.
  • Minnesota Housing Deferred Payment Loans: Minnesota Housing offers two other down payment assistance options, as well: a Deferred Payment loan up to $16,500 for a down payment or closing costs; or a Deferred Payment Plus option offering as much as $18,000. These come with zero interest and no monthly payments, but you’ll have a large balloon payment due at the end of the loan term. To learn the eligibility criteria, you’ll need to contact a participating lender.

How to find the best mortgage rate in Minnesota for you

  • Step 1: Strengthen your credit score - Long before you start looking for a mortgage lender or applying for a loan, give your finances a checkup, and improve your credit score if needed.
  • Step 2: Determine your budget - To find the right mortgage, you’ll need a good handle on how much house you can afford.
  • Step 3: Know your mortgage options - There are a few different types of mortgages.
  • Step 4: Compare rates and terms from several lenders - Rate-shop with at least three different banks or mortgage companies.
  • Step 5: Get preapproved for a mortgage - Getting a mortgage preapproval is the only way to get accurate loan pricing for your specific situation.

Lender compare

Compare mortgage lenders side by side

Mortgage rates and fees can vary widely across lenders. To help you find the right one for your needs, use this tool to compare lenders based on a variety of factors. Bankrate has reviewed and partners with these lenders, and the two lenders shown first have the highest combined Bankrate Score and customer ratings. You can use the drop downs to explore beyond these lenders and find the best option for you.

Caret DownCaret Up
Garden State Home Loans

NMLS: 473163

State License: MB-473163

3.6

Rating: 3.6 stars out of 5
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
Bankrate Score
Info

Recent Customer Reviews

Info
Rating: 4.98 stars out of 5

5.0

562reviews

Caret DownCaret Up
Homefinity

NMLS: 2289

State License: 4965

4.5

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
Bankrate Score
Info

Recent Customer Reviews

Info
Rating: 4.94 stars out of 5

4.9

1062reviews

Additional Minnesota mortgage resources