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• Mortgage rates in Miami are influenced both by economic conditions and by your personal financial history and situation.
• You can choose between fixed-rate mortgages, which offer stable monthly payments, and ARMs, which have fluctuating rates.
• A larger down payment can mean lower rates and no private mortgage insurance requirement, which saves you money.
• Even if your credit score isn’t perfect, there are mortgage choices that may work for you, including FHA and VA loans.
• First-time homebuyers in Florida can tap into a wealth of state and federal assistance programs.
Introduction to Mortgage Rates
Understanding mortgage rates in Miami is crucial for anyone interested in buying a home there.
This guide will break down how these rates are determined and explain how you can work to secure the best rate possible in your specific situation. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking to refinance, knowing more about what influences mortgage rates in Florida can help you make well-informed decisions. Buying a home is a milestone, and the more you know about what you’re doing, the smoother the process is likely to be -– and the happier you’ll probably be with the results.
Where Mortgage Rates Come From
Mortgage interest rates are not the same everywhere or for every individual. They’re strongly influenced by the bond market, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note as the primary benchmark for lenders. When interest rates on the note rise, mortgage rates typically go up as well. Unsurprisingly, the housing market also plays a key role. A strong housing market, combined with increasing inflation, can nudge mortgage rates higher.
Mortgage rates are also personalized to the borrower. The rate you are offered is influenced by your credit score, in particular. The higher your score is, the lower the rate you’ll probably be offered. Making a larger down payment can also decrease your interest rate, since lenders often consider borrowers who have more equity in their new home a lower default risk.
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is an important metric as well. In general, mortgage lenders like to see a DTI ratio of no more than 36%, though that is not necessarily the maximum. In Miami, all these factors play a significant role in the determination of mortgage rates.
See how your debt level may affect your mortgage
Use SoFi’s debt-to-income calculator to determine your personal DTI number.
See how your debt level may affect your mortgage
Use SoFi’s debt-to-income calculator to determine your personal DTI number..
How Interest Rates Affect Home Affordability
Mortgage rates have a significant impact on your home’s affordability, as they directly influence how much house you can afford.
Let’s look at an example. On a $400,000 loan, a 6.50% interest rate would yield a $2,528 monthly payment. But if the rate jumps to 7.00%, the payment increases to $2,661.
And it’s not just the monthly difference that matters. Over 30 years, the borrower with the lower rate would save almost $48,000 in interest. This is especially important to consider if you’re in the market for a home in Miami, where home prices can be high.
The term of your loan also has an impact on what you pay. A shorter term may mean higher monthly payments, but it also saves you money in interest over the lifetime of the loan. The table below shows how much difference changes in your interest rate and loan term can make on a $300,000 fixed-term loan.
Interest Rate
Loan Term
Monthly Payment
Total Interest
6.00%
30-year
$1,799
$347,515
6.00%
15-year
$2,532
$155,683
7.00%
30-year
$1,996
$418,527
7.00%
15-year
$2,697
$185,367
Miami Mortgage Rate Trends
Looking at historical mortgage rates in Miami can help you get a sense of what to expect. Although rates have increased in recent years, they’re still lower than the historical high. In October 1981, for example, weekly rates peaked at 18.63%. Today, rates in Miami are near the 50-year average.
Historical U.S. Mortgage Rates
The history of mortgage rates in the U.S. shows significant fluctuations over the years. In the 1970s, the yearly average rate for 30-year fixed-rate loans climbed to around 13.00%, reaching a peak in 1981. But rates have seen dramatic dips, too -– for example, in 2021, as the world struggled with the Covid-19 pandemic, the yearly average dropped to 2.96%.
For a visual on how much rates have varied during the past 50 years, see the graphic below.
Historical Mortgage Rates in Miami
The chart below shows how Miami’s interest rates compare to the national average during recent decades. (The Federal Housing Finance Agency stopped compiling this city-level data after 2018.)
You can see that historically, Miami rates have closely followed national trends.
Year
Miami Rate
U.S. Rate
2000
7.79
8.14
2001
7.01
7.03
2002
6.48
6.62
2003
5.72
5.83
2004
5.73
5.95
2005
5.88
6.00
2006
6.72
6.60
2007
6.64
6.44
2008
6.25
6.09
2009
5.16
5.06
2010
4.85
4.84
2011
4.51
4.66
2012
3.85
3.74
2013
3.81
3.92
2014
4.18
4.24
2015
3.90
3.91
2016
3.72
3.72
2017
4.08
4.03
2018
4.63
4.57
Source: Federal House Finance Agency
Should You Wait for Interest Rates to Drop?
Many prospective homebuyers wonder if they should postpone their purchase until rates in Miami dip. Current forecasts, however, suggest that rates are likely to remain relatively stable in the near term. According to March 2025 financial commentary, the average mortgage rate is expected to end the year at approximately 6.30%.
It’s worth noting that you can always explore the option to get a mortgage refinance later if rates happen to decline.
See How Miami’s Costs Stack Up
At 120.9% of the national average, the cost of living in this energetic and culturally diverse city is high but still affordable for many homebuyers eager to enjoy the city’s exciting atmosphere and warm weather. It’s important to consider Miami’s cost of living if you’re thinking of buying a home here, since it will have an impact on property prices. It also influences how easy it will be to fit mortgage payments into your budget.
Here’s how Miami compares to other Florida cities on an index where 100 equals the average cost of living in the U.S.
To secure the best mortgage rates in Miami that you can get, consider taking these steps.
• Review your credit score. If it’s not where you’d like it to be, work to build a stronger credit history.
• Lower your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. You can do this by paying down as much debt as you can.
• Increase your down payment. Savings and gifts from friends and family can both be used to up the amount.
• Compare rates from different lenders. There can be variations, so it’s worthwhile to review the full range of rates available to you.
• Consider going through the mortgage preapproval process. This will give you a better idea of what you can afford.
Tools & Calculators
Mortgage tools and calculators can help you make well-informed decisions about Miami mortgage rates, especially if you’re buying your first home. For example, a mortgage payment calculator can help you determine what your monthly payments would be for different loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment terms. This can help you understand how various Miami mortgage rates can affect both your monthly budget and your long-term financial goals.
Below are three mortgage calculators that may be useful.
Using the free calculators is for informational purposes only, does not constitute an offer to receive a loan, and will not solicit a loan offer. Any payments shown depend on the accuracy of the information provided.
Types of Mortgages Available in Miami, Florida
There are many different kinds of mortgages that would-be homeowners can access in Miami. With conventional home loans, you’ll generally need a credit score of 620 or above. Fortunately, the median score for a resident of Miami is 652.
If your score’s a bit lower, there are other types of mortgage loans, too. FHA loans are a popular choice thanks to their more lenient credit requirements and lower down payments, while VA loans don’t require down payments and offer potentially lower interest rates. Let’s take a closer look at some of your choices.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
Fixed-rate mortgages are helpful if you hate financial surprises. That’s because, with an interest rate that stays the same for the entire loan term, you know exactly how much you’ll be paying every month during the life of the loan. You can choose your term -– typically 15 or 30 years — depending on what works best with your budget and future plans.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM)
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are less predictable, but also have advantages. They start off with a lower rate than fixed-rate loans for a set period, after which the rates adjust regularly in keeping with market trends. ARMs can be a good deal if you’re thinking of selling your home before the fixed period ends.
For example, a 5/1 ARM gives you a fixed rate for the first five years, after which it can adjust annually. This could be a smart choice if you’re only planning to keep your house for four years. Just be aware that if your plans change and rates in Florida climb, your monthly payments could follow suit.
FHA Loans
FHA loans, which come with the Federal Housing Administration’s backing, are known for their relatively forgiving eligibility criteria. A 3.5% down payment and a credit score requirement of 580 open the doors to homeownership for many first-time buyers. These loans often come with lower mortgage rates than conventional loans, too, making them a popular choice.
VA Loans
Loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can be a great choice for people who have served or are currently serving in the military, including active-duty members, veterans, reservists, National Guard, and some surviving spouses. The most significant benefit of a VA loan is that it doesn’t require a down payment, making it an appealing option for those with minimal savings. Additionally, VA loans often have lower mortgage rates and don’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Jumbo Loans
In most parts of the country, including Miami, the 2025 limit for a conventional mortgage loan on a single-family home is $806,500. But if you want a prestige property that costs more, you may be able to access a jumbo loan. These extra-large loans may come with higher mortgage rates and more stringent qualification requirements, such as higher credit scores and larger down payments. However, they can be a good choice for someone looking to buy a luxury home in Miami.
Current mortgage rates by state.
Compare current home interest rates by state and find a mortgage rate that suits your financial goals.
Select a state to view current rates:
How to Evaluate Loan Offers in Miami, Florida
A competitive mortgage rate is the cornerstone of smart savings over the life of your loan. Even half a percentage point can add up to substantial savings, as we’ve already seen.
That’s why it’s so critical to compare the different interest rates and terms you’re offered by various lenders. And don’t forget to look at the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes fees, closing costs, and mortgage points.
Once you’ve settled on an offer, you might want to lock in your rate for up to 90 days if you’re concerned about rates going up. This may require a fee, depending on your lender.
Florida has many resources for aspiring homeowners, particularly if you qualify as a first-time homebuyer or have limited financial means.
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation administers programs such as the Florida Hometown Heroes program, which provides lower than market rates on FHA, VA, and other specified loans as well as assistance with down payments and closing costs for first-time homebuyers who work for Florida-based businesses or are serving in the military. (The program considers you a first-time homebuyer if you haven’t owned a primary residence in the past three years.)
In addition, Florida Housing provides several closing costs and down payment assistance programs, too, including the Florida Assist and the Florida Homeownership Loan Program Second Mortgage, among others. Just note that these are not available as freestanding options and can only be accessed when you get your first mortgage through Florida Housing.
Closing Costs in Miami
If you’re contemplating buying a home in Miami, it’s a good idea to figure closing costs into your budget. You can generally expect these costs to include common expenses like loan origination fees, appraisal fees, and title insurance.
Closing costs typically run between 2% and 5% of your total loan value. The average cost of a home in Miami is about $590,000, so closing costs are likely to range between $11,800 and $29,500.
The exact amount you’ll be charged for these costs is influenced by a variety of factors, from the property’s value to its specific location. To keep these costs in check, be proactive with potential lenders and don’t hesitate to negotiate fees.
The Takeaway
The mortgage market in Miami, Florida, is as diverse as the city itself, offering a multitude of options for anyone looking to make a home purchase. Whether you’re new to the market or a seasoned buyer, understanding the different types of mortgages, such as ARMs, FHA, and VA loans, can help you find the best fit for your needs. Staying in the know about the current mortgage rates in Miami and the available assistance programs can help you make sound financial decisions that will set you up for successful homeownership.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
Many economists are predicting that mortgage rates will remain fairly consistent through the end of 2026, but it’s impossible to know for sure. Watching where rates are going can be helpful when you want to buy a home. But working on your financial situation -– strengthening your credit score, paying down debt, saving up a down payment -– will help you be ready to act when the moment is right.
Will mortgage rates ever be normal again?
Mortgage rates have certainly risen since the lows of the Covid-19 pandemic, but they’re still significantly lower than the peaks seen in earlier decades. That suggests that, looked at historically, today’s rates may be “normal.” For most would-be homebuyers, focusing on assessing and improving their financial standing is probably more productive than waiting for mortgage rates to drop.
How do I lock in a mortgage rate?
To find the best possible mortgage rate available to you, comparison shop offers from different lenders. After you’ve chosen the offer you like, ask your lender about locking in the rate. Rate locks, which usually last between 30 and 60 days, are sometimes free but often cost between 0.25% and 0.50% of the loan amount.
How do mortgage interest rates function?
Mortgage interest is essentially the fee you pay your lender for the privilege of borrowing money to buy a home. Your mortgage interest rate tells you how much that fee will be. It’s usually expressed as a percentage of your loan amount. With a fixed rate loan, that percentage never changes and you pay the same amount every month for the life of your loan. With a variable or adjustable rate, the percentage can change, so you won’t necessarily know exactly what you will owe each month.
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*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
