A rate is a menu, not a number. Points, credits, rate locks and buydowns all move the price in different ways, and the right choice depends on how long you will keep the loan.
Read the pricing foundation first. Then use the offer comparison guides when you have real quotes in hand.
Loan program pages: The true cost of a mortgage · Why lenders quote different rates · conventional · conventional credit
Rates and points
Rates and pointsRead: How Mortgage Pricing Works
Rates and pointsRead: How to Compare Mortgage Offers
Rates and pointsRead: Points vs Lender Credits
Comparing offers
Comparing offersRead: How to Compare Mortgage Offers
Comparing offersRead: Mortgage Rate Locks
Comparing offersRead: 2/1 Buydown: How It Works, Qualifying and Cost
Comparing offersRead: Seller Credit vs Price Reduction
Comparing offersRead: How Mortgage Pricing Works
Comparing offersRead: 15 Year vs 30 Year Mortgage