Mar. 1, 2010 — (FreeRateUpdate.com) – FHA mortgage rates today are better than last week. Following several improvements in mortgage-backed securities prices, which led to several favorable re-prices by investors, FHA mortgage rates dipped by an 1/8 late last week. The FHA 30 year fixed rate dipped to 4.75 
from 4.875. The FHA 5/1 ARM dipped to 3.625 from 3.75. 15 year fixed FHA rates didn’t change and remain at 4.5.
Looking for the lowest FHA mortgage rates? Search local FHA mortgage here.
FreeRateUpdate.com researches over 2 dozen wholesale lenders’ daily to determine the day’s rates. The rates we report are referred to by those in the mortgage industry as “par rates”. Our rates are the rates on any given day that are associated with about 1 point origination. These are the real mortgage rates and are often at least 1/4 below national averages reported by Bankrate.com RATE and Freddie Mac FRE. Consumers often accept rates 1/4 above what they are well qualified for because they are not aware better rates are available.
FHA Mortgage Rates Lower but Fees Higher
It’s important to remember when obtaining and FHA mortgage that you’ll be looking at higher fees. FHA charges it’s own fees that are included in closings costs no matter what bank and or broker you’re working with. One of the fees, MI, is the equivalent of about 2 points. An IRS home buyer tax credit of up to $8,000 good until April is applicable to closing costs. The tax credit is offered on FHA loans only.