Home Loan Options Today's Rates Calculator About Brad Reviews Blog Contact Apply Now 📞 Call Brad at (404) 398-9991

Live Market Data

Today's Mortgage Rates

Real-time rate benchmarks for Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the SC Lowcountry — updated daily from Optimal Blue's national mortgage market index.

What You're Seeing — and What It Means for You

The rates displayed below are national market benchmarks from Optimal Blue, one of the mortgage industry's most trusted data sources. They reflect current pricing across thousands of daily loan locks and give you a real-time picture of where the market stands.

Your actual rate will depend on your credit score, down payment, loan type, property type, and other factors specific to your situation. As a broker with access to 150+ lenders, I shop your file across the market to find the most competitive rate available — which is often better than what any single bank can offer.

See a rate that interests you? Call me and I'll tell you exactly where you'd land based on your profile.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Credit score — Higher scores unlock better pricing tiers
  • Down payment — More down generally means a lower rate
  • Loan type — Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo each price differently
  • Property type — Primary home, second home, and investment property carry different rates
  • Loan term — 15-year rates are lower than 30-year rates
  • Points & fees — You can buy the rate down with discount points at closing
  • Market conditions — Rates move daily based on bond markets and economic data

Live Rate Benchmarks

Powered by Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) · Updated daily · National market data

* Rates shown are national market benchmarks from Optimal Blue and are for informational purposes only. They do not represent a commitment to lend or a guaranteed rate quote. Actual rates vary based on borrower qualifications, loan characteristics, and lender pricing at time of lock.

Why Work With a Broker Instead of a Bank?

When you go to a single bank, you get that bank's rate — take it or leave it. When you work with me, I submit your file to dozens of competing lenders and bring back the best offer. That competition typically saves borrowers anywhere from an eighth to a half point on their rate, which translates to real money over the life of a loan.

On a $400,000 loan, a quarter-point rate difference saves approximately $58 per month — over $21,000 across a 30-year term. Shopping your mortgage is worth doing, and I do it for you at no extra cost.

Rate vs. APR — Know the Difference

  • Interest rate — The base cost of borrowing, expressed as a percentage
  • APR (Annual Percentage Rate) — Includes the interest rate plus fees and costs, giving a more complete picture of total loan cost
  • Points — Upfront fees paid to "buy down" your rate; 1 point = 1% of loan amount
  • Lock period — Rates are locked for a set number of days (typically 30–60); longer locks may carry a slightly higher rate
  • Rate vs. payment — Always compare total cost, not just the rate headline

Rate Disclaimer: Rates displayed are sourced from Optimal Blue's Mortgage Market Indices and reflect national benchmark pricing based on aggregated daily lock data. These rates are for informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute a mortgage rate quote, a commitment to lend, or a guaranteed offer. Actual rates and APRs will vary based on individual borrower qualifications including credit score, debt-to-income ratio, loan-to-value ratio, loan amount, property type, occupancy, and other underwriting factors. Rates change daily and sometimes multiple times within a single business day. Contact Brad Payne for a personalized rate quote specific to your situation. Brad Payne NMLS #2366717 · Empire Home Loans NMLS #1839243 · Equal Housing Lender · Licensed in SC, GA & VA.

Ready for Your Personalized Rate?

The benchmark rates above tell you where the market is. A 5-minute conversation with Brad tells you exactly where you'd land — based on your credit, down payment, and loan type.