Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make — and the details of your mortgage can add up fast. Many borrowers want to know: what can I tweak to get a better deal on my monthly payment and total interest costs?
The good news: you actually have a few key levers that can make a noticeable difference.

1. Your Credit Score Drives Pricing

Lenders use credit scores to estimate risk. A slightly higher score can often unlock a lower interest rate, which directly affects your monthly payment. According to FICO (https://www.fico.com), borrowers with scores in the mid-700s often qualify for significantly better mortgage pricing compared to those in the mid-600s. Even a 20–40 point increase can sometimes reduce your interest rate by about 0.25–0.50% depending on market conditions.

2. Down Payment Size Affects Both PMI and Rate

The more you put down, the less risk the lender takes on. According to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/), borrowers who put 20% or more down can typically avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can save hundreds per month. Even smaller increases — moving from 3% to 10% down — can sometimes lower your rate because you’re financing less and reducing risk to the lender.

3. Loan Term Changes the Interest Rate

Shorter terms (like 15-year loans) usually come with lower interest rates than 30-year terms. Freddie Mac (https://www.freddiemac.com/) data shows 15-year fixed mortgages typically average 0.5% to 0.75% lower than 30-year fixed rates. While the payment on a 15-year loan is higher because you’re paying the home off faster, the long-term interest savings can be substantial.

4. Small Changes Add Up

There’s no universal chart showing the exact impact in September 2025 because rates shift daily and vary by borrower profile. But most lenders can run side-by-side scenarios for you. Seeing how your payment changes with a slightly higher credit score, a bigger down payment, or a shorter loan term can reveal surprising savings opportunities.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to buy or refinance, don’t assume your first quote is your only option. Ask your lender to model a few scenarios — you might discover that saving a little extra, paying down debt to bump your score, or choosing a different term could save you thousands over time.

Sources:

• FICO — https://www.fico.com

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — https://www.consumerfinance.gov

• Freddie Mac — https://www.freddiemac.com