Cory Thompson

Mid America Mortgage, Inc.

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Cory Thompson January 29, 2016

Video: What Is “Prime”?

What Is “Prime”?

The Prime Lending Rate – sometimes just called “Prime”  – is the interest rate that banks charge each other for overnight loans. Some consumer rates – like ARMs – are set in relation to Prime.

In the US, Prime is affected by the Federal Reserve lending rate to banks; historically, Prime is about 3 percent above the Fed rate.

The video shows  an example.

  • The Federal Reserve loans to Bank A at 1%
  • Bank A loans to Bank B at 4%
  • Both banks – A & B – will recalculate variable-rate loans like ARMs on that 4% Prime figure.

ARM rates are frequently defined as “% above Prime” – that gap is usually called the “margin” or “spread.” Just remember those 3 layers in Prime: Federal Reserve Bank A Bank B And finally, YOUR rate.

What Is Prime

Filed Under: Mortagage Tips Tagged With: Mortgage Tips, Video

Cory Thompson

Cory Thompson


Mortgage Loan Originator
Mobile 832.347.1855
Office 281.218.0505

NMLS ID 225056

Legend Lending

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