Today’s SD Mortgage & Refinance Rates

Buying a home in South Dakota

According to Zillow, the typical home value in South Dakota is lower than the typical value of $320,662 across the US. The typical home value in South Dakota is $267,721, and home values have increased 17.9% over the past year. 

Historic mortgage rates for South Dakota

By looking at the average mortgage rates in South Dakota since 2012, you can see trends for 30-year fixed mortgages, 15-year fixed mortgages, and 7/1 adjustable mortgages:

Seeing how today’s rates compare to historic South Dakota mortgage rates may help you decide whether you’d be getting a good deal by getting a mortgage or refinancing now.

Mortgage calculator

Use our free mortgage calculator to get a better understanding of how today’s mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. By changing the rate or term length, you can also see how much you’ll pay over time. 

If you’d like to learn about how to save money on your mortgage over time, click on “More details” for ways to save.

South Dakota first-time homebuyer programs

If you get a mortgage from a participating lender, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the South Dakota Housing Development Authority. Here are your options:

• Down Payment Assistance: Get a loan of up to 3% of your mortgage amount, and put the money toward a down payment or closing costs. You won’t pay any interest, and you’ll repay the loan when you sell or refinance the home, or when you pay off the mortgage in full.
• SDHDA’s Tax Credit: Claim a percentage of the interest paid on your mortgage on your federal taxes each year.
• Federal Housing Administration mortgage: You can get a down payment of 3.5% with a credit score of at least 580, or get a mortgage with a credit score between 500 and 580 with 10% down using this loan, which is also called an FHA loan. 
• United States Department of Agriculture mortgage: These loans, also called USDA loans, can be useful if you are a low-to-moderate income borrower looking to buy a home in a rural or suburban area.
• Veterans Affairs mortgage: These mortgages, also called VA loans, are for active-service military members or veterans, or spouses of members who have died and can provide lower interest rates than conventional mortgages.

Refinancing your mortgage in South Dakota

Mortgage refinance rates are at all-time lows right now, so it could be a good idea to switch your current mortgage for one with a better interest rate — especially if the new rate would be significantly lower.

You may decide to refinance with the same lender that gave you your initial mortgage, but it’s not always the best idea. A different lender may offer you a better deal the second time around. Shop around for a company that will offer the best interest rate and charge relatively low fees.

How to get a low interest rate on your mortgage

Here are some tips for landing a good interest rate on your mortgage:

• Save for a down payment. With a conventional loan, you may be able to put down as little as 3%. But the higher your down payment, the lower your rate will likely be. Rates should stay low for a while, so you probably have time to save more.
• Increase your credit score. Many lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 to receive a mortgage. But the higher your score, the better your rate will be. To improve your credit score, be sure to pay all your bills on time. You can also pay down debts or let your credit age.
• Lower your debt-to-income ratio. Your DTI is the amount you pay toward debts each month, divided by your gross monthly income. Most lenders want to see a DTI of 36% or less, but an even lower DTI can result in a better rate. To improve your DTI, pay down debts or figure out whether you can earn more money.
• Choose a federally backed mortgage. If you’re eligible, you might consider a USDA loan (for low-to-moderate-income borrowers buying in a rural area), a VA loan (for military members and veterans), or an FHA loan (not designated for any particular group). These loans typically come with lower interest rates than conventional mortgages. As a bonus, you won’t need a down payment for USDA or VA loans.

Improving your financial situation and choosing the right type of mortgage for your needs can help you get the best interest rate possible.

Additional South Dakota mortgage resources

Mortgage and refinance rates by state

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Laura Grace Tarpley, CEPF

Editor, Banking & Mortgages