Mortgage Rate Sheets

Did you know lenders often tuck away over $1,200 in hidden fees within mortgage rate sheets? At YL Mortgage, we believe in full transparency. We break down the lingo, expose markups, and empower you to compare offers like a pro—using our smart rate sheet analysis tool.

Rate Sheet 101

The Mortgage Menu Banks Don't Want You to Understand

A rate sheet is basically your lender’s daily price list—but most borrowers never get to see the real version.

It includes:

• Base Rates: The bank’s pure cost of lending
• Markups: How lenders quietly earn profit (often hidden 0.25%–1%)
• Adjustments: Personal surcharges based on your credit score, loan amount, and other factors

Why It Matters: Most lenders only show you retail pricing—the final rate after padding in profits. We show you the wholesale cost first so you can make smarter decisions.

Anatomy of a Rate Sheet

Decoding the Matrix – Your Line-by-Line Guide

Here’s a simplified look at how rate sheets are structured—and where the numbers come from:

Loan Program	Base Rate	Points	Your Adjustment	Final Rate
Conventional 30yr	6.125%	+0.25	+0.375 (640 credit score)	6.75%
FHA 30yr	6.000%	0.00	+0.125 (5% down payment)	6.125%
VA 15yr	5.875%	-0.125	-0.250 (veteran discount)	5.50%

🟢 Green = Wholesale base rate
🔴 Red = Lender markups
🔵 Blue = Your specific loan criteria

Tip: If you’re only looking at final rates, you're likely missing the hidden fees behind them.

Explore our full Mortgage Rates Guide

Lender Markup Exposed

Where They Hide the Fees

Here’s how industry averages compare to what you actually pay at YL Mortgage:

Fee Type	Industry Avg	YL Mortgage	Your Savings
Origination	0.75%–1.5%	0.25% capped	Up to $3,000
Processing	$695–$1,495	$295 flat	Up to $1,200
Rate Markup	0.25%–0.75%	0.00%	$18,000 over 30 yrs
Lock Extensions	$500+/week	Free 30 days	Up to $1,500
See our full Closing Costs Breakdown

California Adjustments

How Your Location Changes Rates

Live in California? Your rate can shift based on your county, loan size, and natural hazards:

• County Risk Fees:
  • Los Angeles: +0.125%
  • San Francisco: +0.00%
• Loan Size Penalties:
  • <$765K: Standard rates
  • ≥$765K: +0.375% (jumbo premium)
• Natural Hazard Zone Discounts:
  • Fire zone: +0.25%
  • Non-hazard: -0.125%

Planning to buy in Orange County or San Diego? Our rate analysis tool factors in every local variable automatically.

Rate Sheet in Action

Case Study: How Sarah Saved 0.625%

Let’s break down the real-world impact of understanding rate sheets:

	Other Lender	YL Mortgage
Base Rate (6/18)	6.75%	6.125%
Credit Adjustment	+0.50% (680 FICO)	-0.125%
Points	0.75% ($4,500)	0.00%
Final Rate	7.25%	6.00%
Monthly Payment	$2,730	$2,398
30-Year Savings		$119,520
One rate sheet. One smart choice. Over $119K saved.

Daily Rate Sheet Alerts

Never Miss a Rate Drop

Stay ahead of rate changes with our automated system:

• Pre-Market Scan (5:30 AM PT)
  • Bond yield tracking
  • Fed remarks monitored
• Algorithmic Triggers
  • 0.125% drop → SMS alert
  • Volatility spike → Lock recommendation
• Post-Fed Analysis
  • Real-time sheet updates

Text "RATES" to 555-123 to receive live wholesale pricing alerts straight to your phone—free!

DIY Rate Sheet Analysis

3 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Avoid sneaky pricing tricks with these pro tips:

• Hidden Fee Codes
  • SRP: Service Release Premium = Lender kickback
  • LLPA: Loan-Level Price Adjustment = Your risk penalty
• Expired Locks
  • “Lock 45d” circled? Might’ve expired yesterday.
• Bait Rates
  • 5.99% APR (small asterisk) → Only for 800+ FICO with 40% down.

Always check what’s not being said on a rate sheet.

FAQs: Mortgage Rate Sheets Demystified