Today's 30-year mortgage rates hold steady

Mortgage rates held steady today at 7.000% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan, unchanged from yesterday. Rates fluctuate often so it's important to shop around.

Many factors determine mortgage rates including your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment amount, and the economic climate. Rates also differ between lenders.

Compare mortgage rates by getting multiple loan estimates, choosing between fixed- and adjustable-rate loans, using a mortgage calculator, and getting pre-approved.

To qualify for a mortgage, you typically need steady income and employment, assets, a down payment, and a credit score over 580. Requirements vary by loan type.

You can tap into home equity via a home equity loan or HELOC. The former has fixed payments, while a HELOC has a revolving credit line. Both let you use equity for things like debt consolidation.