Prime Rates

One of the first things I always want to know when I'm thinking about refinancing, or buying a new home is the interest rate that is common in the area we are looking. All this is pretty high on my list right now because we're looking for 'the' place that would make the perfect retirement farmette. Maybe not quite as big as what we have now since it's just the two of us, and we don't need as much work, or space, but someplace we can still do the things we love to do -- just on a smaller scale. Knowing the california mortgage rate for instance if we're looking for a piece of property in the Sonoma valley helps to know if we're getting the best deal on a mortgage. If we're looking in Tennesse, that's what we want to know. What banks in that area consider prime lending rates. If 6% is prime, and we're getting offers of 8 then maybe we can do better at a different bank--maybe not, but at least we know, and can shop around.