Mortgage Rates by Decade Compared to Today [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

1. The interest rate you secure for your mortgage greatly influences your monthly housing costs.

2. In the 1980s, 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaged in the high 12s making the monthly principal and interest payment over $2,000.

3. Interest rates are still at historic lows; this is a great time lock in your housing cost and protect yourself from increasing rents, or refinance your current mortgage.