The current average mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.71%, compared to 6.88% a week earlier, according to the Mortgage Research Center.
For borrowers who want a shorter mortgage, the average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage is 5.66%, down 4.18% from the previous week.
Homeowners who want to lock in a lower rate by refinancing should compare their existing mortgage rate to today’s refinance rates.
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30-Year Mortgage Rates Drop 2.53%
Today’s 30-year mortgage—the most popular mortgage product—is 6.71%, down 2.53% from a week earlier.
The interest rate is just one fee included in your mortgage. You’ll also pay lender fees, which differ from lender to lender. Both interest rate and lender fees are captured in the APR. This week the APR on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.74%. Last week, the APR was 6.92%.
Let’s say your home loan is $100,000 and you have a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with the current rate of 6.71%, your monthly payment will be about $646, including principal and interest (taxes and fees not included), the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator shows. That’s around $133,280 in total interest over the life of the loan.
15-Year Mortgage Rates Drop 4.18%
Today, the 15-year mortgage rate declined to 5.66%, lower than it was at this time yesterday. Last week, it was 5.91%.
On a 15-year fixed, the APR is 5.71%. Last week it was 5.96%.
A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage of $100,000 with today’s interest rate of 5.66% will cost $826 per month in principal and interest. Over the life of the loan, you would pay $49,127 in total interest.
Jumbo Mortgage Rates Drop 3.39%
The current average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage (a mortgage above 2025’s conforming loan limit of $806,500 in most areas) is 7.06%. Last week, the average rate was 7.31%.
If you lock in the latest rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage, you will pay $669 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed, which amounts to $141,398 in total interest over the life of the loan.
Overview of 2025 Mortgage Rate Trends to Date
Although mortgage rates mainly fell after reaching a high in spring 2024, they surged again in October 2024. This is despite the Federal Reserve’s cuts to the federal funds rate (its benchmark interest rate) in September, November and December 2024.
While rates have fallen somewhat since mid-January 2025, experts don’t expect them to drop significantly anytime soon.
When Can I Expect Mortgage Rates To Drop?
Mortgage rates are influenced by various economic factors, making it difficult to predict when they will drop.
Mortgage rates follow U.S. Treasury bond yields. When bond yields decrease, mortgage rates generally follow suit.
The Federal Reserve’s decisions and global events also play a key role in shaping mortgage rates. If inflation rises or the economy slows, the Fed may lower its federal funds rate. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fed reduced rates, which drove interest rates to record lows.
A significant drop in mortgage rates seems unlikely in the near future. However, they may decline if inflation eases or the economy weakens.
How Much House Can I Afford?
The first step on your homebuying journey should be to calculate affordability. You’ll want to find out how much you can afford based on things like income, debt and savings.
Here are a few important factors that go into home affordability:
- Income
- Debt
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
- Down payment
- Credit score
How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?
Multiple factors affect the interest rate for a mortgage, including the economy’s overall health, benchmark interest rates and borrower-specific factors.
The Federal Reserve’s rate decisions and inflation can influence rates to move higher or lower. Although the Fed raising rates doesn’t directly cause mortgage rates to rise, an increase to its benchmark interest rate makes it more expensive for banks to lend money to consumers. Conversely, rates tend to decrease during periods of rate cuts and cooling inflation.
Home buyers can make several moves to improve their finances and qualify for competitive rates. One is having a good or excellent credit score, which ranges from 670 to 850. Another is maintaining a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio below 43%, which implies less risk of being unable to afford the monthly mortgage payment.
Further, making a minimum 20% down payment can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) on conventional home loans. If you can afford the larger monthly payment, 15-year home loans have lower rates than a 30-year term.
What Is the Best Type of Mortgage Loan?
Many home buyers are eligible for several mortgage loan types. Each program can have its own advantages:
- Conventional mortgage. A conventional home loan is ideal for borrowers with good or excellent credit to qualify for competitive rates. Additionally, making a minimum 20% down payment helps you waive private mortgage insurance premiums.
- FHA loan. An FHA home loan is best when applying with imperfect credit or a low down payment. You can put as little as 3.5% down with a credit score above 580. A minimum 10% down payment is necessary for credit scores ranging from 500 to 579.
- VA loan. Borrowers with a qualifying military background may prefer a VA loan for its flexibility. A down payment may not be required. While you pay a one-time funding fee, there are no ongoing mortgage insurance premiums or service fees.
- USDA loan. Applicants in eligible rural areas can buy or build a home with no down payment, although an upfront and annual guarantee fee applies. Additionally, income requirements apply and this program requires a moderate income or lower.
- Jumbo loan. Homebuyers in a high-cost-of-living area will need to apply for a jumbo loan when the loan amount exceeds the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s conforming loan limits. The limit in most municipalities is $806,500 in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good mortgage rate?
A competitive mortgage rate currently ranges from 6% to 8% for a 30-year fixed loan. Several factors impact mortgage rates, including the repayment term, loan type and borrower’s credit score.
Will interest rates ever go back to 3%?
The Federal Reserve’s efforts to stabilize the economy during the Covid-19 pandemic drove the historically low rates. As the economy recovers, the unemployment rate decreases and inflation is controlled, rates may dip below current levels, but they’re unlikely to fall as low as 3% again anytime soon.
Should I choose a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage?
Choosing between a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) depends on your financial situation. A fixed-rate mortgage suits those who want consistent monthly payments throughout the loan term without worrying about fluctuations in their rate or payments in response to market changes. If mortgage rates are low, securing a fixed rate can save you money in the long run.
An ARM, on the other hand, may appeal to those who want a lower initial rate and monthly payment. However, you also run the risk of ending up with higher payments if your rate fluctuates. If you expect your income to rise, you may feel confident handling these potential payment increases. These mortgages can also work well for those who plan to live in a home for only a few years, as you might sell or move before the rate adjusts.