Mortgage Rates Today: May 15, 2025

Today’s average mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.90%, up 1.47% from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Research Center.

Borrowers may be able to save on interest costs by going with a 15-year fixed mortgage, which will typically have a lower rate than a 30-year, fixed-rate home loan. The average APR on a 15-year fixed mortgage is 5.95%. However, a 15-year mortgage means you are paying off the house in half the amount of time compared to a 30-year term, so your monthly payments will be higher.

If you want to refinance your existing mortgage, check out the average refinance rate.

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30-Year Mortgage Rates Climb 1.47%

Today’s 30-year mortgage—the most popular mortgage product—is 6.9%, up 1.47% 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 6.93%. Last week, the APR was 6.83%.

Let’s say your home loan is $100,000 and you have a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with the current rate of 6.9%, your monthly payment will be about $658, including principal and interest (taxes and fees not included), the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator shows. That’s around $137,747 in total interest over the life of the loan.

15-Year Mortgage Rates Climb 2.22%

Today’s 15-year mortgage (fixed-rate) is 5.9%, up 2.22% from the previous week. The same time last week, the 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage was at 5.77%.

The APR on a 15-year fixed is 5.95%. It was 5.82% a week earlier.

A 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage with today’s interest rate of 5.9% will cost $838 per month in principal and interest on a $100,000 mortgage (not including taxes and insurance). In this scenario, borrowers would pay approximately $51,370 in total interest.

Jumbo Mortgage Rates Climb 3.96%

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 7.54%. Last week, the average rate was 7.25%.

If you lock in the latest rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage, you will pay $702 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed, which amounts to $153,099 in total interest over the life of the loan.

Mortgage Rate Trends in 2025

Mortgage rates initially trended downward post-spring 2024. However, they surged again in October 2024—despite cuts by the Federal Reserve to the federal funds rate (its benchmark interest rate) in September, November and December 2024.

Rates began to drop again in mid-January 2025, but experts don’t forecast them falling by a significant amount in the near future.

When Can I Expect Mortgage Rates To Drop?

Various economic factors influence mortgage rates, making it challenging to forecast when rates will drop.

The Federal Reserve’s decisions significantly impact mortgage rates. In response to inflation or an economic downturn, the Fed may lower its federal funds rate, prompting lenders to reduce mortgage rates.

Mortgage rates also track U.S. Treasury bond yields. If bond yields drop, mortgage rates typically follow suit.

Finally, global events that cause financial disruptions can affect mortgage rates. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic led to record-low interest rates when the Fed cut rates.

While a significant decrease in mortgage rates is unlikely in the near future, they may start to decline if inflation eases or the economy weakens.

How To Calculate Mortgage Payments

Get to know your budget before you look for a house. This will give you an idea of the type of house you can afford. A good place to start is by using a mortgage calculator to get a rough estimate.

Simply input the following information:

• Home price
• Down payment amount
• Interest rate
• Loan term
• Taxes, insurance and any HOA fees

How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?

Mortgage interest rates are determined by several factors, including some that borrowers can’t control:

• Federal Reserve. The Fed rate hikes and decreases adjust the federal funds rate, which helps determine the benchmark interest rate that banks lend money at. As a result, mortgage rates tend to move in the same direction with the Fed’s rate decision.
• Bond market. Mortgages are also loosely connected to long-term bond yields as investors look for income-producing assets—specifically, the 10-year U.S. Treasury Bond. Home loan rates tend to increase as bond prices decrease, and vice versa.
• Economic health. Rates can increase during a strong economy when consumer demand is higher and unemployment levels are lower. Anticipate lower rates as the economy weakens and there is less demand for mortgages.
• Inflation. Banks and lenders may increase rates during inflationary periods to slow the rate of inflation. Additionally, inflation makes goods and services more expensive, reducing the dollar’s purchasing power.

While the above factors set the base interest rate for new mortgages, there are several areas that borrowers can focus on to get a lower rate:

• Credit score. Applicants with a credit score of 670 or above tend to have an easier time qualifying for a better interest rate. Typically, most lenders require a minimum score of 620 to qualify for a conventional mortgage.
• Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Lenders may issue mortgages to borrowers with a DTI of 50% or less. However, applying with a DTI below 43% is recommended.
• Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. Conventional home loans charge private mortgage insurance when your LTV exceeds 80% of the appraisal value, meaning you need to put at least 20% down to avoid higher rates. Additionally, FHA mortgage insurance premiums expire after the first 11 years when you put at least 10% down.
• Loan term. Longer-term loans such as a 30-year or 20-year mortgage tend to charge higher rates than a 15-year loan term. However, your monthly payment can be more affordable over a longer term.
• Residence type. Interest rates for a primary residence can be lower than a second home or an investment property. This is because the lender of your primary mortgage receives compensation first in the event of foreclosure.

What Is the Best Type of Mortgage Loan?

Conventional home loans are issued by private lenders and typically require good or excellent credit and a minimum 20% down payment to get the best rates. Some lenders offer first-time home buyer loans and grants with relaxed down payment requirements as low as 3%.

For buyers with limited credit or finances, a government-backed loan is usually the better option as the minimum loan requirements are easier to satisfy.

For example, FHA loans can require 3.5% down with a minimum credit score of 580 or at least 10% down with a credit score between 500 and 579. However, upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums can apply for the life of the loan.

Buyers in eligible rural areas with a moderate income or lower may also consider USDA loans. This program doesn’t require a down payment, but you pay an upfront and annual guarantee fee for the life of the loan.

If you come from a qualifying military background, VA loans can be your best option. First, you don’t need to make a down payment in most situations. Second, borrowers pay a one-time funding fee but don’t pay an annual fee as the FHA and USDA loan programs require.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)