Today’s average mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.76%, up 0.03% 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 often have a lower rate than a 30-year, fixed-rate home loan. The average APR on a 15-year fixed mortgage is 5.79%. However, you’ll have higher monthly payments since you’re paying off your mortgage in 15 years instead of 30.
If you want to refinance your existing mortgage, check out the average refinance rate.
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30-Year Mortgage Rates Climb 0.03%
Today, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage is 6.76%, compared to last week when it was 6.76%.
The APR on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is 6.79%. The APR was 6.79% last week. APR is the all-in cost of your loan.
With today’s interest rate of 6.76%, a 30-year fixed mortgage of $100,000 costs approximately $650 per month in principal and interest (taxes and fees not included), the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator shows. Borrowers will pay about $134,549 in total interest over the life of the loan.
15-Year Mortgage Rates Climb 0.07%
Today, the 15-year mortgage rate jumped up to 5.74%, higher than it was yesterday. Last week, it was 5.74%.
On a 15-year fixed, the APR is 5.79%. Last week it was 5.78%.
With an interest rate of 5.74%, you would pay $830 per month in principal and interest for every $100,000 borrowed. Over the life of the loan, you would pay $49,850 in total interest.
Jumbo Mortgage Rates Drop 2.06%
Today’s 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) fell 2.06% from last week to 7.03%.
Borrowers with a 30-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage with today’s interest rate of 7.03% will pay approximately $668 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed. That would be $140,719.
Overview of 2025 Mortgage Rate Trends to Date
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 Will Mortgage Rates Go Down?
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
To get an estimate of your mortgage costs, using a mortgage calculator can help.
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?
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 Type of Mortgage Is Best for You?
As you compare lenders, consider getting rate quotes for several loan programs. In addition to comparing rates and fees, these programs can have flexible down payment and credit requirements that make qualifying easier.
Conventional mortgages are likely to offer competitive rates when you have a credit score between 670 and 850, although it’s possible to qualify with a minimum score of 620. This home loan type also doesn’t require annual fees when you have at least 20% equity and waive PMI.
Several government-backed programs are better when you want to make little or no down payment:
- FHA loans. Borrowers with a credit score above 580 only need to put 3.5% down and applicants with credit scores ranging from 500 to 579 are only required to make a 10% down payment with FHA loans.
- VA loans. Servicemembers, veterans and qualifying spouses don’t need to make a down payment when the sales price is less than the home’s appraisal value. VA loan credit requirements vary by lender.
- USDA loans. Applicants in eligible rural areas can buy or build a home with no money down using a USDA loan. Moderate-income borrowers can qualify for a 30-year fixed-rate term through the Guaranteed Loan Program. Further, buyers with a very low or low income can receive a 33-year term and payment assistance is available through the agency’s Direct Loans program. Credit requirements differ by lender
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.