The current mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose by 0.06 percentage point in the last week to 6.92%, according to the Mortgage Research Center.
Meanwhile, the APR on a 15-year fixed mortgage climbed 0.04 percentage point during the same period to 5.98%.
For existing homeowners, compare your current mortgage rates with today’s refinance rates.
30-Year Mortgage Rates
Today's 30-year mortgage—the most popular mortgage product—is 6.92%, up 0.06 percentage point 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 annual percentage rate, or the APR. This week the APR on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.96%. Last week, the APR was 6.9%.
Let's say your home loan is $100,000 and you have a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with the current rate of 6.92%, your monthly payment will be about $660, including principal and interest (taxes and fees not included), the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator shows. That's around $138,446 in total interest over the life of the loan.
15-Year Mortgage Rates
The average interest rate on a 15-year mortgage (fixed-rate) jumped up to 5.98%. This same time last week, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was at 5.95%.
On a 15-year fixed, the APR is 6.04%. Last week it was 6%.
At today's interest rate of 5.98%, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage would cost approximately $843 per month in principal and interest per $100,000. You would pay around $52,293 in total interest over the life of the loan.
Jumbo Mortgage Rates
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 0.08 percentage point from last week to 7.38%.
Borrowers with a 30-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage with today's interest rate of 7.38% will pay approximately $691 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed. That would be $149,306.
How To Calculate Mortgage Payments
One of the first steps in buying a house is budgeting. To get a rough idea of how much owning a home will cost, start by using a mortgage calculator to crunch the numbers.
Just input the following data to get an idea of how much a house will cost:
- Home price
- Down payment amount
- Interest rate
- Loan term
- Taxes, insurance and any HOA fees
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?
Home loan borrowers can qualify for better mortgage rates by having good or excellent credit, maintaining a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and pursuing loan programs that don't charge mortgage insurance premiums or similar ongoing charges that increase the loan's annual percentage rate (APR).
Comparing rates from different mortgage lenders is an excellent starting point. You may also compare conventional, first-time homebuyer and government-backed programs like FHA and VA loans, which have different rates and fees.
Several economic factors influence the trajectory of rates for new home loans. For example, Federal Reserve rate hikes indirectly cause the interest rates for many long-term loans to increase. Rates are more likely to decrease when the Fed pauses or decreases its benchmark Federal Funds Rate.
The inflation rate and the general state of the economy also impact interest rates. High inflation and a strong economy typically signal higher rates. Cooling consumer demand or inflation may lead to rate decreases.
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)
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.
How can I get a lower mortgage interest rate?
Comparing lenders and loan programs is an excellent start. Borrowers should also strive for a good or excellent credit score between 670 and 850 and a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less.
Furthermore, making a minimum down payment of 20% on conventional mortgages can help you automatically waive private mortgage insurance premiums, which increases your borrowing costs. Buying discount points or lender credits can also reduce your interest rate.
How long can you lock in a mortgage rate?
Most rate locks last 30 to 60 days and your lender may not charge a fee for this initial period. However, extending the rate lock period up to 90 or 120 days is possible, depending on your lender, but additional costs may apply.
