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Thirty-year mortgage rates fell to a one-year low today. The current average mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.12%, according to the Mortgage Research Center. The average rate on a 15-year mortgage is 5.30%, while the average rate on a 30-year jumbo mortgage is 6.39%.
30-Year Mortgage Rates Drop 1.05%
Today’s 30-year mortgage—the most popular mortgage product—is 6.12%, down 1.05% 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 6.15%. Last week, the APR was 6.21%.
Let’s say your home loan is $100,000 and you have a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with the current rate of 6.12%, your monthly payment will be about $607, including principal and interest (taxes and fees not included), the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator shows. That’s around $119,276 in total interest over the life of the loan.
15-Year Mortgage Rates Drop 0.88%
The average interest rate on a 15-year mortgage (fixed-rate) dropped to 5.3%. This same time last week, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was at 5.35%.
The APR on a 15-year fixed is 5.35%. It was 5.39% this time last week.
A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage of $100,000 with today’s interest rate of 5.3% will cost $806 per month in principal and interest. Over the life of the loan, you would pay $45,599 in total interest.
Jumbo Mortgage Rates Climb 0.71%
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 6.39%—0.71% higher than last week.
A 30-year jumbo mortgage at today’s fixed interest rate of 6.39% will cost you $625 per month in principal and interest per $100,000. That adds up to approximately $125,347 in total interest over the life of the loan.
Mortgage Rate Trends in 2025
After reaching 7.04% in January, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has steadily remained in the mid-to-high 6% range. The 15-year fixed mortgage rate has hovered between the low-6% and mid-to-high 5% range since its January peak of 6.27%.
Rates have trended downward since mid-January 2025, but experts aren’t forecasting further significant decreases in 2025. Rate drops may continue in 2026, especially if the Federal Reserve continues to cut the federal funds rate down.
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 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
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you 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.
Further, making a minimum down payment of 20% on a conventional mortgage 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.
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.