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The current average mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.57% with an APR of 6.60%, according to the Mortgage Research Center. The 15-year fixed mortgage has an average rate of 5.51% with an APR of 5.55%. On a 30-year jumbo mortgage, the average rate is 6.70% with an APR of 6.72%.
30-Year Mortgage Rates Drop 0.67%
Today’s average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is 6.57%, which is 0.67% lower than last week.
The interest plus lender fees, called the annual percentage rate (APR), on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.6%. The APR was 6.64% last week.
To get an idea about how much you might pay in interest, consider that the current 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage of 6.57% on a $100,000 loan will cost $636 per month in principal and interest (taxes and fees not included), the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator shows. The total amount you’ll pay in interest during the loan’s lifespan is $129,798.
15-Year Mortgage Rates Drop 1.84%
Today’s 15-year mortgage (fixed-rate) is 5.51%, down 1.84% from the previous week. The same time last week, the 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage was at 5.61%.
The APR on a 15-year fixed is 5.55%. It was 5.66% a week earlier.
A 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage with today’s interest rate of 5.51% will cost $817 per month in principal and interest on a $100,000 mortgage (not including taxes and insurance). In this scenario, borrowers would pay approximately $47,582 in total interest.
Jumbo Mortgage Rates Drop 3.10%
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 3.10% from last week to 6.7%.
Borrowers with a 30-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage with today’s interest rate of 6.7% will pay approximately $645 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed. That would be $132,826.
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 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
Before you look for a house, you should get to know your budget. 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?
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 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 Type of Mortgage Is Best for You?
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)
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 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.
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.
What determines your interest rate?
National average interest rates depend on economic and market conditions, including the bond market, inflation, the economy and Federal Reserve decisions.
Lenders set rates based on the loan type and term. In general, shorter terms tend to come with lower rates. Additionally, making a larger down payment signals less risk to the lender, which could get you a better rate.
Other factors that can impact your rate include your credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income and property location.