Mortgage Rates Today: September 25, 2025 – Rates Move Up

Currently, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.37%, compared to 6.15% a week ago, according to the Mortgage Research Center.

For borrowers who want to pay off their home faster, the average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage is 5.43%, up 4.50% from the previous week.

If you’re thinking about refinancing to lock in a lower rate, compare your existing mortgage rate with current market rates to make sure it’s worth the cost to refinance.

30-Year Mortgage Rates Climb 3.61%

Today’s average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is 6.37%, which is 3.61% higher than last week.

The interest plus lender fees, called the annual percentage rate (APR), on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.4%. The APR was 6.18% last week.

To get an idea about how much you might pay in interest, consider that the current 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage of 6.37% on a $100,000 loan will cost $624 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 $125,276.

15-Year Mortgage Rates Climb 4.50%

Today, the 15-year mortgage rate jumped up to 5.43%, higher than it was one day ago. Last week, it was 5.2%.

On a 15-year fixed, the APR is 5.48%. Last week it was 5.24%.

A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage of $100,000 with today’s interest rate of 5.43% will cost $813 per month in principal and interest. Over the life of the loan, you would pay $46,865 in total interest.

Jumbo Mortgage Rates Climb 1.50%

On a 30-year jumbo mortgage (a mortgage above 2025’s conforming loan limit of $806,500 in most areas), the average interest rate rose to 6.76%, higher than it was at this time last week. The average rate was 6.66% at this time last week.

Borrowers with a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage with today’s interest rate of 6.76% will pay $649 per month in principal and interest per $100,000. That means you’d pay roughly $134,118 in total interest over the life of the loan.

Overview of 2025 Mortgage Rate Trends to Date

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 high-5% range since its January peak of 6.27%.

While rates dropped in mid-January 2025, experts aren’t forecasting a significant decrease in the near future.

When Will Mortgage Rates Go Down?

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

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?

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.

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