Mortgage rates have dropped impressively since this time last week. According to Zillow data, the 30-year fixed rate is down 37 basis points to 6.39%, and the 15-year fixed rate has decreased by 27 basis points to 5.71%. The 5/1 ARM rate is also down 15 basis points to 6.35%.
If you want to buy a house now and are financially ready, this could be a good time to start house hunting. Rates are inching down and there is more inventory in summer months than other times of the year.
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Learn more: What is the best time of year to buy a house?
Mortgage rates today
Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data:
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30-year fixed: 6.39%
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20-year fixed: 6.03%
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15-year fixed: 5.71%
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5/1 ARM: 6.35%
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7/1 ARM: 6.17%
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30-year FHA: 5.54%
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30-year VA: 5.69%
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15-year VA: 5.25%
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5/1 VA: 6.08%
Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth.
Read more: Is it a good time to buy a house?
Mortgage payment calculator
A mortgage calculator can help you see how different mortgage term lengths and interest rates will impact your monthly payments. Use the free Yahoo Finance mortgage calculator to play around with different outcomes.
Our calculator also considers factors like property taxes and homeowners insurance when estimating your monthly mortgage payment. This gives you a better idea of your total monthly payment than if you just looked at mortgage principal and interest.
30-year mortgage rates today
Today’s average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.39%. A 30-year term is the most popular type of mortgage because by spreading out your payments over 360 months, your monthly payment is relatively low.
If you had a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term and a 6.39% rate, your monthly payment toward the principal and interest would be about $1,875, and you’d pay $374,839 in interest over the life of your loan — on top of that original $300,000.
15-year mortgage rates today
The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.71% today. When deciding between a 15-year versus 30-year mortgage, there are several factors to consider.
A 15-year mortgage comes with a lower interest rate than a 30-year term. This is great in the long run because you’ll pay off your loan 15 years sooner, and that’s 15 fewer years for interest to compound.
However, because you’re squeezing the same debt payoff into half the time, your monthly payments will be higher.
If you get that same $300,000 mortgage but with a 15-year term and 5.71% rate, your monthly payment would jump up to $2,485 — but you’d only pay $147,266 in interest over the years.
Dig deeper: How much house can I afford?
Adjustable mortgage rates
With an adjustable-rate mortgage, your rate is locked in for a set period of time and then increases or decreases periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years, then changes every year.
Adjustable rates usually start lower than fixed rates, but you run the risk that your rate goes up once the introductory rate-lock period is over. But an ARM could be a good fit if you plan to sell the home before your rate-lock period ends — that way, you pay a lower rate without worrying about it rising later.
However, in recent weeks, adjustable rates have been similar to or higher than fixed rates. This may be a sign that a fixed rate is a better deal right now.
How to get a low mortgage rate
Mortgage lenders typically give the lowest mortgage rates to people with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios. So if you want a lower rate, try saving more, improving your credit score, or paying down some debt before you start shopping for homes.
You can also buy down your interest rate permanently by paying for discount points at closing. A temporary interest rate buydown is also an option — for example, maybe you get a 6.5% rate with a 2-1 buydown. Your rate would start at 4.5% for year one, increase to 5.5% for year two, then settle in at 6.5% for the remainder of your term.
Just consider whether these buydowns are worth the extra money at closing. Ask yourself whether you’ll stay in the home long enough that the amount you save with a lower rate offsets the cost of buying down your rate before making your decision.
Learn more: How to get the lowest mortgage rates
Mortgage rates today: FAQs
What are interest rates today?
Here are interest rates for the most popular mortgage terms: The national average 30-year fixed rate is 6.39%, the 15-year fixed rate is 5.71%, and the 5/1 ARM rate is 6.35%.
What is a normal mortgage rate right now?
A normal mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed loan is 6.39%. However, keep in mind that’s the national average, according to Zillow. The average might be higher or lower depending on where you live in the U.S.
Will mortgage rates drop down?
Yes, mortgage rates should drop down slightly in 2024. Rates will likely decrease more drastically throughout 2025 since the Federal Reserve plans to cut the federal funds rate several times.
