[Fox Business] Looking for today’s lowest mortgage rate? Try 15-year terms | August 4, 2023
Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage rates for home purchases have risen for three key terms, while another has held steady since yesterday.
Rates last updated on August 4, 2023. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary. Credible, a personal finance marketplace, has 5,000 Trustpilot reviews with an average star rating of 4.7 (out of a possible 5.0).
What this means: Mortgage purchase rates have maintained a pattern of longer terms staying within the 8% range, while shorter terms stay within the 6% range. Today, rates for 15- and 20-year terms have edged up to 6.375% and 8.125%, respectively. Additionally, rates for 10-year terms have surged by a half of a percentage point to 6.625%. Meanwhile, rates for 30-year terms have remained at 8%. Homebuyers interested in maximizing their interest savings should consider today’s lowest rate, 15-year terms at 6.375%. Borrowers who would rather have a smaller monthly payment should instead consider 30-year terms.
To find great mortgage rates, start by using Credible’s secured website, which can show you current mortgage rates from multiple lenders without affecting your credit score. You can also use Credible’s mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments.
Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage refinance rates have risen across all key terms since yesterday.
Rates last updated on August 4, 2023. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary. With 5,000 reviews, Credible maintains an “excellent” Trustpilot score.
What this means: Mortgage refinance rates continue to remain in the 6% range. Today, rates for 15- and 30-year terms have edged up, hitting 6.25% and 6.99%, respectively. Meanwhile, rates for 20-year terms have jumped by nearly a quarter of a percentage point to 6.99%. Additionally, rates for 10-year terms have increased by over a quarter of a percentage point to 6.5%. Borrowers interested in saving the most on interest should consider today’s lowest rate, 15-year terms at 6.25%. Homeowners who would rather refinance into a smaller monthly payment should instead consider either of today’s longer terms.
Today’s mortgage interest rates are well below the highest annual average rate recorded by Freddie Mac — 16.63% in 1981. A year before the COVID-19 pandemic upended economies across the world, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for 2019 was 3.94%. The average rate for 2021 was 2.96%, the lowest annual average in 30 years.
The historic drop in interest rates means homeowners who have mortgages from 2019 and older could potentially realize significant interest savings by refinancing with one of today’s lower interest rates. When considering a mortgage or refinance, it’s important to take into account closing costs such as appraisal, application, origination and attorney’s fees. These factors, in addition to the interest rate and loan amount, all contribute to the cost of a mortgage.
Changing economic conditions, central bank policy decisions, investor sentiment and other factors influence the movement of mortgage rates. Credible average mortgage rates and mortgage refinance rates reported in this article are calculated based on information provided by partner lenders who pay compensation to Credible.
The rates assume a borrower has a 700 credit score and is borrowing a conventional loan for a single-family home that will be their primary residence. The rates also assume no (or very low) discount points and a down payment of 20%.
Credible mortgage rates reported here will only give you an idea of current average rates. The rate you actually receive can vary based on a number of factors.
A mortgage is likely the largest debt you’ll take on in life — one that will take decades to repay. So it’s critical to make sure you choose a mortgage lender and mortgage that work best for your needs and financial situation.
Here are some tips to help you choose a mortgage lender:
If you’re trying to find the right mortgage rate, consider using Credible. You can use Credible’s free online tool to easily compare multiple lenders and see prequalified rates in just a few minutes.
Have a finance-related question, but don’t know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at moneyexpert@credible.com and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.