Published 9:41 a.m. UTC Dec. 8, 2023
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The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.40%, and on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, it’s 6.72%. The average rate on a 30-year jumbo mortgage is 7.48%.
*Data accurate as of December 7, 2023, the latest data available.
30-year fixed mortgage rates
The average mortgage rate for 30-year fixed loans fell today to 7.40% from 7.57% last week, according to data from Curinos. This is down from last month’s 7.93% and up from a year ago when it was 5.83%.
At the current 30-year fixed rate, you’ll pay about $700 each month for every $100,000 you borrow — down from about $712 last week.
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15-year fixed mortgage rates
The mortgage rates for 15-year fixed loans inched down today to 6.72% from 6.77% last week. Today’s rate is down from last month’s 7.14% and up from a year ago when it was 5.18%.
At the current 15-year fixed rate, you’ll pay about $886 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, down from about $889 last week.
30-year jumbo mortgage rates
The mortgage rates for 30-year jumbo loans fell today to 7.48% from 7.60% last week. This is down from last month’s 7.84% and up from 5.57% last year.
At the current 30-year jumbo rate, you’ll pay around $702 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, down from about $711 last week.
Methodology
To determine average mortgage rates, Curinos uses a standardized set of parameters. For conventional mortgages, the calculations are based on an owner-occupied, one-unit property with a loan amount of $350,000. For jumbo mortgages, the loan amount is $750,000. These calculations assume an 80% loan-to-value ratio, a credit score of 740 or higher and a 60-day lock period.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of factors, including the overall economy, inflation and the actions of the Federal Reserve. Mortgage lenders then set their loan rates based on these economic elements.
The rate you’re offered on a mortgage will also depend not only on the lender but also on your credit score, income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and other parts of your financial profile.
If you opt for a rate lock, you can typically do so for 30 to 60 days, depending on the lender. In some cases, you might be able to lock in your rate for up to 120 days.
Keep in mind that while some lenders allow you to lock in a mortgage rate for free, you’ll likely have to pay a fee for a longer lock period. This fee generally ranges from 0.25% to 0.5% of your loan amount. You could also be charged a fee if you want to extend the lock period — usually 0.375% of the loan amount.
There are several strategies that could help you qualify for the best mortgage rate, such as:
- Checking your credit: When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will review your credit to determine your creditworthiness as well as your interest rate. In general, the higher your credit score, the lower your rate will be. So before you apply, it’s a good idea to check your credit to see where you stand. If you find any errors in your credit report, dispute them with the appropriate credit bureau to potentially boost your score.
- Comparing lenders: Taking the time to shop around and compare your options from as many lenders as possible can help you find the best deal. In addition to rates, make sure to also consider each lender’s terms, fees and eligibility requirements.
- Improving your credit score: If you have less-than-perfect credit and can wait to apply for a mortgage, it could be worth working to improve your credit beforehand to qualify for better rates in the future. Some possible ways to boost your credit include paying all of your bills on time and aiming to keep your credit utilization (the amount of credit you’ve used compared to your credit limits) on credit cards and lines of credit at 30% or less.
- Reducing debt: Paying down debt could help lower your DTI ratio, which is how much you owe in monthly debt payments compared to your income. Having a lower DTI ratio can make you look like less of a risk in the eyes of a lender, which can result in a lower rate.
- Choosing a shorter repayment term: Lenders typically offer lower rates to borrowers who opt for shorter terms. For example, you’ll likely get a lower rate on a 15-year mortgage compared to a 30-year loan.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
