Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, October 23, 2025: Lowest in a year + how to get your rate a half-point lower

Mortgage Rates Overview - Mortgage rates have decreased to their lowest level in over a year, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.19% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.44%, both down by eight basis points [1] - A study by Realtor.com indicates that borrowers can achieve an average improvement of 0.55% in their mortgage rates by comparing different lenders, highlighting the importance of shopping around [2] Current Mortgage Rates - Current national average mortgage rates include: - 30-year fixed: 6.06% - 20-year fixed: 5.51% - 15-year fixed: 5.37% - 5/1 ARM: 6.30% - 7/1 ARM: 6.20% - 30-year VA: 5.59% - 15-year VA: 5.13% - 5/1 VA: 5.49% [6] - Another set of current rates shows: - 30-year fixed: 6.21% - 20-year fixed: 5.69% - 15-year fixed: 5.49% - 5/1 ARM: 6.52% - 7/1 ARM: 6.73% - 30-year VA: 5.68% - 15-year VA: 5.55% - 5/1 VA: 5.43% [7] Mortgage Rate Mechanics - Mortgage interest rates are determined by factors within the borrower's control, such as comparing lenders and improving credit scores, as well as external economic conditions [11][12] - The economy influences mortgage rates significantly; lower rates typically occur during economic struggles to encourage borrowing, while stronger economies may see higher rates to control spending [13] Mortgage Types - Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the interest rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have a fixed rate for an initial period before adjusting periodically [9] - A 30-year fixed mortgage offers lower monthly payments but results in higher total interest paid over time, whereas a 15-year fixed mortgage has higher monthly payments but lower overall interest costs [14][15][16] Refinancing Insights - Refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, and borrowers should consider refinancing when they can secure a rate at least 1% to 2% lower than their current rate [20]