Mortgage and refinance interest rates today for November 3, 2025: Choppy lately but lower overall

Core Insights - Mortgage rates have been fluctuating but remain significantly lower than a year ago, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.11% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.58% [1][18][19] - Current mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, although this is not always the case [3][18] - Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can start with lower rates compared to fixed rates, but they carry the risk of rate increases after the initial period [12][13][14] Current Mortgage Rates - The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.11%, while the 15-year fixed rate is 5.58% [1][18] - Other mortgage rates include: - 20-year fixed: 5.98% - 5/1 ARM: 6.58% - 7/1 ARM: 6.69% - 30-year VA: 5.61% - 15-year VA: 5.13% - 5/1 VA: 5.69% [5][18] Mortgage Payment Calculations - For a $300,000 mortgage at a 30-year term with a 6.11% rate, the monthly payment would be approximately $1,820, totaling $355,172 in interest over the loan's life [9] - For the same mortgage amount with a 15-year term at a 5.58% rate, the monthly payment would increase to $2,464, with total interest paid being $143,521 [11] Strategies for Lower Mortgage Rates - Lenders typically offer lower rates to borrowers with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios [15] - Options to lower rates include paying for discount points at closing or considering temporary interest rate buydowns [16][17] Market Outlook - Mortgage rates are not expected to drop significantly before the end of the year, as various economic factors are being monitored [20]