Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, December 14, 2025: Rates are holding in a tight orbit

Core Insights - Mortgage rates are currently stable, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.13% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.53% [1][18][19] - Borrowers are encouraged to compare offers from multiple lenders to secure the best rates [1][15] Current Mortgage Rates - The national average for various mortgage types includes: - 30-year fixed: 6.13% - 20-year fixed: 6.08% - 15-year fixed: 5.53% - 5/1 ARM: 6.24% - 7/1 ARM: 6.31% - 30-year VA: 5.60% - 15-year VA: 5.14% [5] Refinance Rates - Current mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, but this is not always the case [3] Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages - 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 [10][11] - ARMs typically start with lower rates but can increase after the initial period [12] Choosing a Mortgage Lender - To find the best mortgage lender, it is advisable to apply for preapproval with three or four lenders within a short time frame to minimize the impact on credit scores [15] - When comparing lenders, it is crucial to consider the annual percentage rate (APR), which reflects the true cost of borrowing [16][17] Personal Finance Considerations - To secure lower mortgage rates, borrowers should focus on improving their credit scores, increasing down payments, and reducing debt-to-income ratios [13][14]