Mortgage rates made another small move lower this week. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell two basis points to 6.17%. The 15-year fixed rate dropped three basis points to 5.41%. Rates have been bouncing up and down for weeks, but are still lower since the beginning of the government shutdown. The 30-year fixed rate is down more than a half point from one year ago. Today's mortgage rates Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-yea ...

Mortgage Rates Overview - Today's average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased by three basis points to 6.27%, while the 15-year fixed rate is down one basis point to 5.52% [1] - Small fluctuations in mortgage rates are expected to continue until the government shutdown is resolved, with the decision to buy a house depending more on individual financial situations than on current rates [2] Current Mortgage Rates - Current national average mortgage rates include: - 30-year fixed: 6.23% - 20-year fixed: 5.87% - 15-year fixed: 5.47% - 5/1 ARM: 6.28% - 7/1 ARM: 6.37% - 30-year VA: 5.67% - 15-year VA: 5.32% - 5/1 VA: 5.58% [6] - Another set of current rates shows: - 30-year fixed: 6.33% - 20-year fixed: 6.06% - 15-year fixed: 5.73% - 5/1 ARM: 6.50% - 7/1 ARM: 6.56% - 30-year VA: 5.81% - 15-year VA: 5.48% - 5/1 VA: 5.48% [7] Mortgage Rate Types - Mortgage interest rates can be fixed or adjustable, with fixed rates locking in the rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable rates change after an initial period [9] - At the beginning of a mortgage term, most payments go toward interest, gradually shifting to pay down the principal over time [10] Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates - Mortgage rates are influenced by controllable factors such as comparing lenders and improving credit scores, as well as uncontrollable factors like the overall economy [11][12] - Economic conditions, such as employment rates, affect mortgage rates; struggling economies typically see lower rates to encourage borrowing, while strong economies may lead to higher rates [13] Mortgage Term Comparisons - A 30-year fixed mortgage offers lower monthly payments but results in higher total interest paid over time [14] - A 15-year fixed mortgage has a lower interest rate and less total interest paid, but higher monthly payments [15][16] Additional Insights - Some banks, like Bank of America and Citibank, are noted for offering lower median mortgage rates, but it is advisable to shop around for the best rates [17] - The lowest-ever 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 2.65% in January 2021, and rates are unlikely to dip below 3% in the near future [19] - Experts suggest refinancing when a new rate is at least 1% to 2% lower than the current rate, depending on individual financial goals [20]