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The rate on a 30-year fixed refinance decreased to 6.49% today, according to the Mortgage Research Center. The average rate on a 15-year mortgage refinance is 5.39%. On a 20-year mortgage refinance, the average rate is 6.22%.
Related: Compare Current Refinance Rates
30-Year Fixed Refinance Interest Rates Drop 2.30%
The current 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage refinance average rate stands at 6.49%, versus 6.65% last week.
The annual percentage rate (APR) on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is 6.52%, lower than last week’s 6.67%. The APR is the all-in cost of a home loan—the interest rate including any fees or extra costs.
At the current interest rate, borrowers with a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage of $100,000 will pay $632 per month for principal and interest, according to the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator. That doesn’t include taxes and fees. Over the life of the loan, the borrower will pay total interest costs of about $128,018.
20-Year Refi Rates Drop 2.74%
For a 20-year fixed refinance mortgage, the average interest rate is currently 6.22%, compared to 6.39% last week.
The APR, or annual percentage rate, on a 20-year fixed mortgage is 6.25%. It was 6.43% last week.
At today’s interest rate, a 20-year, fixed-rate mortgage refinance of $100,000 would cost $729 per month in principal and interest – not including taxes and fees. That would equal about $75,437 in total interest over the life of the loan.
15-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Drop 2.88%
The average interest rate on the 15-year fixed refinance mortgage is 5.39%. A week ago, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was at 5.55%.
On a 15-year fixed refinance, the annual percentage rate is 5.43%. Last week, it was 5.59%.
At today’s interest rate, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage would cost approximately $811 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed. You would pay around $46,445 in total interest over the life of the loan.
30-Year Jumbo Refinance Interest Rates Drop 1.07%
The average interest rate on the 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinance (a loan above the federal conforming loan limit of $806,500 in most places) fell week-over-week to 6.67%. Last week, the average rate was 6.74%.
Borrowers with a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinance with today’s interest rate will pay $643 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed.
15-Year Jumbo Refinance Rates Drop 0.89%
A 15-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinance is 5.89% on average, down 0.89% from last week.
At today’s interest rate, a borrower with a 15-year, fixed-rate jumbo refinance would pay $838 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed. Over the life of the loan, that borrower would pay around $51,088 in total interest.
Are Refinance Rates and Mortgage Rates the Same?
Mortgage lenders charge different interest rates for purchase and refinance loans. Current refinance rates are typically 0.01% to 0.15% higher for a 30-year fixed rate versus a purchase loan.
You can reduce your interest rate by paying your closing costs up front instead of rolling them into the loan with a no-closing-cost refinance loan. Buying discount points and avoiding mortgage insurance can also help.
When considering a mortgage refinance, compare your current interest rate, mortgage balance and loan term with the new interest rate and term. This comparison helps you estimate your new monthly payment and savings, making it easier to determine if refinancing is the right choice.
When Refinancing Makes Sense
There are lots of good reasons to refinance your mortgage, but for most homeowners, it comes down to lowering the interest rate, reducing monthly payments or paying off the loan more quickly. Refinancing can also allow you to tap some of your home’s equity or eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI).
It’s important to keep in mind that refinancing carries costs, and for that reason makes more sense if you plan to stay in your home for some time. It can be helpful to calculate the “break-even point” for a potential refinance – to see how long it will take for savings from the new mortgage to outweigh closing costs. Try to find out what those fees will be and divide them by the monthly savings from the new mortgage.
Check out our mortgage refinance calculator to help you decide if this is a good time to refinance.
How To Qualify for Today’s Best Refinance Rates
Refinancing a mortgage isn’t that different than taking out a mortgage in the first place, and it’s always smart to have a strategy for finding the lowest rate possible. Here are some suggested approaches to get the best rate:
- Polish up your credit score
- Lower your debt-to-income ratio
- Keep an eye on mortgage rates
- Consider a shorter loan
Having a strong credit score is one of the best things you can do to get approved and get a lower rate. You’re also likely to look better to mortgage refinance lenders if you don’t have too much debt relative to your income. You should keep a regular watch on mortgage rates, which fluctuate often. Also see if you can manage a mortgage payment for a shorter loan term since they usually have lower interest rates.
Refinancing Rate Outlook for 2025
Since the final quarter of 2024, national average mortgage rates have remained in the middle-to-high 6% range, and experts expect this trend to continue through the first half of 2025.
If inflation slows and unemployment levels hold steady or rise, the Federal Reserve may reduce the federal funds rate, potentially leading to lower mortgage rates in the second half of the year. However, if inflation stays high and unemployment decreases, rates are likely to remain stable.
Since mortgage rates are expected to change little in the first half of the year, those looking to refinance at a lower rate should consider waiting until later in the year. In the meantime, improving your credit score and paying down your loan balance will help you secure the lowest possible rate when you’re ready to explore refinancing options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?
Closing costs for a refinance can be anywhere from 2% to 6% of the cost of the loan. It’s always a good idea to ask the lender what kind of closing costs they’ll charge before you decide to borrow from them.
How soon can you refinance a mortgage?
Most lenders allow you to refinance a mortgage six months after you start paying it off, although some require that you wait 12 months. Contact your lender to be sure.
How do you find the best refinancing lender?
You should always shop around when you’re trying to get a new mortgage or refinance an existing one. Take a look at the best mortgage refinance lenders as a starting point and try applying online. Always find out the closing costs each lender will charge, and make sure you’re able to communicate well with the lender you want to choose. In a bumpy housing market, you’ll probably be in touch with the lender more often than you realize.