Today's 15-year mortgage rates plunge to 17-day low

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Check out the mortgage rates for July 12, 2021, which are a mixed bag from last Friday. (iStock)

Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage rates opened the week with rates for 30-year terms edging up, while 15-year fixed rates hit their lowest point in weeks.

30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.875%, up from 2.750%, +0.125
20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.625%, unchanged
15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, down from 2.125%, -0.125
10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, unchanged

Rates last updated on July 12, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

What This Means: The market continues to hold the greatest rewards for buyers who are able to finance for the shortest terms. With 10-year and 15-year mortgage rates lingering at historic lows, buyers can reap significant interest savings over the life of their mortgage if they can swing a higher monthly payment.

To find the best mortgage rate, start by using Credible, which can show you current mortgage and refinance rates:

Browse rates from multiple lenders so you can make an informed decision about your home loan.

Credible, a personal finance marketplace, has 4,500 Trustpilot reviews with an average star rating of 4.7 (out of a possible 5.0).

Looking at today’s mortgage refinance rates

Today’s mortgage refinance rates are largely unchanged since last Friday. Only 15-year fixed refinance rates rose, jumping a full quarter percent. If you’re considering refinancing an existing home, check out what refinance rates look like:

30-year fixed refinance rates: 2.750%, unchanged
20-year fixed refinance rates: 2.750%, unchanged
15-year fixed refinance rates: 2.250%, up from 2.000%, +0.250
10-year fixed refinance rates: 2.125%, unchanged

Rates last updated on July 12, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

A site like Credible can be a big help when you’re ready to compare mortgage refinance loans. Credible lets you see prequalified rates for conventional mortgages from multiple lenders all within a few minutes. Visit Credible today to get started.

Credible has earned a 4.7 star rating (out of a possible 5.0) on Trustpilot and more than 4,500 reviews from customers who have safely compared prequalified rates.

How to get low mortgage rates

Mortgage and refinance rates are affected by many economic factors, like unemployment numbers and inflation. But your personal financial history will also determine the rates you’re offered.

If you want to get the lowest possible monthly mortgage payment, taking the following steps can help you secure a lower rate on your home loan:

Improving your credit score
Paying down debt
Making a bigger down payment

It’s also a good idea to compare rates from different lenders to find the best rate for your financial goals. According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers can save $1,500 on average over the life of their loan by shopping for just one additional rate quote — and an average of $3,000 by comparing five rate quotes.

Credible can help you compare current rates from multiple mortgage lenders at once in just a few minutes. Are you looking to refinance an existing home? Use Credible’s online tools to compare rates and get prequalified today.

Current mortgage rates

Today’s mortgage interest rates are virtually unchanged from this time last month, with only 30-year fixed rates slightly higher. The average mortgage interest rate has held at 2.375% for three straight days.

Current 30-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.875%. This is up from last Friday. Thirty years is the most common repayment term for mortgages because 30-year mortgages typically give you a lower monthly payment. But they also typically come with higher interest rates, meaning you’ll ultimately pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

Current 20-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.625%. This is the same as last Friday. Shortening your repayment term by just 10 years can mean you’ll get a lower interest rate — and pay less in total interest over the life of the loan.

Current 15-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.000%. This is down from last Friday. Fifteen-year mortgages are the second most-common mortgage term. A 15-year mortgage may help you get a lower rate than a 30-year term — and pay less interest over the life of the loan — while keeping monthly payments manageable.

Current 10-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.000%. This is the same as last Friday. Although less common than 30-year and 15-year mortgages, a 10-year fixed rate mortgage typically gives you lower interest rates and lifetime interest costs, but a higher monthly mortgage payment.

You can explore your mortgage options in minutes by visiting Credible to compare current rates from various lenders who offer mortgage refinancing as well as home loans. Check out Credible and get prequalified today, and take a look at today’s refinance rates through the link below.

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Rates last updated on July 12, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

How mortgage rates have changed

Today, mortgage rates are largely down compared to this time last week.

30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.875%, the same as last week
20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.625%, the same as last week
15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, down from 2.250% last week, -0.250
10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, down from 2.125% last week, -0.125

Rates last updated on July 12, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

If you’re trying to find the right rate for your home mortgage or looking to refinance an existing home, consider using Credible. You can use Credible's free online tool to easily compare multiple lenders and see prequalified rates in just a few minutes.

With more than 4,500 reviews, Credible maintains an "excellent" Trustpilot score.

The forecast for mortgage rates in 2021

Researchers at Freddie Mac expect mortgage rates to rise slightly throughout 2021, citing the Federal Reserve’s commitment to keeping interest rates low for the foreseeable future.

Fannie Mae researchers anticipate mortgage rates to trend slightly higher this year, citing an ongoing rise in the 10-year Treasury yield. Ultimately, though, Fannie Mae experts believe lenders will "absorb" some of the elevated costs as "refinance demand gradually wanes" — keeping rates at relatively stable levels.

Here are the predictions for how 30-year fixed rates will look for the rest of the year:

Freddie Mac

Q2 (April to June): 2.9%
Q3 (July to September): 3.0%
Q4 (October to December): 3.0%

Fannie Mae

Q2 (April to June): 2.8%
Q3 (July to September): 2.9%
Q4 (October to December): 2.9%

How accurate were their predictions?

Actual average 30-year fixed rate in Q1 (January to March): 2.877%

Freddie Mac prediction: 2.9%
Fannie Mae prediction: 2.7%

Looking to lower your home insurance rate?

A home insurance policy can help cover unexpected costs you may incur during home ownership, such as structural damage and destruction or stolen personal property. Coverage can vary widely among lenders, so it’s wise to shop around and compare policy quotes.

Credible has a partnership with a home insurance broker. You can compare free home insurance quotes through Credible's partner here. It's fast, easy, and the whole process can be completed entirely online.

Have a finance-related question, but don't know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at moneyexpert@credible.com and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.