Today's Mortgage and Refinance Rates: May 26, 2023 | Tired of Rising Rates? Blame the Debt Ceiling Debacle
These are today's mortgage and refinance rates. Rates have been volatile in recent weeks and are relatively high, but they may start coming down later in 2023.
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Mortgage rates have been climbing in response to the current negotiations around the US debt ceiling.
Though it's unlikely lawmakers would ultimately allow the US to default on its debt — which would have catastrophic consequences — even the uncertainty leading up to the deadline can have negative impacts, as we've seen with the recent spike in mortgage rates.
According to Freddie Mac, average 30-year mortgage rates jumped to 6.57% this week, their highest level since mid-March. Average 15-year rates spiked as well, and at 5.97% are now the closest they've been to 6% since November.
"The U.S. economy is showing continued resilience which, combined with debt ceiling concerns, led to higher mortgage rates this week," Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, said in a press release. "Dampened affordability remains an issue for interested homebuyers and homeowners seem unwilling to lose their low rate and put their home on the market. If this predicament continues to limit supply, it could open up an opportunity for builders to help address the country's housing shortage."
Mortgage Rates Today
Mortgage Refinance Rates Today
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Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments.
By plugging in different term lengths and interest rates, you'll see how your monthly payment could change.
30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is currently 6.57%, according to Freddie Mac. This is an 18-basis-point increase compared to the week before.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common type of home loan. With this type of mortgage, you'll pay back what you borrowed over 30 years, and your interest rate won't change for the life of the loan.
The lengthy 30-year term allows you to spread out your payments over a long period of time, meaning you can keep your monthly payments lower and more manageable. The trade-off is that you'll have a higher rate than you would with shorter terms or adjustable rates.
15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is currently 5.97%, according to Freddie Mac data. This is a 22-basis-point increase from the previous week, and the highest this rate has been in six months.
If you want the predictability that comes with a fixed rate but are looking to spend less on interest over the life of your loan, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage might be a good fit for you. Because these terms are shorter and have lower rates than 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, you could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in interest. However, you'll have a higher monthly payment than you would with a longer term.
Are Mortgage Rates Going Up?
Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and increased significantly in 2022. But mortgage rates are expected to trend down this year.
In the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index rose by 4.9%. Inflation remains elevated, but has started to slow, which is a good sign for mortgage rates and the broader economy.
For homeowners looking to leverage their home's value to cover a big purchase — such as a home renovation — a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be a good option while we wait for mortgage rates to ease. Check out some of our best HELOC lenders to start your search for the right loan for you.
A HELOC is a line of credit that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. It works similarly to a credit card in that you borrow what you need rather than getting the full amount you're borrowing in a lump sum. It also lets you tap into the money you have in your home without replacing your entire mortgage, like you'd do with a cash-out refinance.
Current HELOC rates are relatively low compared to other loan options, including credit cards and personal loans.
How Do Fed Rate Hikes Affect Mortgages?
The Fed has been increasing the federal funds rate to try to slow economic growth and get inflation under control.
Mortgage rates aren't directly impacted by changes to the federal funds rate, but they often trend up or down ahead of Fed policy moves. This is because mortgage rates change based on investor demand for mortgage-backed securities, and this demand is often impacted by how investors expect Fed hikes to affect the broader economy.
As inflation starts to come down, mortgage rates should, too. But the Fed has indicated that it's watching for sustained signs of slowing inflation, and it's not going to lower rates again any time soon — though it has started opting for smaller hikes.