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The rate on a 30-year fixed refinance decreased to 6.72% today, according to the Mortgage Research Center. The 15-year, fixed-rate refinance mortgage average rate is 5.69%. For 20-year mortgage refinances, the average rate is 6.53%.
Related: Compare Current Refinance Rates
30-Year Fixed Refinance Interest Rates
Currently, the average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage refinance is 6.72%, down 0.23 point from this time last week. Borrowers with a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage of $100,000 will pay $646 per month for principal and interest at the current interest rate, according to the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator, not including taxes and fees. Over the life of the loan, the borrower will pay total interest costs of about $132,682.
Another way of looking at loan costs is the annual percentage rate, or APR. For a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, the APR is 6.75%, lower than last week’s 6.98%. The APR is essentially the all-in cost of the home loan.
20-Year Refi Rates
The 20-year fixed mortgage refinance average rate stands at 6.53%, versus 6.83% last week.
The APR, or annual percentage rate, on a 20-year fixed mortgage is 6.57%. It was 6.87% last week.
At the current interest rate, a 20-year, fixed-rate mortgage refinance of $100,000 would cost $747 per month in principal and interest. That doesn’t include taxes and fees. That borrower would pay roughly $79,305 in total interest over the life of the loan.
15-Year Fixed Refinance Rates
The average interest rate on the 15-year fixed refinance mortgage is 5.69%. The same time last week, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was at 5.96%.
On a 15-year fixed refinance, the annual percentage rate is 5.74%. Last week, it was 6.01%.
A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage refinance of $100,000 at today’s interest rate would cost $827 per month in principal and interest. Over the life of the loan, you would pay $48,877 in total interest.
30-Year Jumbo Refinance Interest Rates
The average interest rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinance (a loan above the federal conforming loan limit of $806,500 in most places) decreased week-over-week to 7.09%, versus 7.21% last week.
At today’s interest rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinance, a borrower would pay $671 per month in principal and interest on a $100,000 loan.
15-Year Jumbo Refinance Rates
The average interest rate on the 15-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinance fell weekly to 6.12%, down 0.25 point from last week.
Borrowers with a 15-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage refinance with today’s interest rate will pay $850 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed. They will pay about $53,025 in total interest over the life of the loan.
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.
Know When To Refinance Your Home
You may want to refinance your home mortgage, for a variety of reasons: to lower your interest rate, reduce monthly payments or pay off your loan sooner. You may also be able to use a refinance loan to get access to your home’s equity for other financial needs, like a remodeling project or to pay for your child’s college. If you’ve been paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), refinancing also may give you the opportunity to ditch that cost.
A home loan refinance may make sense particularly if you plan to remain in your home for a while. Even if you score a lower interest rate, you need to take the loan costs into consideration. Calculate the break-even point where your savings from a lower interest rate exceed your closing costs by dividing your closing costs by the monthly savings from your new payment.
Our mortgage refinance calculator could help you determine if refinancing is right for you.
Is Now a Good Time To Refinance?
Now may be a good time to refinance if you can reduce your monthly payment by getting a better interest rate or adjusting your repayment period.
While refinance rates are at multi-year highs, you may qualify for a competitive rate if your credit has improved since getting your existing mortgage or by switching to a shorter loan term, such as a 15-year mortgage. Refinancing from a government-backed loan to a conventional loan with at least 20% equity helps you waive private mortgage insurance, FHA mortgage insurance premiums or the USDA guarantee fees.
There are multiple mortgage refinance options to consider and some that let you tap your home equity.
Consider avoiding refinancing if you can’t get a better rate or reduce your monthly payment. Additionally, you will need to pay closing costs and the application process can be lengthy. These hindrances may exceed the potential benefits of refinancing.
How To Qualify for Today’s Best Refinance Rates
Just like when you took out your original mortgage, it pays to have a strategy for finding the lowest rate when you want to refinance. Here’s what you should be doing get a good mortgage rate:
- Improve your credit
- Consider a shorter loan term
- Lower your debt-to-income ratio
- Watch mortgage rates
There are no guarantees when it comes to borrowing, but a strong credit score is one of the best things you can do to present yourself to lenders. Banks and other financial institutions are more likely to approve you if you don’t have too much debt relative to your income. You should check in on mortgage rates, which fluctuate frequently, on a regular basis. And use calculators like ours to see if you can swing a home loan that’s shorter in duration than the popular 30-year mortgage. These loans usually have lower interest rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
How quickly can you refinance a mortgage?
Many lenders refinance your mortgage in about 45 to 60 days, but it depends on the type of mortgage you choose and other factors. Ask your lender what their time frame is before you borrow to make sure it’s right for you.
How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?
It can cost as much as 2% to 6% of the full cost of the loan to refinance a mortgage. Make sure to find out the exact closing costs from your lender.