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The 30-Year Mortgage Rate Is Higher Today | June 11, 2021

- Money; Getty Images
Money; Getty Images

Rates are up again for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, increasing 0.023 percentage points to 3.364%. The rate for a 30-year refinance loan is also higher than yesterday at 3.765%. Other loan types are seeing mixed rates again today.

Rates are still favorable for well-qualified buyers who are interested in taking out a home loan or refinancing their existing mortgage.

Mortgage rates today: 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates

Opting for a fixed-rate mortgage means that your interest rate and monthly payment won't change for as long as you have the loan. The most popular type of fixed-rate loan is a 30-year mortgage, largely thanks to its long payback time (360 months) and comparatively low monthly payments. The interest rate on a 30-year loan will be higher than the rate on most shorter-term loans. However, you'll pay more interest, since you'll be paying a higher rate for a longer time.

Mortgage rates today: 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rates

A 15-year fixed-rate loan will have a payback time of 180 months — half that of a 30-year mortgage. The interest rate will be lower on a 15-year, but because the payback time is shorter, your monthly payments will actually be higher. The advantage of a short-term loan like a 15-year is that you'll pay less interest over the length of the loan, making it an option worth considering if you can afford the higher payments.

Mortgage rates today: 5/1 jumbo adjustable-rate mortgage rates

Besides a fixed-rate loan, you can opt for an adjustable-rate mortgage. Most ARMs will have a fixed starting interest rate which will become variable after a pre-determined period of time. A 5/1 ARM, for example, will have a fixed rate for five years, after which the rate will adjust on a yearly basis. Your monthly payments will be fixed at first but then change along with any movement in rates. You can also find ARM terms of 7/1 and 10/1. Most ARMs will have a full payback time of 30-years.

Mortgage rates today: VA, FHA and jumbo loan rates

The average rates for FHA, VA and jumbo loans are:

Mortgage refinance rates today

The average rates for 30-year loans, 15- year loans and 5/1 jumbo ARMs are:

Where are mortgage rates heading this year?

Mortgage rates sunk through 2020. Millions of homeowners responded to low mortgage rates by refinancing existing loans and taking out new ones. Many people bought homes they may not have been able to afford if rates were higher.

In January 2021, rates briefly dropped to the lowest levels on record, but trended higher through the month and into February.

Looking ahead, experts believe interest rates will rise more in 2021, but modestly. Factors that could influence rates include how quickly the COVID-19 vaccines are distributed and when lawmakers can agree on another economic relief package. More vaccinations and stimulus from the government could lead to improved economic conditions, which would boost rates.

While mortgage rates are likely to rise this year, experts say the increase won’t happen overnight and it won’t be a dramatic jump. Rates should stay near historically low levels through the first half of the year, rising slightly later in the year. Even with rising rates, it will still be a favorable time to finance a new home or refinance.

Factors that influence mortgage rates include:

Tips for getting the lowest mortgage rate possible

There is no universal mortgage rate that all borrowers receive. Qualifying for the lowest mortgage rates takes a little bit of work and will depend on both personal financial factors and market conditions.

Check your credit score and credit report. Errors or other red flags that may be dragging your credit score down. Borrowers with the highest credit scores are the ones who will get the best rates, so checking your credit report before you start the house-hunting process is key. Taking steps to fix errors will help you raise your score. If you have high credit card balances, paying them down can also provide a quick boost.

Save up money for a sizeable down payment. This will lower your loan-to-value ratio, which means how much of the home’s price the lender has to finance. A lower LTV usually translates to a lower mortgage rate. Lenders also like to see money that has been saved in an account for at least 60 days. It tells the lender you have the money to finance the home purchase.

Shop around for the best rate. Don’t settle for the first interest rate that a lender offers you. Check with at least three different lenders to see who offers the lowest interest. Also consider different types of lenders, such as credit unions and online lenders in addition to traditional banks.

Also take time to find out about different loan types. While the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common type of mortgage, consider a shorter-term loan like a 15-year loan or an adjustable-rate mortgage. These types of loans often come with a lower rate than a conventional 30-year mortgage. Compare the costs of all to see which one best fits your needs and financial situation. Government loans — such as those backed by the Federal Housing Authority, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Agriculture — can be more affordable options for those who qualify.

Finally, lock in your rate. Locking your rate once you’ve found the right rate, loan product and lender will help guarantee your mortgage rate won’t increase before you close on the loan.

Our mortgage rate methodology

Money’s daily mortgage rates show the average rate offered by over 8,000 lenders across the United States the most recent business day rates are available for. Today, we are showing rates for Thursday, June 10, 2021. Our rates reflect what a typical borrower with a 700 credit score might expect to pay for a home loan right now. These rates were offered to people putting 20% down and include discount points.

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