Mortgage Rates Drop to 6.69%: What You Need to Know

Mortgage rates have finally decreased, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping by 12 basis points to 6.69%, according to Freddie Mac. The 15-year fixed rate has also decreased, falling by 14 basis points to 5.96%. These rates are at their lowest since late October.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the November jobs report tomorrow, which may impact mortgage interest rates. If the economy looks strong, rates are likely to increase this week; if it seems weak, rates should hold steady or decrease.

Here are the current mortgage rates:

* 30-year fixed: 6.32%
* 20-year fixed: 6.15%
* 15-year fixed: 5.68%
* 5/1 ARM: 6.57%
* 7/1 ARM: 6.56%
* 30-year VA: 5.68%
* 15-year VA: 5.30%
* 5/1 VA: 6.02%

It’s essential to note that these are national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth.

To calculate your monthly mortgage payment, you can use Yahoo Finance’s free mortgage payment calculator or our own calculator, which includes factors like homeowners insurance and property taxes. This will give you a realistic idea of what your monthly payment could be.

Mortgage rates work by charging interest on borrowed money, expressed as a percentage. There are two main types of rates: fixed and adjustable. Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable-rate mortgages change periodically.

The economy plays a significant role in determining mortgage rates. If the economy is struggling, rates tend to decrease; if it’s strong, rates increase.

Understanding 30-year vs. 15-year fixed mortgage terms can help you make an informed decision. While 30-year mortgages are more affordable from month to month, they come with higher interest rates and longer loan periods. 15-year mortgages have lower rates but higher monthly payments due to the shorter term.

Finally, here are some frequently asked questions about current mortgage rates:

* What bank offers the lowest mortgage rate? According to 2023 data, Citibank, Wells Fargo, and USAA offer competitive rates.
* Is 2.75% a good mortgage rate? Yes, it’s considered fantastic, but unlikely in today’s market unless you take on an assumable mortgage.
* What is the lowest-ever mortgage rate? The record was set at 2.65% in January 2021.
* When should you refinance your mortgage? It depends on your financial goals and break-even point after paying refinance closing costs, but some experts suggest refinancing when you can lock in a rate that’s 2% less than your current rate.

Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/mortgages/article