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The Federal Reserve announced another 75-basis-point increase to the federal funds rate last week. The Fed has been aggressively tightening monetary policy this year to try to bring inflation under control. If its efforts work, mortgage borrowers should finally get some relief next year.
Since January, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has increased by over three percentage points, according to Freddie Mac. This means that on a $250,000 loan, the average borrower’s mortgage payment would be around $460 more expensive now than if they purchased their home at the beginning of the year.
In search of more affordable rates, more borrowers are turning to adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to keep their costs down. ARMs start with a fixed-rate period for a certain number of years, after which your rate will adjust periodically.
“With fixed rates so high, it does not necessarily make sense to try and lock in for the long term – it makes sense to take advantage of the lower rate available for the adjustable rate to finance and catch any dips in the market,” says Sarah Alvarez, vice president of William Raveis Mortgage. “Rates are cyclical and will come back down; it is just a question of when.”
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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.
Are mortgage rates going up?
Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and have increased significantly so far in 2022. More recently, rates have been relatively volatile.
In the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index rose by 8.3%. The Federal Reserve has been working to get inflation under control, and plans to increase the federal funds target rate two more times this year, following increases at its last five meetings.
Though not directly tied to the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are sometimes pushed up as a result of Fed rate hikes and investor expectations of how those hikes will impact the economy.
Inflation remains elevated, but has started to slow, which is a good sign for mortgage rates and the broader economy.
What do high rates mean for the housing market?
When mortgage rates go up, home shoppers’ buying power decreases, as more of their anticipated housing budget has to go toward paying interest. If rates get high enough, buyers can get priced out of the market completely, which cools demand and puts downward pressure on home price growth.
However, that doesn’t mean home prices will fall — in fact, they’re expected to rise even more this year, just at a slower pace than what we’ve seen in the past couple of years.
What is a good mortgage rate?
It can be hard to know if a lender is offering you a good rate, which is why it’s so important to get preapproved with multiple mortgage lenders and compare each offer. Apply for preapproval with at least two or three lenders.
Your rate isn’t the only thing that matters. Be sure to compare both what your monthly costs would be as well as your upfront costs, including any lender fees.
Even though mortgage rates are heavily influenced by economic factors that are out of your control, there are some things you can do to help ensure you get a good rate:
Consider fixed vs. adjustable rates. You may be able to get a lower introductory rate with an adjustable-rate mortgage, which can be good if you plan to move before the intro period ends. But a fixed rate could be better if you’re buying a forever home because you won’t risk your rate going up later. Look at the rates your lender offers and weigh your options.Look at your finances. The stronger your financial situation, the lower your mortgage rate should be. Look for ways to boost your credit score or lower your debt-to-income ratio, if necessary. Saving for a higher down payment also helps.Choose the right lender. Each lender charges different mortgage rates. Picking the right one for your financial situation will help you land a good rate.