Find the Best 30-Year Mortgage Rates Today

Mortgage rates may fluctuate by only fractions of a percent, but those small differences can translate into thousands in long-term savings. Understanding what influences these rates can help you lock in a better deal.

While the Federal Reserve does not directly control mortgage rates, its actions influence them indirectly by affecting the broader economic environment and lender borrowing costs. When the Fed signals potential rate cuts or hikes, mortgage rates often respond accordingly, as lenders adjust to expectations of future inflation and economic growth.

In its first monetary-policy decision of the new year, the Federal Reserve held the federal funds rate steady at 3.50% to 3.75% after three cuts last year. While the pause reflects confidence in the economy, mortgage rates depend more on how financial markets respond to that signal and how lenders price loans based on those expectations.

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30-year mortgage rates

January’s average mortgage interest rates stand at 6.09% for a 30-year fixed loan and 5.44% for a 15-year fixed, according to Freddie Mac.

If you're looking for the lowest mortgage rate, you should shop around. The financial institution you usually work with may not have the best rate available, so you should look at multiple options before deciding where to go. Mortgage rates have a massive impact on your monthly cash flow and what you end up paying overall.

For example, let’s look at a home with a sale price of $420,000.

Assume you put down 20% ($84,000) and get a $336,000 mortgage. At 6.35%, you’d be paying $2,090.71 on your monthly mortgage payment. But at 6%, you’d be paying $2,014.49 monthly — saving about $914.67 each year.

To put those savings into perspective, here’s how different interest rates can affect your monthly payment, total interest and overall cost over a 30-year loan.

These calculations are for illustrative purposes only and assume a 20% down payment on a $420,000 home. Monthly and total costs reflect principal and interest payments only and do not include property taxes, homeowners' insurance, HOA fees or other costs of homeownership.

Curious about today's rates? Explore and compare some of today's best mortgage offers with the tool below, powered by Bankrate:

If you already have a mortgage, remember that you can refinance. This was a plan for many people who bought while interest rates were high. The expectation was that when rates went down, they'd be able to refinance and get a better deal.

Refinance rates haven't gone down enough to make this an entirely attractive prospect yet, but the expectation is that in the future they will. Read more on how refinancing a mortgage works and what it costs.

Four ways to get a lower mortgage rate

Market conditions influence mortgage rates, but you can take several proactive steps to improve your chances of securing a lower interest rate. Here are four key strategies to help you save on your mortgage.

Raise your credit score

One of the best and most effective ways to save on your mortgage is to raise your credit score, the biggest factor in determining your mortgage rate. Upping your FICO credit score, which ranges from 300 to 850, by just 20 points can save you hundreds of dollars by lowering your mortgage.

So, while you’ll likely need at least a 620 FICO score in order to qualify for a mortgage at any rate, you'll need a higher score to get approved for the best rates. Raising your credit score can be done in a number of ways, including making card payments on time and keeping credit card balances low.

Increase your down payment

In order to get the best rates on a conventional mortgage loan from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you'll need to make at least a 20% down payment. In fact, the bigger your down payment is, the better your rate will likely be. You'll have to repay less principal and less interest over the life of the loan.

Get multiple quotes

Different lenders may offer different rates. Because of this, it's important to get multiple quotes before you choose your mortgage lender to ensure you're getting the lowest interest rates available to you.

Consider an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)

If you know you're going to sell your home in the near future, opting for an ARM could be a good decision. For example, if you're going to sell your home in four years, choosing a 5-year ARM could save you a lot in interest. A mortgage calculator can help you estimate how an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) payment may change over time and what that means for your monthly budget.

You'll be able to take advantage of the lower interest rates associated with this kind of mortgage, and you won't have to worry about your rate changing before you sell.

Looking for the best 30-year mortgage rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan. By boosting your credit score, making a larger down payment and shopping around for quotes, you can put yourself in a better position to get a lower rate.

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