15-year mortgage rates notch 8th straight day at near-record low | August 18, 2021
Our goal here at Credible Operations, Inc., NMLS Number 1681276, referred to as "Credible" below, is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we do promote products from our partner lenders, all opinions are our own.
Check out the mortgage rates for August 18, 2021, which are trending up from yesterday. (iStock)
Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage rates held steady for shorter repayment terms and rose incrementally for longer terms.
- 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.875%, up from 2.750%, +0.125
- 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.625%, up from 2.500%, +0.125
- 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.125%, unchanged
- 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.125%, unchanged
Rates last updated on August 18, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
What this means: While mortgage rates for longer repayment terms rose slightly today, rates in general remain at historic lows. Day-to-day fluctuations are normal and it’s likely we’ll see 30-year and 20-year rates edge back down in the next few days. Meanwhile, 15-year rates — which have held at a near-record low for eight straight days — and 10-year rates remain exceptional bargains for buyers who want to minimize their interest costs over the life of their loans.
To find the best mortgage rate, start by using Credible, which can show you current mortgage and refinance rates:
Browse rates from multiple lenders so you can make an informed decision about your home loan.
Credible, a personal finance marketplace, has 4,500 Trustpilot reviews with an average star rating of 4.7 (out of a possible 5.0).
Looking at today’s mortgage refinance rates
Today’s mortgage refinance rates rose slightly for longer repayment terms and held steady at near-record lows for shorter terms. Overall, mortgage refinance rates continue to afford homeowners unprecedented opportunities to reduce interest costs, lower their rates and pay off their mortgages faster. If you’re considering refinancing an existing home, check out what refinance rates look like:
- 30-year fixed refinance rates: 2.875%, up from 2.750%, +0.125
- 20-year fixed refinance rates: 2.625%, up from 2.500%, +0.125
- 15-year fixed refinance rates: 2.125%, unchanged
- 10-year fixed refinance rates: 2.125%, unchanged
Rates last updated on August 18, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
A site like Credible can be a big help when you’re ready to compare mortgage refinance loans. Credible lets you see prequalified rates for conventional mortgages from multiple lenders all within a few minutes. Visit Credible today to get started.
Credible has earned a 4.7 star rating (out of a possible 5.0) on Trustpilot and more than 4,500 reviews from customers who have safely compared prequalified rates.
How large of a down payment do I need?
A down payment is your initial investment in your home. It’s the portion of a home’s purchase price that you’re able to pay in cash, out of your own pocket, while borrowing the balance.
Typically, you’ll need to have some money for a down payment when you buy a home. How much you need can vary, depending on the lender and the type of mortgage. For example, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages have minimum down payment requirements of just 3.5%. Conventional fixed-rate loans often require 5% down payments, while VA and USDA loans don’t require you to have a down payment at all.
Keep in mind that the bigger your down payment, the more likely you are to qualify for a better deal on a mortgage. If your credit is good and you can put down 20% or more, you may be able to qualify for a very good interest rate. Plus, sellers often prefer buyers with higher down payments.
Finally, a 20% down payment will typically mean your lender won’t require private mortgage insurance. PMI protects the lender if you default on the loan, and it increases your monthly mortgage payment. The cost of PMI can vary widely, but it’s typically based on a percentage of your home’s purchase price.
Current mortgage rates
Today is the first day of the week in which mortgage interest rates rose. The average mortgage interest rate remains low at just 2.438%.
Current 30-year mortgage rates
The current interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.875%. This is up from yesterday. Thirty years is the most common repayment term for mortgages because 30-year mortgages typically give you a lower monthly payment. But they also typically come with higher interest rates, meaning you’ll ultimately pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
Current 20-year mortgage rates
The current interest rate for a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.625%. This is up from yesterday. Shortening your repayment term by just 10 years can mean you’ll get a lower interest rate — and pay less in total interest over the life of the loan.
Current 15-year mortgage rates
The current interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.125%. This is the same as yesterday. Fifteen-year mortgages are the second most-common mortgage term. A 15-year mortgage may help you get a lower rate than a 30-year term — and pay less interest over the life of the loan — while keeping monthly payments manageable.
Current 10-year mortgage rates
The current interest rate for a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.125%. This is the same as yesterday. Although less common than 30-year and 15-year mortgages, a 10-year fixed rate mortgage typically gives you lower interest rates and lifetime interest costs, but a higher monthly mortgage payment.
You can explore your mortgage options in minutes by visiting Credible to compare current rates from various lenders who offer mortgage refinancing as well as home loans. Check out Credible and get prequalified today, and take a look at today’s refinance rates through the link below.
Thousands of Trustpilot reviewers rate Credible "excellent."
Rates last updated on August 18, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
How Credible mortgage rates are calculated
Changing economic conditions, central bank policy decisions, investor sentiment, and other factors influence the movement of mortgage rates. Credible average mortgage rates and mortgage refinance rates are calculated based on information provided by partner lenders who pay compensation to Credible.
The rates assume a borrower has a 740 credit score and is borrowing a conventional loan for a single-family home that will be their primary residence. The rates also assume no (or very low) discount points and a down payment of 20%.
Credible mortgage rates will only give you an idea of current average rates. The rate you receive can vary based on a number of factors.
How mortgage rates have changed
Today, mortgage rates are mostly the same as this time last week.
- 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.875%, the same as last week
- 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.625%, down from 2.750% last week, -0.125
- 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.125%, the same as last week
- 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.125%, the same as last week
Rates last updated on August 18, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.
If you’re trying to find the right rate for your home mortgage or looking to refinance an existing home, consider using Credible. You can use Credible's free online tool to easily compare multiple lenders and see prequalified rates in just a few minutes.
With more than 4,500 reviews, Credible maintains an "excellent" Trustpilot score.
The forecast for mortgage rates in 2021
Researchers at Freddie Mac expect mortgage rates to rise slightly throughout 2021, citing the Federal Reserve’s commitment to keeping interest rates low for the foreseeable future.
Fannie Mae researchers anticipate mortgage rates to trend slightly higher this year, citing an ongoing rise in the 10-year Treasury yield. Ultimately, though, Fannie Mae experts believe lenders will "absorb" some of the elevated costs as "refinance demand gradually wanes" — keeping rates at relatively stable levels.
Here are the predictions for how 30-year fixed rates will look for the rest of the year:
Freddie Mac
- Q2 (April to June): 2.9%
- Q3 (July to September): 3.0%
- Q4 (October to December): 3.0%
Fannie Mae
- Q2 (April to June): 2.8%
- Q3 (July to September): 2.9%
- Q4 (October to December): 2.9%
How accurate were their predictions?
Actual average 30-year fixed rate in Q1 (January to March): 2.877%
- Freddie Mac prediction: 2.9%
- Fannie Mae prediction: 2.7%
Looking to lower your home insurance rate?
A home insurance policy can help cover unexpected costs you may incur during home ownership, such as structural damage and destruction or stolen personal property. Coverage can vary widely among lenders, so it’s wise to shop around and compare policy quotes.
Credible is partnered with a home insurance broker. If you're looking for a better rate on home insurance and are considering switching providers, consider using an online broker. You can compare quotes from top-rated insurance carriers in your area — it's fast, easy, and the whole process can be completed entirely online.
Have a finance-related question, but don't know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at moneyexpert@credible.com and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.
As a Credible authority on mortgages and personal finance, Chris Jennings has covered topics that include mortgage loans, mortgage refinancing, and more. He’s been an editor and editorial assistant in the online personal finance space for four years. His work has been featured by MSN, AOL, Yahoo Finance, and more.