Expand / Collapse search
☰

Today’s best mortgage deal? 15-year rates lowest available | Dec. 27, 2022

By Chris Jennings
Published  December 27, 2022 4:56pm EST
Personal Finance
Content provided by Credible, which is majority owned by Fox Corporation. Credible is solely responsible for this content and the services it provides.

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.

CREDIBLE_USE_ONLY-Daily-Mortgage-Rates-12-27-22-copy.jpg

Check out the mortgage rates for Dec. 27, 2022, which are trending up from last Thursday. (Credible)

Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage rates for home purchases have risen since last Thursday.

Rates last updated on Dec. 27, 2022. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary. Credible, a personal finance marketplace, has 5,000 Trustpilot reviews with an average star rating of 4.7 (out of a possible 5.0).

What this means: Rates have risen for all fixed-rate mortgage loans. Rates for 10-year loans have risen the most, by nearly half of a percentage point, while rates for 30-year loans have risen about a quarter of a point. 20-year and 15-year rates have increased the least, by an eighth of a point each. Buyers looking to save the most on interest may want to consider a 15-year loan, which has the lowest available rate at 5.5%.

To find great mortgage rates, start by using Credible’s secured website, which can show you current mortgage rates from multiple lenders without affecting your credit score. You can also use Credible’s mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments.

Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage refinance rates have risen since last Thursday.

Rates last updated on Dec. 27 2022. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary. With 5,000 reviews, Credible maintains an "excellent" Trustpilot score.

What this means: Fixed-rate refinance rates have risen across the board, though none above half a point. 20-year and 15-year rates increased the least by an eighth of a point, followed by 30-year rates’ increase of just over a quarter of a point. 10-year rates rose the most with nearly half of a point. Homeowners looking to refinance with the lowest interest rate may want to pick a 15-year loan with its 5.5% rate.

How mortgage rates have changed over time

Today’s mortgage interest rates are well below the highest annual average rate recorded by Freddie Mac — 16.63% in 1981. A year before the COVID-19 pandemic upended economies across the world, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for 2019 was 3.94%. The average rate for 2021 was 2.96%, the lowest annual average in 30 years.

The historic drop in interest rates means homeowners who have mortgages from 2019 and older could potentially realize significant interest savings by refinancing with one of today’s lower interest rates. When considering a mortgage or refinance, it’s important to take into account closing costs such as appraisal, application, origination and attorney’s fees. These factors, in addition to the interest rate and loan amount, all contribute to the cost of a mortgage. 

CREDIBLE_USE_ONLY-30-years-of-30-year-rates-copy.jpg

Are you looking to buy a home? Credible can help you compare current rates from multiple mortgage lenders at once in just a few minutes. Use Credible’s online tools to compare rates and get prequalified today.

Thousands of Trustpilot reviewers rate Credible "excellent."

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 reported in this article 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 reported here will only give you an idea of current average rates. The rate you actually receive can vary based on a number of factors.

Factors that influence mortgage rates (and are out of your control)

Many factors influence the interest rate a lender may offer you. Some — such as your credit score — are in your control. But others you have no ability to affect, such as:

  • The economy — During financial downturns, the Fed may lower interest rates to try to stimulate the economy. And when the economy is doing well, interest rates can rise.
  • Inflation — Interest rates tend to move with inflation. When the overall cost of goods and services increases, interest rates are also likely to rise.
  • The Federal Reserve — The Fed may choose to lower interest rates to stimulate a struggling economy, or raise rates in an attempt to put the brakes on inflation.
  • Macro employment trends — When many people are out of work, as they were during the months of pandemic lockdown, mortgage rates may fall. As employment increases, interest rates typically also increase.

If you’re trying to find the right mortgage rate, 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.

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.