Today's mortgage rates: Shorter terms hold at record lows, longer terms tick up | August 5, 2021

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Check out the mortgage rates for August 5, 2021, which are a mixed bag from yesterday. (iStock)

Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage rates held steady for shorter repayment terms and edged up for longer terms since yesterday.

  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.750%, up from 2.625%, +0.125
  • 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.625%, up from 2.500%, +0.125
  • 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, unchanged
  • 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, unchanged

Rates last updated on August 5, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

What this means: Historically, homebuyers seeking to keep monthly mortgage payments as low as possible prefer longer mortgage terms. High demand for these mortgage terms may be driving day-to-day fluctuations in 30-year and 20-year mortgage rates. Still, mortgage interest rates remain at record lows across all terms. And 15-year and 10-year interest rates have rested  around 2.000% since early July. 

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 remained largely unchanged since yesterday, with the exception of 30-year rates, which edged up. Mortgage refinance rates remain at historic lows, with shorter terms resting at just 2.000% throughout the week.

If you’re considering refinancing an existing home, check out what refinance rates look like:

  • 30-year fixed refinance rates: 2.750%, up from 2.625%, +0.125
  • 20-year fixed refinance rates: 2.500%, unchanged
  • 15-year fixed refinance rates: 2.000%, unchanged
  • 10-year fixed refinance rates: 2.000%, unchanged

Rates last updated on August 5, 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 to get low mortgage rates

Mortgage and refinance rates are affected by many economic factors, like unemployment numbers and inflation. But your personal financial history will also determine the rates you’re offered.

If you want to get the lowest possible monthly mortgage payment, taking the following steps can help you secure a lower rate on your home loan:

It’s also a good idea to compare rates from different lenders to find the best rate for your financial goals. According to research from Freddie Mac, borrowers can save $1,500 on average over the life of their loan by shopping for just one additional rate quote — and an average of $3,000 by comparing five rate quotes. 

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

Current mortgage rates

The bump in 30-year rates increased the average mortgage rate slightly today to 2.344%. It’s been lower only a handful of times throughout 2021.

Current 30-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.750%. 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 2.000%. 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 2.000%. 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.

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Rates last updated on August 5, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

How mortgage rates have changed

Today, mortgage rates are the same compared to this time last week.

  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.750%, the same as last week
  • 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.625%, the same as last week
  • 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, the same as last week
  • 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.000%, the same as last week

Rates last updated on August 5, 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 has a partnership with a home insurance broker. You can compare free home insurance quotes through Credible's partner here. 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.