Slow creep stalls: Mortgage interest rates level off at bargain lows | Dec. 10, 2021

30-year mortgage rates mark 4th straight day below 3.2%.

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Check out the mortgage rates for Dec. 10, 2021, which are unchanged from yesterday. (iStock)

Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage rates remained unchanged since yesterday.

  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 3.125%, unchanged
  • 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.875%, unchanged
  • 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.375%, unchanged
  • 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.375%, unchanged

Rates last updated on Dec. 10, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

What this means: Although mortgage rates have edged up in the past 60 days, the slow creep appears to have settled — at least temporarily. Mortgage rates remained unchanged for the third straight day this week. And despite day-to-day fluctuations, rates have remained level week-over-week. Homebuyers may want to lock in a money-saving mortgage rate today, while the upward crawl appears stalled. Mortgage experts continue to predict further increases in 2022.

These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

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

Despite month-over-month increases and expert predictions of more to come, today’s mortgage refinance rates appear to have stabilized at money-saving lows. Homeowners who took out their mortgages in 2019 or earlier stand to realize significant savings by refinancing into a new mortgage at today’s low rates. If you’re considering refinancing an existing home, check out what refinance rates look like:

  • 30-year fixed-rate refinance: 3.125%, unchanged
  • 20-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.875%, unchanged
  • 15-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.375%, unchanged
  • 10-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.375%, unchanged

Rates last updated on Dec. 10, 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.

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.

Current mortgage rates

Today’s average mortgage interest rate across all terms rests at just 2.688% for a third consecutive day.

Current 30-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 3.125%. This is the same as 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 2.875%. This is the same as 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 2.375%. 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 2.375%. 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 Dec. 10, 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 the same as this time last week.

  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates: 3.125%, the same as last week
  • 20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.875%, the same as last week
  • 15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.375%, the same as last week
  • 10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.375%, the same as last week

Rates last updated on Dec. 10, 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.

How my credit score affects my rate

Many factors can affect the interest rate you receive on a mortgage. Your credit score is an important one.

A higher credit score indicates to lenders that you know how to use credit responsibly. It can boost their confidence that you’ll make your mortgage payments on time and won’t default. Applying for a mortgage with a high credit score could help you qualify for lower interest rates, and give you a wider array of loan types to choose from.

Conversely, a low credit score may make lenders think you’ll have difficulty managing your mortgage, and may miss payments or even go into foreclosure. A low credit score likely means you’ll qualify for higher interest rates, and your loan choices will be more limited.

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 insurers, 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.