What is considered a good mortgage rate right now?
In today's market, a good mortgage interest rate can fall in the high-6% range, depending on several factors, such as the type of mortgage, loan term, and individual financial circ*mstances. To understand what a favorable mortgage rate looks like for you, get quotes from a few different lenders and compare them.
"If you have a 30-year fixed rate ranging from 2.5 percent to 4.0 percent, you should hold on to the property for as long as you can," Herman explains. "If you have a mortgage rate higher than 4 percent, it may make sense to sell your home.
Currently, yes—4.75% is a good interest rate for a mortgage. While mortgage rates fluctuate so often—which can affect the definition of a good interest rate for a mortgage—4.75% is lower than the current average for both a 15-year fixed loan and a 30-year mortgage.
Buying a home at a low 2.75% rate is fantastic by today's standards. But when you experience buyer's regret and want to sell, you have to deal with current mortgage rates, which are closer to 7%. You might feel stuck if you can't afford to cough up the cash for an outright purchase.
A good personal loan interest rate depends on your credit score: 740 and above: Below 8% (look for loans for excellent credit) 670 to 739: Around 14% (look for loans for good credit) 580 to 669: Around 18% (look for loans for fair credit)
The current Bank of America, N.A. prime rate is 8.50% (rate effective as of July 27, 2023).
It's possible that rates will one day go back down to 3%, though if current trends hold that's not likely to happen anytime soon.
If inflation falls significantly and the economy enters a deep recession, it is possible that mortgage rates could fall back to 3%. However, this scenario is considered unlikely by most economists.
Homebuyers waiting for lower mortgage rates
If rates drop even lower — below 5% — nearly one-third of potential buyers say they could afford to buy. Since 2022, when the Federal Reserve began its campaign of interest rate hikes to tame inflation, mortgage rates have been climbing upward with little respite.
Mortgage giant Fannie Mae likewise raised its outlook, now expecting 30-year mortgage rates to be at 6.4 percent by the end of 2024, compared to an earlier forecast of 5.8 percent.
Is 6% a bad mortgage rate?
In today's market, a good mortgage interest rate can fall in the high-6% range, depending on several factors, such as the type of mortgage, loan term, and individual financial circ*mstances. To understand what a favorable mortgage rate looks like for you, get quotes from a few different lenders and compare them.
When Will Mortgage Rates Go Down? Mortgage rates are expected to decline when the Federal Open Market Committee cuts the benchmark interest rate, which is likely to happen in the second half of 2024. But as long as inflation runs hotter than the Fed would like, rates will remain elevated at their current levels.
30-year rates have marched from 16.63% in 1981, to just 3.13% in June 2020. Many wouldn't have thought it possible 20 years ago — or even one year ago — but rates in the low-3% range are now being widely quoted. And rates in the 2s are a reality for some.
The average 30-year fixed rate reached an all-time record low of 2.65% in January 2021 before surging to 7.79% in October 2023, according to Freddie Mac.
If you have good credit, a 3% down payment conventional loan is often the best choice. The Conventional 97, HomeReady, and Home Possible loans are all affordable options with just 3% down. For borrowers with lower credit, an FHA loan with 3.5% down is an excellent alternative.
A high-interest loan charges interest and fees that are higher than most other loans. Typically, a loan with an annual percentage rate, or APR, over 36% is considered a high-interest loan. If you need cash fast or have low credit, you may be offered a high-interest loan or feel like you don't have any other options.
Generally, what's considered a bad interest rate is anything higher than 10%. Ideally, you want to get an interest rate that's below 5% — but with little or bad credit, that can be harder to achieve.
But depending on the lender, the borrower's credit score and financial situation and other factors, personal loan interest rates can generally range from under 6% to 36%—although higher interest rates aren't unheard of in states where it's allowed.
What was the highest prime rate? The highest prime rate was 21.5%, reached on December 19, 1980.
Despite mortgage rates remaining stubbornly high, most housing market experts expect them to recede over 2024, assuming the Federal Reserve acts on its signaled interest rate cuts. However, whether mortgage rates fade enough to create a meaningful shift in home affordability remains uncertain.
What is prime rate vs mortgage rate?
The Prime Rate is the interest rate that banks use as a basis to set rates for different types of loans, credit cards and lines of credit. Certain mortgage rates, like variable rate mortgages, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, may also be affected by the published rate.
Even with interest rates as high as they are, it's still a great time to buy a house. The higher interest rates have priced some buyers out of the market, which means you could face less competition when you make offers.
| Source | Projected 30-year mortgage rate (by end of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Mortgage Bankers Association | 6.1% |
| Fannie Mae | 5.8% |
| Realtor.com | 6.5% |
| Redfin | 6.6% |
Here's where three experts predict mortgage rates are heading: Around 6% or below by Q1 2025: "Rates hit 8% towards the end of last year, and right now we are seeing rates closer to 6.875%," says Haymore. "By the first quarter of 2025, mortgage rates could potentially fall below the 6% threshold, or maybe even lower."
The good news is that inflation is cooling, and many experts expect interest rates to move in a downward direction in 2024. Then again, a two-point drop would be significant, and even if rates fall, they're not likely to get down to 5% within the next year.
