Today's mortgage and refinance rates: April 18, 2022

Mortgage rates have hit 5% and aren't likely to decrease anytime soon. Check out today's rates and see how they might impact your homebuying budget.

Rates likely to remain at decade-long high

The last time the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was above the 5% threshold was in early 2011. Average rates are now back to the 5% level, according to Freddie Mac, thanks in part to inflation and Federal Reserve policy.

I still believe we are in a market that is advantageous to buy or own in. Ralph DiBugnara, president of Home Qualified and senior vice president of Cardinal Financial

While it's hard to predict whether rates will continue to rise past this point, it's not likely that they'll decrease anytime soon.

"I believe the rates being above 5% will become a norm, and I don't see a significant downward movement in the near future," says Ralph DiBugnara, president of Home Qualified and senior vice president of Cardinal Financial.

Even though rates are up, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad time to buy a house. Depending on where you live, purchasing a home may end up being a better deal than renting.

"I still believe we are in a market that is advantageous to buy or own in," DiBugnara says. "Higher rates mean less buying power in some cases, but rent is rising as fast or faster than home prices because of inflation, making buying the more ideal option for many. The market, in general, is experiencing a scarcity of goods and that includes housing."

Mortgage rates today

Mortgage refinance rates today

Mortgage calculator

Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments.

By plugging in different term lengths and interest rates, you'll see how your monthly payment could change.

Are mortgage rates going up?

Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021, and will likely continue to increase throughout 2022.

In the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index rose by 8.5%, the fastest rate of inflation since 1981. The Federal Reserve has been working to get inflation under control, and plans to increase the federal funds target rate six more times this year, following a 0.25% increase at its March meeting.

Though not directly tied to the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are often pushed up as a result of Fed rate hikes. As the central bank continues to tighten monetary policy to lower inflation, it's likely that mortgage rates will remain elevated.

What do high rates mean for the housing market?

When mortgage rates go up, home shoppers' buying power decreases, as more of their anticipated housing budget has to go toward paying interest. If rates get high enough, buyers can get priced out of the market completely, which cools demand and puts downward pressure on home price growth.

However, that doesn't mean home prices will fall — in fact, they're expected to rise even more this year, just at a slower pace than what we've seen in the past couple years.

Even though high rates slow demand, low inventory will keep pushing prices up, DiBugnara says.

"There's such a shortage that even if 50% of the people stop looking today, you would still have a high demand," he says. "So I just think that because of that demand, you're going to see prices rise for at least another 18 to 24 months." 

What is a good mortgage rate?

It can be hard to know if a lender is offering you a good rate, which is why it's so important to get preapproved with multiple mortgage lenders and compare each offer. Apply for preapproval with at least two or three lenders.

Your rate isn't the only thing that matters. Be sure to compare both what your monthly costs would be as well as your upfront costs, including any lender fees.

Even though mortgage rates are heavily influenced by economic factors that are out of your control, there are some things you can do to help ensure you get a good rate:

• Consider fixed vs. adjustable rates. You may be able to get a lower introductory rate with an adjustable-rate mortgage, which can be good if you plan to move before the intro period ends. But a fixed rate could be better if you're buying a forever home because you won't risk your rate going up later. Look at the rates your lender offers and weigh your options.
• Look at your finances. The stronger your financial situation, the lower your mortgage rate should be. Look for ways to boost your credit score or lower your debt-to-income ratio, if necessary. Saving for a higher down payment also helps.
• Choose the right lender. Each lender charges different mortgage rates. Picking the right one for your financial situation will help you land a good rate.