Mortgage Interest Rates Today, August 19, 2024 | Lower Rates Boost Affordability for Buyers

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So far this month, 30-year mortgage rates have averaged around 6.10%, according to Zillow data. This is 35 basis points down from last month's average rate. 

Mortgage rates increased rapidly over the last couple of years in response to rising inflation and aggressive rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Now that inflation is back down and nearing the Fed's target, mortgage rates have eased. And they're likely to come down further once the Fed starts cutting rates. 

In October 2023, 30-year rates peaked around 7.54%. On a $300,000 mortgage, this rate would result in a monthly payment of $2,106 (not including taxes or insurance). With today's mortgage rates, that same mortgage would cost $1,818 per month, a savings of $288.

As mortgage rates continue to go down, borrowers could save even more on their monthly payments. But depending on how quickly home prices rise, some buyers may still struggle with affordability.

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Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments.

By clicking on "More details," you'll also see how much you'll pay over the entire length of your mortgage, including how much goes toward the principal vs. interest.

30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates

Last week's average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.49%, according to Freddie Mac. This is a two-basis-point increase from the previous week.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common type of home loan. With this type of mortgage, you'll pay back what you borrowed over 30 years, and your interest rate won't change for the life of the loan.

The lengthy 30-year term allows you to spread out your payments over a long period of time, meaning you can keep your monthly payments lower and more manageable. The trade-off is that you'll have a higher rate than you would with shorter terms or adjustable rates. 

15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates

Average 15-year mortgage rates fell to 5.66% last week, according to Freddie Mac data. This is a three-basis-point increase from the week before.

If you want the predictability that comes with a fixed rate but are looking to spend less on interest over the life of your loan, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage might be a good fit for you. Because these terms are shorter and have lower rates than 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, you could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in interest. However, you'll have a higher monthly payment than you would with a longer term.

How Do Fed Rate Hikes Affect Mortgages?

The Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate dramatically to try to slow economic growth and get inflation under control. So far, inflation has slowed significantly, but it's still a bit above the Fed's 2% target rate.

Mortgage rates aren't directly impacted by changes to the federal funds rate, but they often trend up or down ahead of Fed policy moves. This is because mortgage rates change based on investor demand for mortgage-backed securities, and this demand is often impacted by how investors expect Fed hikes to affect the broader economy. 

The Fed has indicated that it could start cutting this year. This would allow mortgage rates to trend down in the coming months.

When Will Mortgage Rates Go Down?

Mortgage rates increased dramatically over the last two years, but they're expected to go down at some point this year.

In July 2024, the Consumer Price Index rose 2.9% year-over-year. Inflation has slowed significantly since it peaked last year, which means mortgage rates could fall further in the coming months.

For homeowners looking to leverage their home's value to cover a big purchase — such as a home renovation — a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be a good option while we wait for mortgage rates to ease. Check out some of our best HELOC lenders to start your search for the right loan for you.

A HELOC is a line of credit that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. It works similarly to a credit card in that you borrow what you need rather than getting the full amount you're borrowing in a lump sum. It also lets you tap into the money you have in your home without replacing your entire mortgage, like you'd do with a cash-out refinance.

Current HELOC rates are relatively low compared to other loan options, including credit cards and personal loans.