Mortgage Rates Today See Slight Rise for Home Movers


Mortgage Rates Today See Slight Rise for Home Movers

Mortgage Rates Today: A Guide for Home Movers

Considering a move or looking to refinance your current home? Understanding the latest mortgage rates is a critical step for smart financial planning. As of November 19, 2025, rates are experiencing minor daily shifts, settling back to levels observed at the beginning of the month, which directly impacts your buying power and monthly payments.

Mortgage Rates Today: A Snapshot (November 19, 2025)

According to the latest Zillow data, mortgage rates saw slight increases today. The average 30-year fixed rate is up six basis points to 6.15%, while the 15-year fixed rate also rose by six basis points to 5.60%. For those planning to move, these fluctuations mean staying informed is key to locking in the best possible terms.

Current Purchase Rates

  • 30-year fixed: 6.15%
  • 20-year fixed: 5.97%
  • 15-year fixed: 5.60%
  • 5/1 ARM: 6.28%
  • 7/1 ARM: 6.03%
  • 30-year VA: 5.60%
  • 15-year VA: 5.26%
  • 5/1 VA: 5.25%

These national averages are rounded; your specific rate will vary based on your lender, credit score, location, and other factors. It's always smart to shop around.

Current Refinance Rates

If you're considering refinancing your existing home before your next move, here are today's average rates, also from Zillow data:

  • 30-year fixed: 6.28%
  • 20-year fixed: 6.08%
  • 15-year fixed: 5.74%
  • 5/1 ARM: 6.48%
  • 7/1 ARM: 6.49%
  • 30-year VA: 5.75%
  • 15-year VA: 5.47%
  • 5/1 VA: 5.48%

Keep in mind that refinance rates are often, though not always, slightly higher than rates for new home purchases.

Understanding Your Mortgage Options for a Move

Choosing the right mortgage type is crucial, especially when you're moving. Each option comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages that can significantly impact your financial future.

30-Year Fixed Mortgages: Stability and Lower Payments

A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage offers stability and predictability, making it a popular choice for many homebuyers. Your monthly payments are spread over a longer period, resulting in lower individual payments that remain consistent throughout the loan's life. This predictability can be a huge advantage for budget planning after a move, as changes to your homeowners insurance or property taxes are usually the only variables affecting your monthly outlay. The main drawback for movers is the higher total interest paid over the life of the loan due to both the longer term and a generally higher interest rate compared to shorter fixed terms.

15-Year Fixed Mortgages: Faster Payoff, Significant Savings

For those who can manage higher monthly payments, a 15-year fixed mortgage offers significant benefits. You'll enjoy a lower interest rate, pay off your loan 15 years sooner, and save potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest over the loan's duration. While the monthly payments are higher, the long-term financial gain is substantial, allowing you to build equity faster and potentially move into a mortgage-free home much sooner.

Comparing Fixed-Rate Mortgage Options

Feature 30-Year Fixed 15-Year Fixed
Monthly Payment Lower Higher
Interest Rate (Generally) Higher Lower
Total Interest Paid Much Higher Significantly Lower
Term Length 30 Years 15 Years
Payment Predictability High High

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): Flexibility for Short-Term Plans

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) offer an introductory fixed rate for a set period (e.g., five or seven years for a 5/1 or 7/1 ARM), after which the rate adjusts periodically. Historically, the main advantage was a lower introductory rate compared to 30-year fixed mortgages, leading to lower initial monthly payments. However, current Zillow data shows fixed rates are presently lower than ARMs, so it's vital to discuss this with your lender. ARMs can be particularly beneficial for those planning to move again or refinance before the introductory rate period expires, allowing you to capitalize on lower initial payments without facing the uncertainty of future rate adjustments. If your plans change, however, your payments could become unpredictable.

Navigating the Market: What to Watch and How to Save

Mortgage rates are influenced by broader economic factors, including actions by the Federal Reserve. Experts predict rates will likely remain within a tight range over the next few months, with a possible interest rate cut in December not guaranteed to significantly lower mortgage rates further. While rates have fluctuated, there has been a general downward trend over the past couple of months, falling below where they were one year ago.

Securing the Best Rate

Whether you're buying a new home or refinancing, proactive steps can help you secure the most favorable rates. Focus on improving your credit score and lowering your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Opting for a shorter loan term, like a 15-year fixed, will also generally provide a lower interest rate, though it comes with higher monthly payments. Utilize online mortgage calculators, like the Yahoo Finance mortgage payment calculator, to model various scenarios and understand how different rates and terms impact your estimated monthly payments, including potential PMI and HOA dues.

Today's Mortgage Rates: FAQs

  • What is a 30-year mortgage rate right now?
    The national average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.15% as of November 19, 2025, according to Zillow. This average can vary significantly based on your specific location and financial profile.
  • Are interest rates expected to go down?
    Mortgage rates are likely to remain in a tight range over the coming months. While the Federal Reserve might consider another interest rate cut in December, it's not a certainty, and even if it occurs, mortgage rates are not expected to move significantly lower.
  • Are mortgage rates dropping?
    Rates have been fluctuating recently, but there has been a general downward movement over the past couple of months, positioning them below where they were one year ago, according to Freddie Mac data.
  • How do I get the lowest refinance rate?
    To secure the best refinance rate, focus on improving your credit score and reducing your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Opting to refinance into a shorter term, such as a 15-year loan, will typically result in a lower interest rate, albeit with higher monthly payments.

For anyone planning a move or considering a refinance, the key takeaway is to remain vigilant about market trends, understand the nuances of different loan products, and proactively shop around with multiple lenders to compare offers tailored to your unique financial situation.

Mortgage Rates Today See Slight Rise for Home Movers

Popular Posts

Avoid Moving Day Surprises Understanding Your Estimate

Image
Avoid Moving Day Surprises: Understanding Your Moving Estimate Moving can be a stressful experience, and few things add more anxiety than a final bill that's significantly higher than your initial quote. A recent HelloNation article featuring moving expert Mike Marschhausen of Fit 2 Move Moving Services in Portsmouth sheds light on why estimates change and how understanding them can prevent unwelcome surprises on moving day. The Truth About Moving Estimates One of the biggest misconceptions about moving estimates is that they are always fixed. In reality, not all estimates work the same way. Some are based on detailed inventories that remain constant, while others can fluctuate depending on various factors like weight, time, or unexpected conditions encountered during the move. Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates: Know the Difference The core distinction lies between a binding and a non-binding estimate. Knowing which type you have is crucial for managing your expectations and...
Read more

West Ham eye England U21 star Charlie Cresswell

Image
West Ham Reignite Interest in England U21 Star Charlie Cresswell West Ham United have reportedly reignited their interest in promising England U21 defender Charlie Cresswell, with a potential move back to English football being eyed for 2026. The 23-year-old center-back has been making significant waves since his transfer to Toulouse in the summer of 2024, catching the attention of several clubs across Europe. Cresswell's Impressive Journey from Leeds to Ligue 1 Stardom Charlie Cresswell's career trajectory has seen a remarkable acceleration since he left Leeds United. After playing just 135 minutes of Championship football for Leeds, he made an immediate impact upon his move to Toulouse in the summer of 2024, becoming an instant starter for the French side. Over the past 15 months, he has accumulated 46 appearances for the club, demonstrating his versatile capabilities by scoring seven goals and providing three assists. His consistency has been a highlight, featuring in ...
Read more

How Much Does Moving Cost

Image
How Much Does Moving Cost? Plan Your Relocation Budget Moving can be an extensive project, whether you're relocating across the city or the globe. Understanding the potential costs is crucial for a smooth transition, as expenses vary significantly based on distance, the volume of your belongings, and whether you opt for DIY or professional services. This guide will help you budget effectively for your next move. Understanding Your Core Moving Expenses A move can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $10,000. The two primary factors influencing this wide range are the distance you're moving and the quantity of items you need to transport. Average Moving Cost by Distance Long-distance moves are naturally more expensive than local ones. Here's a general breakdown: Type of Move Average Cost Local Move (less than 50 miles) $1,400 Lon...
Read more

Expert box packing tips for a smooth move

Image
How to Pack Moving Boxes Like a Pro Moving season is here, and a great move starts with great packing. With a few pro-approved habits, you can prevent damage, speed up loading and unloading, and make day-one setup easier. Use these expert tips to pack boxes safely, efficiently, and without stress. Below you’ll find what to do before you pack, how to fill and label boxes the right way, mistakes to avoid, and a quick comparison of box options to help you plan your move with confidence. Context Packing well is more than playing box Tetris. The goal is twofold: protect your belongings and keep each box structurally sound for stacking. When boxes are too heavy, half-empty, or labeled poorly, you risk crushed cartons, broken items, slow unloads, and sore backs. Professional movers consistently recommend decluttering first, sizing boxes to the load, eliminating empty space, and labeling sides—not tops—for faster, safer moves. Key points 1) Declutter before you box Sort what you ...
Read more