Mortgage and refinance rates today, January 12, 2026: Look for lenders offering rates below 6%

Mortgage and refinance rates today, January 12, 2026: Look for lenders offering rates below 6%
Mortgage and refinance rates today, January 12, 2026: Look for lenders offering rates below 6%

Mortgage rates average just under 6% and some lenders offer mortgage loans in the mid-5% range. According to Zillow data, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.91%and the 15-year fixed rate is 5.36%.

Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest data from Zillow:

  • Fixed for 30 years: 5.91%

  • Fixed for 20 years: 5.83%

  • Fixed for 15 years: 5.36%

  • 5/1 ARM: 6.17%

  • 7/1 ARM: 6.36%

  • 30 year old VA: 5.57%

  • VA of 15 years: 5.21%

  • 5/1VA: 5.36%

Remember, these are national averages and are rounded to the nearest hundredth.

Here are the current mortgage refinance rates, according to the latest data from Zillow:

  • Fixed for 30 years: 5.99%

  • Fixed for 20 years: 5.75%

  • Fixed for 15 years: 5.43%

  • ARM 5/1: 6.39%

  • 7/1 ARM: 6.49%

  • 30 year old VA: 5.46%

  • VA of 15 years: 5.13%

  • 5/1VA: 5.44%

Again, the figures provided are national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth. Mortgage refinancing rates are typically higher than rates when purchasing a home, although this is not always the case.

You can use Yahoo Finance’s free mortgage calculator below to test how different terms and rates will affect your monthly payment. Our calculator considers factors such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance when estimating your monthly mortgage payment. This gives you a better idea of ​​your total monthly payment than if you just looked at the principal and interest on the mortgage.

You can bookmark Yahoo Finance’s mortgage payment calculator and keep it on hand for future use as you research homes and lenders.

30-year mortgage rates today

The average 30-year mortgage rate today is 5.91%. A 30-year term is the most popular type of mortgage because, by spreading your payments over 360 months, your monthly payment is relatively low.

If you had a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term and a rate of 5.91%, your monthly principal and interest payment would be approximately $1,781, and you would pay $341,279 in interest over the life of your loan, on top of the original $300,000.

The average 15-year mortgage rate today is 5.36%. Several factors should be considered when deciding between a 15- and 30-year mortgage.

A 15-year mortgage has a lower interest rate than a 30-year mortgage. This is great in the long run because you’ll pay off your loan 15 years sooner, and that means 15 fewer years for the interest to capitalize.

However, your monthly payments will be higher because you’ll be squeezing in paying the same debt in half the time.

If you take out the same $300,000 mortgage with a 15-year term and a rate of 5.36%, your monthly payment would increase to $2,429. But you would only pay $137,224 in interest over the life of the loan.

With an adjustable rate mortgage, your rate is fixed for a set period of time and then increases or decreases periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years and then changes each year.

Adjustable rates generally start lower than fixed rates, but you run the risk of your rate going up once the introductory rate lock-in period ends. But an ARM could be a good option if you plan to sell the home before the rate lock-in period ends; That way, you’ll pay a lower rate without worrying about it going up later.

Lately, ARM rates have sometimes been similar to or higher than fixed rates. Before you commit to a fixed or adjustable mortgage rate, be sure to shop around for the best lenders and rates. Some will offer more competitive adjustable rates than others.

Mortgage lenders typically offer the lowest mortgage rates to people with larger down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios. So if you want a lower rate, try saving more, improving your credit score, or paying off some debt before you start shopping for a home.

You can also lower your interest rate permanently by paying discount points at closing. A temporary interest rate reduction is also an option; For example, maybe you get a 6.25% rate with a 2-1 reduction. Your rate would start at 4.25% for the first year, increase to 5.25% for the second year, and then settle at 6.25% for the remainder of your term.

Just consider whether these purchases are worth the extra money at closing. Ask yourself if you will stay in the house long enough for the amount you save with a lower rate to offset the cost of lowering your rate before you make a decision.

Here are the interest rates for some of the most popular mortgage terms: According to Zillow data, the national average 30-year fixed rate is 5.91%, the 15-year fixed rate is 5.36%, and the 5/1 ARM rate is 6.17%.

A typical mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan is 5.91%. However, keep in mind that that’s the national average based on Zillow data. Zillow rates are typically lower than those reported by Freddie Mac and other places. Each source compiles rates using different methods. Zillow pulls rates from its marketplace of lenders, and Freddie Mac pulls information from loan applications submitted to its underwriting system. The average may be higher or lower depending on where you live in the US and, of course, your credit score.

Bit. According to its December forecast, the MBA expects the 30-year mortgage rate to be near 6.4% through 2026. Fannie Mae also predicts a 30-year rate above 6% through next year, although it will fall to 5.9% in the fourth quarter of 2026.

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