Mortgage and Refinance Rates Today, May 1, 2026: Inflation Concerns Drive Mortgage Rates Up

Mortgage and Refinance Rates Today, May 1, 2026: Inflation Concerns Drive Mortgage Rates Up
Mortgage and Refinance Rates Today, May 1, 2026: Inflation Concerns Drive Mortgage Rates Up

Rising tensions between the United States and Iran have raised concerns about inflation, driving up oil prices and mortgage rates. The 30-year fixed interest rate rose 11 basis points to 6.21%according to Zillow’s lender marketplace. The 15-year fixed loan increased one basis point to 5.63%, and the 20-year fixed loan increased from 6.08% to 6.14%.

4 Lenders Drop Below 6% APR: Weekly Survey of Mortgage Lenders with the Best Rates

Current mortgage rates

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

  • Fixed for 30 years: 6.21%

  • Fixed for 20 years: 6.14%

  • Fixed for 15 years: 5.63%

  • 5/1 ARM: 6.14%

  • 7/1 ARM: 6.14%

  • VA 30 years: 5.64%

  • VA of 15 years: 5.22%

  • 5/1VA: 5.22%

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

Current Mortgage Refinance Rates

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

  • Fixed for 30 years: 6.20%

  • Fixed for 20 years: 6.18%

  • Fixed for 15 years: 5.65%

  • 5/1 ARM: 6.01%

  • 7/1 ARM: 6.12%

  • 30 year old VA: 5.67%

  • VA of 15 years: 5.17%

  • 5/1 VA: 5.45%

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.

Delve into the 7 home refinancing options

Free mortgage calculator

Your mortgage rate plays a big role in the amount of your monthly payment. Use this mortgage calculator to see how your mortgage amount, rate, and term length will affect your monthly payments:

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

How mortgage interest rates work

A mortgage interest rate is a fee for borrowing money from your lender, expressed as a percentage. You can choose between two types of rates: fixed or adjustable.

A fixed-rate mortgage fixes your rate for the entire life of your loan. For example, if you take out a 30-year mortgage with a 6% interest rate, your rate will remain at 6% for the entire 30-year term unless you refinance or sell.

An adjustable-rate mortgage fixes your rate for a predetermined period and then adjusts it periodically. Let’s say you get a 7/1 ARM with a 6% introductory rate. His rate would be 6% for the first seven years, then the rate would increase or decrease once a year for the last 23 years of his term. Whether your rate goes up or down depends on several factors, such as the economy and the real estate market.

At the beginning of your mortgage term, most of your monthly payment goes toward interest. Your monthly mortgage principal and interest payment stays the same over the years. However, less and less of your payment goes toward interest and more goes toward mortgage principal, or the amount you originally borrowed.

Determine if an adjustable-rate or fixed-rate mortgage is best for you

How long a mortgage term should you get?

A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a good option if you want a lower mortgage payment and the predictability that comes with having a fixed rate. Just know that your rate will be higher than if you choose a shorter term and you’ll pay significantly more in interest over the years.

You may want to consider a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage if your goal is to pay off your home loan quickly and save money on interest. These shorter terms come with lower interest rates, and since you’ll cut your repayment time in half, you’ll save a lot on interest in the long run. But you’ll need to make sure you can comfortably afford the higher monthly payments that come with 15-year terms.

Learn how to decide between a 15- and 30-year fixed-rate mortgage

Typically, an adjustable rate mortgage may be appropriate if you plan to sell before the introductory rate period ends. Adjustable rates typically start lower than fixed rates and then your rate will change after a predetermined period of time. However, 5/1 and 7/1 ARM rates have been similar to (or even higher than) 30-year fixed rates recently. Before getting an ARM just for a lower rate, compare your rate options from term to term and lender to lender.

Are mortgage rates declining?

Not today. They are increasing. After hitting a recent high near 6.50% just three weeks ago, as reported by Zillow, rates reversed course and fell nearly half a point. However, the stock market remains volatile as the conflict in the Middle East raises concerns about inflation and geopolitical unrest. As a result, today we have seen an increase in mortgage rates.

Mortgage Interest Rates Today: Frequently Asked Questions

What are mortgage interest rates doing today?

According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.30% as of Wednesday, down from 6.23% the week before.

How low will mortgage rates fall in 2026?

Based on April forecasts, the MBA expects the 30-year mortgage rate to approach 6.30% through 2026. Fannie Mae predicts a 30-year rate just above 6% by the end of the year.

How low could mortgage rates fall in 2027?

Mortgage rates are likely to remain little changed in 2027. The MBA forecasts 30-year fixed rates of 6.20% to 6.30% through most of 2027. However, Fannie Mae is more optimistic, predicting average rates will be 6.1% through 2027.

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