Current refinancing rates on May 26, 2023: rates are rising

10-year and 15-year fixed refinancing saw their average rates rise sharply this week. The average 30-year fixed refinancing rate also increased.

Amid its ongoing battle to fight inflation, the Federal Reserve announced a 0.25% hike in its target federal funds rate on May 3. Refinance rates, like mortgage rates, fluctuate daily and could see new moves in response, or they could generally stay the same.

“The market has already priced in expectations of a 25 basis point hike in May and then no further hikes thereafter,” said Scott Haymore, head of capital markets and mortgage pricing at the Bank. TD.

With inflation steadily declining since its peak last summer, the Fed has signaled that the end of the current rate hike cycle may be in sight. Depending on incoming inflation data, the Fed may keep rates where they are – but not cut them – until inflation hits its 2% target.

“Ultimately, greater certainty about Fed actions will help alleviate some of the volatility we’ve seen with mortgage rates,” said Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American Financial Corporation.

As the Fed aggressively raised its federal funds rate in 2022, refinance rates have soared, but we are seeing signs that rates may slowly start to stabilize as inflation wanes.

For the first three meetings of 2023, the Fed has adopted smaller rate increases — 25 basis points from the common 75 and 50 basis point increases last year — while waiting to see the cumulative effects of policy changes. inflation policy.

Looking at average mortgage rate data for the past year, mortgage rates peaked at the end of 2022 and have been on a downward trend since then. We are still a long way from the record refinance rates of 2020 and 2021, but borrowers could see rates come down in 2023.

“Amid easing inflationary pressures, we should see more consistent declines in mortgage rates as the year progresses, particularly if the economy and labor market slow materially,” says Greg McBride, CFA. and Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate. (Bankrate, like CNET Money, is owned by Red Ventures.) He expects 30-year fixed mortgage rates to end the year near 5.25%.

Regardless of the direction of rates, homeowners shouldn’t focus on timing the market and should instead decide whether refinancing is right for their financial situation. As long as you can get an interest rate lower than your current rate, refinancing will likely save you money. Do the math to see if it makes sense for your current finances and goals. If you decide to refinance, be sure to compare rates, fees, and the annual percentage rate — which indicates the total cost of borrowing — from different lenders to find the best deal.

30-year fixed rate refinancing

For 30-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently 7.21%, up 12 basis points from a week ago. (One basis point equals 0.01%.) One reason to refinance a 30-year fixed loan from a shorter loan term is to lower your monthly payment. This makes 30-year refinances good for people who have trouble making their monthly payments or just want a little more leeway. Be aware, however, that the interest rates will generally be higher than those of a 10 or 15 year refinance and that you will pay off your loan at a slower rate.

15-year fixed-rate refinancing

The current average interest rate for 15-year refinances is 6.62%, an increase of 24 basis points from what we saw the previous week. A 15-year fixed refinance will most likely increase your monthly payment compared to a 30-year loan. On the other hand, you will save money on interest because you will pay off the loan sooner. Interest rates for a 15-year refinance also tend to be lower than a 30-year refinance, so you’ll save even more in the long run.

10-year fixed rate refinancing

The current average interest rate for a 10-year refinance is 6.71%, an increase of 23 basis points from a week ago. Compared to a 15 or 30 year refinance, a 10 year refinance will generally have a lower interest rate but a higher monthly payment. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your home much faster and save on long-term interest. Just be sure to carefully review your budget and current financial situation to make sure you can afford a higher monthly payment.

Where are the rates going

At the start of the pandemic, refinancing interest rates hit historic lows. But at the start of 2022, the Fed began raising interest rates in an effort to curb runaway inflation. Although the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates, Fed rate hikes have increased the cost of borrowing for most consumer lending products, including mortgages and refinances. Mortgage rates reached their highest level in 20 years at the end of 2022.

Recent data shows that headline inflation has declined slowly but steadily since peaking in June 2022, but it still remains well above the Fed’s 2% inflation target. After raising rates by 25 basis points in March, the Fed has indicated (PDF) that it plans to slow – but not stop – the pace of its rate hikes throughout 2023. Both of these factors are expected to contribute to progressive traction. lower mortgage and refinance rates this year, though consumers shouldn’t expect a big drop or a return to pandemic-era lows.

We track refinance rate trends using information collected by Bankrate. Here is a table with the average refinance rates provided by lenders across the country:

Average refinancing interest rate

Rates as of May 26, 2023.

How to find personalized refinance rates

It is important to understand that fares advertised online often require specific eligibility requirements. Your interest rate will be influenced by market conditions as well as your credit history, financial profile and demand.

Having a high credit score, a low rate of credit utilization, and a history of regular, on-time payments will generally help you get the best interest rates. You can get a good idea of ​​average interest rates online, but be sure to speak with a mortgage professional to see the specific rates you qualify for. To get the best refinance rates, you must first make your application as strong as possible. The best way to improve your credit rating is to get your finances in order, use your credit responsibly, and monitor your credit regularly. Remember to speak with several lenders and shop around.

Refinancing can be a good decision if you get a good rate or can pay off your loan sooner, but think carefully if it’s the right choice for you right now.

When to Consider a Mortgage Refinance

Most people refinance because market interest rates are lower than their current rates or because they want to change the term of their loan. When deciding to refinance, be sure to consider factors other than market interest rates, including how long you plan to stay in your current home, how long your loan is, and the amount of your mortgage. monthly payment. And don’t forget fees and closing costs, which can add up.

As interest rates have risen throughout 2022, the pool of refinance applicants has shrunk. If you bought your home when interest rates were lower than they are today, there may be no financial benefit to refinancing your mortgage.