Savings window still open: Today's mortgage rates notch second day at money-saving lows | Dec. 1, 2021 | Fox Business

Our goal here at Credible Operations, Inc., NMLS Number 1681276, referred to as "Credible" below, is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we do promote products from our partner lenders, all opinions are our own.

Check out the mortgage rates for Dec. 1, 2021, which are unchanged from yesterday. (iStock)

Based on data compiled by Credible, mortgage rates have remained unchanged since yesterday.

30-year fixed mortgage rates: 3.125%, unchanged
20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.750%, unchanged
15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.375%, unchanged
10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.375%, unchanged

Rates last updated on Dec. 1, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

What this means: Mortgage rates held steady across all terms for the second day in a row, offering money-saving opportunities for homebuyers whether they finance their home purchase with a longer or shorter term. But it’s hard to say how long rates will remain at these levels. Mortgage experts have predicted rates will rise slowly and steadily through the end of 2021, so buyers may want to act now ahead of further increases.

These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

To find the best mortgage rate, start by using Credible, which can show you current mortgage and refinance rates:

Browse rates from multiple lenders so you can make an informed decision about your home loan.

Credible, a personal finance marketplace, has 4,500 Trustpilot reviews with an average star rating of 4.7 (out of a possible 5.0).

Looking at today’s mortgage refinance rates

For the second day in a row, mortgage refinance rates have held steady in bargain-low territory, giving homeowners another opportunity to save on interest by refinancing their current mortgage. If you’re considering refinancing an existing home, check out what refinance rates look like:

30-year fixed-rate refinance: 3.125%, up from 3.050%, +0.075
20-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.750%, unchanged
15-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.375%, unchanged
10-year fixed-rate refinance: 2.375%, unchanged

Rates last updated on Dec. 1, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

A site like Credible can be a big help when you’re ready to compare mortgage refinance loans. Credible lets you see prequalified rates for conventional mortgages from multiple lenders all within a few minutes. Visit Credible today to get started.

Credible has earned a 4.7 star rating (out of a possible 5.0) on Trustpilot and more than 4,500 reviews from customers who have safely compared prequalified rates.

Comparing home loan types

Home ownership is a key component of the American Dream for many people. And between the federal government and private lenders, multiple types of home loans are available to help as many people as possible achieve the dream of owning a home.

With so many options, it can be difficult to know which type of home loan may be best for your needs. Here are some comparisons to help you understand the difference between loan types.

Government-backed vs. conventional loans

Government-backed loans are either issued or insured by the federal government. These include FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans. Conventional loans are not issued or insured by the government.

Because the risk to private lenders is lower with government-backed loans, these loans can be easier to get, but have higher interest rates. With conventional loans, the lender assumes all the risk if a borrower defaults, so they can be more difficult to get. But if you have the credit score and income to qualify for a conventional loan, you may find you’re able to get a better interest rate.

Current mortgage rates

Today’s average mortgage rate sits at 2.656% for the second day in a row, and is lower than the average from this same time last week.

Current 30-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 3.125%. This is the same as yesterday. Thirty years is the most common repayment term for mortgages because 30-year mortgages typically give you a lower monthly payment. But they also typically come with higher interest rates, meaning you’ll ultimately pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

Current 20-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.750%. This is the same as yesterday. Shortening your repayment term by just 10 years can mean you’ll get a lower interest rate — and pay less in total interest over the life of the loan.

Current 15-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.375%. This is the same as yesterday. Fifteen-year mortgages are the second most-common mortgage term. A 15-year mortgage may help you get a lower rate than a 30-year term — and pay less interest over the life of the loan — while keeping monthly payments manageable.

Current 10-year mortgage rates

The current interest rate for a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage is 2.375%. This is the same as yesterday. Although less common than 30-year and 15-year mortgages, a 10-year fixed rate mortgage typically gives you lower interest rates and lifetime interest costs, but a higher monthly mortgage payment.

You can explore your mortgage options in minutes by visiting Credible to compare current rates from various lenders who offer mortgage refinancing as well as home loans. Check out Credible and get prequalified today, and take a look at today’s refinance rates through the link below.

Thousands of Trustpilot reviewers rate Credible "excellent."

Rates last updated on Dec. 1, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

How Credible mortgage rates are calculated

Changing economic conditions, central bank policy decisions, investor sentiment, and other factors influence the movement of mortgage rates. Credible average mortgage rates and mortgage refinance rates are calculated based on information provided by partner lenders who pay compensation to Credible.

The rates assume a borrower has a 740 credit score and is borrowing a conventional loan for a single-family home that will be their primary residence. The rates also assume no (or very low) discount points and a down payment of 20%.

Credible mortgage rates will only give you an idea of current average rates. The rate you receive can vary based on a number of factors.

How mortgage rates have changed

Today, mortgage rates are mixed compared to this time last week.

30-year fixed mortgage rates: 3.125%, the same as last week
20-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.750%, down from 2.875% last week, -0.125
15-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.375%, down from 2.500% last week, -0.125
10-year fixed mortgage rates: 2.375%, the same as last week

Rates last updated on Dec. 1, 2021. These rates are based on the assumptions shown here. Actual rates may vary.

If you’re trying to find the right rate for your home mortgage or looking to refinance an existing home, consider using Credible. You can use Credible's free online tool to easily compare multiple lenders and see prequalified rates in just a few minutes.

With more than 4,500 reviews, Credible maintains an "excellent" Trustpilot score.

Factors that influence mortgage rates (and are in your control)

Many factors affect what mortgage interest rate you can qualify for, and some of them are within your control. Improving these factors could help you qualify for a lower interest rate.

Credit score — Generally, the lowest interest rates go to borrowers with the highest credit scores. Improving your credit score before you apply for a mortgage could help you secure a lower interest rate than you’d get with a lower credit score.
Debt-to-income ratio — DTI is a percentage that compares your total debts with your income. To calculate DTI, divide your monthly gross income by the total of all your monthly minimum debt payments. A higher DTI can be a sign that you might struggle to make a mortgage payment. A lower DTI tells lenders you have more available income to put toward a mortgage payment. Generally, lenders prefer a DTI of 35% or less.
Down payment amount — A down payment reduces the amount you have to borrow — meaning less of the lender’s money is at risk. Generally, lenders (and many sellers) look favorably on a higher down payment amount. If you put down less than 20% of the home’s purchase price, many lenders will require you to pay for private mortgage insurance, which protects the lender (not you) if you fail to repay the mortgage.
Home location/price — Interest rates can vary depending on what state you live in and where in the state you’re buying. Likewise, if you need to borrow a lot more than average (a jumbo loan) or very little, you may get a higher interest rate.
Repayment term — Historically, the longer a loan’s repayment period, the higher the interest rate. The lowest rates typically come with 10- or 15-year terms, while 30-year terms usually have the highest interest rates. If you can swing the larger monthly payment that comes with a shorter term, you could snag a lower interest rate and significant interest savings over the life of the loan.

Looking to lower your home insurance rate?

A home insurance policy can help cover unexpected costs you may incur during home ownership, such as structural damage and destruction or stolen personal property. Coverage can vary widely among insurers, so it’s wise to shop around and compare policy quotes.

Credible is partnered with a home insurance broker. If you're looking for a better rate on home insurance and are considering switching providers, consider using an online broker. You can compare quotes from top-rated insurance carriers in your area — it's fast, easy, and the whole process can be completed entirely online.

Have a finance-related question, but don't know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at moneyexpert@credible.com and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.

As a Credible authority on mortgages and personal finance, Chris Jennings has covered topics that include mortgage loans, mortgage refinancing, and more. He’s been an editor and editorial assistant in the online personal finance space for four years. His work has been featured by MSN, AOL, Yahoo Finance, and more.