Today’s 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Refinance Rate – Forbes Advisor

Refinancing your mortgage could be a good choice if you can benefit from better terms, such as a lower interest rate. One option to consider is refinancing into a conventional 15-year fixed rate loan. Opting for a 15-year term could be a good way to shorten your repayment period if you have a longer-term loan.

If you’re considering refinancing, be sure to keep an eye on interest rates beforehand, as they tend to fluctuate daily. Note that 15-year mortgage rates tend to be lower than 30-year mortgages, but higher than 10-year mortgages.

Today’s 15-year refinance rate

The current average rate on a 15-year refinance is 6.42% compared to the rate a week before of 6.55%.

The 52-week high for a 15-year refinance rate was 6.56% and the 52-week low was 4.86%.

Table of current 15-year refinance rates

Here’s how current 15-year refinance loan rates compare to other similar mortgage products:

What is a 15-year mortgage refinance?

A 15-year mortgage refinance is a new home loan that replaces your existing mortgage and is paid off over 15 years. Remember that if you currently have a 20 or 30 year term and choose to shorten it to 15 years, you will save money on interest, but you will have a higher monthly payment because you are paying off your ready. balance faster.

However, it could still be a good middle-of-the-road option if you’re looking to pay off your mortgage faster but don’t want the higher payments that come with a 10-year term. On the other hand, if you currently have a 10-year term and want to extend it, you could reduce your payments but end up paying more interest over time.

Should I refinance to a 15 year mortgage?

The decision to refinance your mortgage for up to 15 years depends on your personal situation and your financial goals. If you can lower your interest rate or want to shorten your repayment term, that might be a good idea.

But if you currently have a 30-year term and can’t afford higher payments, it might be better to stick with a longer term, even though you’ll pay more interest that way. . Be sure to consider your overall costs with a 15-year loan versus a 30-year loan when evaluating your options.

Advantages and disadvantages of a 15 year mortgage

Before deciding to refinance a 15-year mortgage, consider these pros and cons.

Benefits of a 15 year mortgage

• Pay less interest. You will pay less interest with a 15 year term compared to your interest charges with a 20 or 30 year loan. Lenders also typically offer lower rates on shorter term loans.
• Pay off your home faster. Opting for a shorter term of 15 years can help you pay off your mortgage faster compared to borrowers who choose longer terms.
• Get rid of private mortgage insurance sooner. If you are required to have private mortgage insurance (PMI), you can opt out once you have 20% of the equity in your home. Paying off your loan balance faster with a 15-year term can help you get rid of PMI faster.

Disadvantages of a 15 year mortgage

• Larger monthly payments. If you have a 20 or 30 year loan and you refinance it to a 15 year loan, your monthly payments will increase.
• Less flexibility in your monthly budget. Since the payments on a 15-year loan are higher than what you would pay on a 20- or 30-year term, you may find yourself with less room in your budget for unexpected expenses.
• More difficult to qualify. You will need to show your lender that you have sufficient income to cover repayment for a 15-year term. This can make it more difficult to get a 15 year loan compared to a longer term loan.

How to Get the Best 15-Year Refinance Rates

Getting a good mortgage rate can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. Here are some strategies that might help you get the best possible rate on your loan.

1. Keep an eye on the rates

Mortgage refinance rates fluctuate daily. Paying attention to tariffs can help you jump on a good deal.

2. Check your credit

In general, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be. So it’s a good idea to check your credit beforehand to see where you stand.

You can use a site like AnnualCreditReport.com to view your credit reports for free. Sometimes your bank, credit union, or credit card provider also offers a free credit check. If you find any errors, dispute them with the appropriate credit bureau to potentially increase your credit score.

3. Build your credit

If you have poor or fair credit, consider spending time establishing your credit score before applying. This way you will have an easier time getting approved and qualifying for better rates.

Possible ways to do this include paying all your bills on time, paying off credit card balances, and avoiding new loans.

4. Compare several lenders

Each lender sets their own rates based on market conditions. Comparing as many lenders as possible can help you find a loan with optimal terms.

Related: Best Refinance Lenders

5. Lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)

Your DTI ratio is the amount you owe on monthly debt payments compared to your income. If you are able to lower your DTI ratio, lenders may be willing to offer you better rates.

Some strategies for doing this include paying off existing debt or increasing your income.

6. Consider discount points

With a mortgage, you have the option of buying discount points, which are essentially fees you’ll pay at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate. One point equals 1% of your loan amount. Buying points can be worth it if you plan to stay home for an extended period of time.

7. Don’t wait for closing costs

Like when you first took out your mortgage, you can expect to pay 3% to 6% of your loan amount in closing costs if you choose to refinance. Some lenders offer the option of passing these costs on to your loan. however, this usually means having to pay a higher interest rate and a higher overall loan cost.

By paying these fees in advance, you can avoid these additional charges.

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