Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast

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Updated · 1 min read
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Written by Taylor Getler
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Mortgage rates this week

Mortgage rates fell slightly in the week ending Dec. 12. This continues a downward trend that rates have followed since Thanksgiving.

  • The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.51% APR, down eight basis points from the previous week's average, according to rates provided to NerdWallet by Zillow. A basis point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point.

  • The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.8% APR, down five basis points from the previous week's average.

  • The 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 7.27% APR, up two basis points from the previous week's average.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that inflation rose 2.7% in November, keeping in line with forecaster expectations. With that last piece of the economic puzzle in place, Federal Reserve watchers are virtually certain that a 25-basis-point cut is coming at the next meeting on Dec. 18. Home shoppers should remember, however, that mortgage rates often move in anticipation of what the Fed will do — not necessarily after the fact. Rates may continue to trickle downward over the next few days, but after next week, any movement will be in accordance with expectations for 2025.

Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
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on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
500

Min. down payment 
3.5%

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on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
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on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3.5%

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on Rocket Mortgage

Veterans United - PURCHASE logo
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on Veterans United

Veterans United

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Veterans United - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
0%

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on Veterans United

Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
500

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3.5%

Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Veterans United - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Veterans United

Veterans United

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Veterans United - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
0%

Check Rate

on Veterans United