Mortgage Rates Today, Friday, October 17: A Little Lower

Today, mortgage interest rates have experienced a slight dip, though it may not be significant enough to impact your decision-making.

The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has decreased to 6.08% APR, as reported by Zillow to NerdWallet. This marks a reduction of five basis points from yesterday and a more substantial drop of 20 basis points from a week ago. (Refer to our chart below for detailed information.) To clarify, a basis point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point.

While this change may seem minimal, it could be a cue for those in the market for a home or considering refinancing to monitor rates more closely. Even if rates don’t consistently decline, a general downward trend might encourage you to take action sooner rather than later.

Keep in mind that while the economy is always in motion, the markets are closed on weekends. Therefore, the rates you see on Friday are unlikely to change significantly until Monday.

Mortgage rates are

constantly changing,

influenced by various factors such as inflation reports, job statistics, Federal Reserve meetings, and global news. Even minor fluctuations in the bond market can affect mortgage pricing.

Typically, the Nerds at NerdWallet are

looking ahead

to significant data releases. However, due to the

government shutdown

, some information is being withheld or delayed. For instance, the

CPI report

is now scheduled for release on October 24, nine days later than expected. We’ve also missed the jobs report that was due on October 3. These official statistics are crucial for future projections, as they provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s likely actions; data is essential for the Fed’s decision-making process.

Adding to the uncertainty, the Federal Reserve’s next meeting is at the end of this month. The central bankers are at a critical juncture, having just

cut rates in September

. For now, both we and the Fed will be closely monitoring the markets.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should start shopping for a home. The key factor is whether you can comfortably afford a mortgage at today’s rates.

If you can, don’t stress too much about potentially missing out on lower rates in the future; refinancing is always an option later. Focus on getting

preapproved

, comparing lender offers, and determining what monthly payment fits your budget.

NerdWallet’s

affordability calculator

can assist you in estimating your potential monthly payment. If purchasing a new home isn’t feasible at the moment, consider using this time to improve your buyer profile. Paying down existing debts and saving for a larger down payment can enhance your cash flow for future mortgage payments and potentially secure a better interest rate when you’re ready to buy.

If you have a quote that meets your expectations, consider

locking your mortgage rate

, especially if your lender offers a float-down option. This allows you to benefit from a lower rate if the market improves during your lock period.

Locking in your rate protects you from potential increases while your loan is being processed. Given the market’s volatility, this peace of mind can be invaluable.

Refinancing may be a viable option if today’s rates are at least 0.5 to 0.75 percentage points lower than your current rate, and if you plan to stay in your home long enough to recoup closing costs.

Given the current rates, you might want to consider refinancing if your existing rate is around 6.58% or higher.

Also, think about your goals: Are you looking to lower your monthly payment, shorten your loan term, or access home equity? For instance, you might be more inclined to accept a higher rate for a

cash-out refinance

than for a rate-and-term refinance, provided the overall costs are lower than keeping your original mortgage and adding a HELOC or home equity loan.

If you’re aiming for a lower rate, utilize NerdWallet’s

refinance calculator

to estimate potential savings and understand how long it would take to break even on refinancing costs.

The rate you see advertised is typically a
sample rate
— generally for a borrower with excellent credit, making a substantial down payment, and paying for

mortgage points

. This may not reflect the circumstances of every borrower.

In addition to external market factors, your personalized quote is influenced by:

• Location and property type

Even
two individuals with similar credit scores
may receive different rates based on their overall financial situations.

Possibly — but even personalized rate quotes
can fluctuate until you lock in your rate.
This is because lenders adjust their pricing multiple times throughout the day in response to market changes.