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CNET
21 minutes ago
- CNET
Refi Rates Ride High: Current Refinance Rates on July 21, 2025
For the vast majority of homeowners, there's currently little financial incentive to refinance their mortgages. So far in 2025, average mortgage rates have remained elevated, consistently hovering between 6.5% and 7% due to ongoing economic uncertainty. "If rates fall below 6%, we could see a big jump in refinance activity," said Jeb Smith, licensed real estate agent and member of CNET Money's expert review board. Yet economists and housing market experts don't predict a dramatic drop-off in rates in the immediate future. Mortgage refinance rates fluctuate daily based on a range of economic and political factors. For more insights on where rates might be headed, check out our weekly mortgage rate forecast. When mortgage rates start to fall, be ready to take advantage. Experts recommend shopping around and comparing multiple offers to get the lowest rate. Enter your information here to get a custom quote from one of CNET's partner lenders. About these rates: Bankrate's tool features rates from partner lenders that you can use when comparing multiple mortgage rates. Refinance rate news At the start of 2025, many expected inflation to keep cooling down and the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, which would have gradually lowered mortgage refinance rates. However, after cutting interest rates three times last year, the Fed has held rates steady in 2025 to observe how President Trump's policies on trade, immigration and government spending will affect the economy. The central bank is expected to resume cutting rates as early as September, but this will not immediately result in lower mortgage rates. While adjustments to its benchmark interest rate influence the direction of borrowing rates across the economy, the Fed doesn't directly control the mortgage market. As of now, the Fed is expected to make two 0.25% rate reductions this year. If inflation increases due to tariffs, policymakers may hold off on easing borrowing costs until later, which would keep upward pressure on mortgage refinance rates. What to know about 2025 refinance rate expectations Most housing forecasts still call for a modest decline in mortgage rates, with average 30-year fixed rates expected to end the year around below 6.5%. For refinancing to become significantly more affordable, though, we need to see multiple interest rate cuts and weaker economic data. Overall, it's unlikely we'll see another refinancing boom like the one in 2020-21 when mortgage rates were exceptionally low around 3%. Nevertheless, refinancing might be beneficial for other reasons, like changing the type of home loan, term length or taking someone off the mortgage. What to know about refinancing When you refinance your mortgage, you take out another home loan that pays off your initial mortgage. With a traditional refinance, your new home loan will have a different term and/or interest rate. With a cash-out refinance, you'll tap into your equity with a new loan that's bigger than your existing mortgage balance, allowing you to pocket the difference in cash. Refinancing can be a great financial move if you score a low rate or can pay off your home loan in less time, but consider whether it's the right choice for you. Reducing your interest rate by 1% or more is an incentive to refinance, allowing you to cut your monthly payment significantly. But refinancing your mortgage isn't free. Since you're taking out a whole new home loan, you'll need to pay another set of closing costs. If you fall into that pool of homeowners who purchased property when rates were high, consider reaching out to your lender and running the numbers to see whether a mortgage refinance makes sense for your budget, said Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst at HousingWire. How to choose the right refinance type and term The rates advertised online often require specific conditions for eligibility. Your personal interest rate will be influenced by market conditions as well as your specific credit history, financial profile and application. Having a high credit score, a low credit utilization ratio and a history of consistent and on-time payments will generally help you get the best interest rates. 30-year fixed-rate refinance For 30-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 6.87%, an increase of 6 basis points from what we saw one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) A 30-year fixed refinance will typically have lower monthly payments than a 15-year or 10-year refinance, but it will take you longer to pay off and typically cost you more in interest over the long term. 15-year fixed-rate refinance For 15-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 6.21%, an increase of 10 basis points compared to one week ago. Though a 15-year fixed refinance will most likely raise your monthly payment compared to a 30-year loan, you'll save more money over time because you're paying off your loan quicker. Also, 15-year refinance rates are typically lower than 30-year refinance rates, which will help you save more in the long run. 10-year fixed-rate refinance The average rate for a 10-year fixed refinance loan is currently 6.38%, an increase of 29 basis points over last week. A 10-year refinance typically has the lowest interest rate but the highest monthly payment of all refinance terms. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much quicker and save on interest, but make sure you can afford the steeper monthly payment. To get the best refinance rates, make your application as strong as possible by getting your finances in order, using credit responsibly and monitoring your credit regularly. And don't forget to speak with multiple lenders and shop around. Does refinancing make sense? Homeowners usually refinance to save money, but there are other reasons to do so. Here are the most common reasons homeowners refinance: To get a lower interest rate: If you can secure a rate that's at least 1% lower than the one on your current mortgage, it could make sense to refinance. If you can secure a rate that's at least 1% lower than the one on your current mortgage, it could make sense to refinance. To switch the type of mortgage: If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want greater security, you could refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want greater security, you could refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. To eliminate mortgage insurance: If you have an FHA loan that requires mortgage insurance, you can refinance to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity. If you have an FHA loan that requires mortgage insurance, you can refinance to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity. To change the length of a loan term: Refinancing to a longer loan term could lower your monthly payment. Refinancing to a shorter term will save you interest in the long run. Refinancing to a longer loan term could lower your monthly payment. Refinancing to a shorter term will save you interest in the long run. To tap into your equity through a cash-out refinance: If you replace your mortgage with a larger loan, you can receive the difference in cash to cover a large expense. If you replace your mortgage with a larger loan, you can receive the difference in cash to cover a large expense. To take someone off the mortgage: In case of divorce, you can apply for a new home loan in just your name and use the funds to pay off your existing mortgage.
CNET
21 minutes ago
- CNET
Home Loan Rates Inch Higher for Borrowers: Mortgage Interest Rates Today for July 21, 2025
Check out CNET Money's weekly mortgage rate forecast for a more in-depth look at what's next for Fed rate cuts, labor data and inflation. The average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.81% today, up 0.05% from seven days ago. The average rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage is 6.03%, which is an increase of 0.06% from the same time last week. To secure a lower mortgage interest rate, consider increasing your down payment, improving your credit score or purchasing mortgage points. What's behind high rates these days? Concerns about persistent inflation, threats of a global trade war and policy turbulence have created an uncertain economic outlook. In response, the Federal Reserve has adopted a wait-and-see approach and holding borrowing rates steady since the start of the year. Most economists predict the Fed will start lowering rates in September, particularly if President Trump eases some of his aggressive tariff measures or if the labor market continues to deteriorate. Prospective homebuyers shouldn't expect mortgage rates to become affordable overnight. While cheaper borrowing costs gradually trickle down to the housing market, the Fed doesn't directly set lenders' mortgage rates. In today's unaffordable housing market, mortgage rates are just one piece of the puzzle. High home prices and skyrocketing homeownership expenses, like insurance and property taxes, are further compounding the pressure on prospective buyers. The possibility of a job-loss recession is also pushing many households to tighten their budgets and take on less financial risk. When mortgage rates start to fall, be ready to take advantage. Experts recommend shopping around and comparing multiple offers to get the lowest rate. Enter your information here to get a custom quote from one of CNET's partner lenders. About these rates: Bankrate's tool features rates from partner lenders that you can use when comparing multiple mortgage rates. What's going on with mortgage rates right now? The average 30-year fixed rate has hovered just below 7% for the last several months, resulting in cost-prohibitive monthly payments. Mortgage rates are closely tied to the bond market, specifically the 10-year Treasury yield, which reflects investors' expectations for inflation, labor data, changes to monetary policy and global measures like tariffs. "Rates could fall if inflation keeps cooling and the labor market softens," said Jeb Smith, licensed real estate agent and member of CNET Money's expert review board. "On the other hand, tariffs could create new inflation pressure. Add in government deficits and increased bond supply, and that puts upward pressure on rates." Even as the Fed eventually starts to lower interest rates, experts caution that significant market volatility is likely. As a result, homebuyers are adopting a more patient and strategic approach to financing, comparing various loan types and planning ahead. "Some are waiting, others are getting pre-approved now so they're ready to act if rates fall," said Smith. For a look at mortgage rate movement in recent years, see the chart below. Experts predict: Will mortgage rates rise or fall? While the housing market was expected to rebound in 2025, it has remained stagnant due to ongoing economic and political uncertainties. Median family income has not kept pace with the surge in housing costs, requiring many households to earn double or triple their salary to afford a modest home in some cities. Mortgage rates would have to drop significantly, close to 6% or below, to drum up significant homebuying demand. According to Smith, though, the more likely scenario is a slow and steady decline in borrowing costs. A return to the record-low rates, around 2-3%, we saw during the pandemic would only happen if the economy tipped into a severe recession. Fannie Mae's forecast puts rates around 6.5% by the end of 2025 and 6.1% by the end of 2026. Ongoing uncertainty could cause rates to stay high, or increase further. For instance, if tariffs cause inflation to reignite, which most experts and Fed officials expect, it could result in higher bond yields and fewer interest rate cuts by the central bank. Both would be bad for mortgage rates. Which mortgage term and type should I pick? Each mortgage has a loan term, or payment schedule. The most common mortgage terms are 15 and 30 years, although 10-, 20- and 40-year mortgages also exist. With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate is set for the duration of the loan, offering stability. With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the interest rate is only fixed for a certain amount of time (commonly five, seven or 10 years), after which the rate adjusts annually based on the market. Fixed-rate mortgages are a better option if you plan to live in a home in the long term, but adjustable-rate mortgages may offer lower interest rates upfront. 30-year fixed-rate mortgages The 30-year fixed-mortgage rate average is 6.81% today. A 30-year fixed mortgage is the most common loan term. It will often have a higher interest rate than a 15-year mortgage, but you'll have a lower monthly payment. 15-year fixed-rate mortgages Today, the average rate for a 15-year, fixed mortgage is 6.03%. Though you'll have a bigger monthly payment than a 30-year fixed mortgage, a 15-year loan usually comes with a lower interest rate, allowing you to pay less interest in the long run and pay off your mortgage sooner. 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages A 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage has an average rate of 6.02% today. You'll typically get a lower introductory interest rate with a 5/1 ARM in the first five years of the mortgage. But you could pay more after that period, depending on how the rate adjusts annually. If you plan to sell or refinance your house within five years, an ARM could be a good option. Calculate your monthly mortgage payment Getting a mortgage should always depend on your financial situation and long-term goals. The most important thing is to make a budget and try to stay within your means. CNET's mortgage calculator below can help homebuyers prepare for monthly mortgage payments. How can I get the lowest mortgage rates? Though mortgage rates and home prices are high, the housing market won't be unaffordable forever. It's always a good time to save for a down payment and improve your credit score to help you secure a competitive mortgage rate when the time is right. Save for a bigger down payment: Though a 20% down payment isn't required, a larger upfront payment means taking out a smaller mortgage, which will help you save in interest. Boost your credit score: You can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a 620 credit score, but a higher score of at least 740 will get you better rates. Pay off debt: Experts recommend a debt-to-income ratio of 36% or less to help you qualify for the best rates. Not carrying other debt will put you in a better position to handle your monthly payments. Research loans and assistance: Government-sponsored loans have more flexible borrowing requirements than conventional loans. Some government-sponsored or private programs can also help with your down payment and closing costs. Shop around for lenders: Researching and comparing multiple loan offers from different lenders can help you secure the lowest mortgage rate for your situation.
Skift
21 minutes ago
- Skift
Uber's New Way to Reach Chinese Travelers Runs Through WeChat
Uber has found its way back to users in China, just not on Chinese roads. It's targeting Chinese outbound travelers by partnering with the app nearly everyone in China uses: WeChat. Uber on Monday announced the launch of a Mini Program inside Chinese social media superapp WeChat (called Weixin in China). The program allows users to book and pay for rides in other countries without downloading the Uber app or entering foreign payment information. Uber said travelers can simply log in with their WeChat account, search for a ride and pay through WeChat Pay or WeChat Pay HK, depending on their region. The feature is already live in Hong Kong and Japan and will expand to nine more markets, including the U.S., U.K. and France. 'By embedding Uber into Weixin, we're making overseas travel easier for Chinese users at every step,' Pradeep Parameswaran, head of mobility for Uber, said in a release. 'We want to meet riders wherever they are, and for Chinese international travellers, that means Weixin.' While it's convenient, this move also helps Uber stay relevant to a large and growing group of outbound travelers from China. More than 130 million went abroad last year, a number expected to rise in 2025. 'This is not a re-entry into the domestic market,' Uber spokesperson Chris Brummitt told Skift. 'It's a strategic initiative focused exclusively on outbound Chinese travelers. It aligns with Uber's global growth strategy of embedding its services into the platforms people already use.' Brummitt didn't comment on whether the WeChat integration will expand to other Uber services, like Eats and Courier. He said, 'Uber Eats is not part of the initial launch.' How the Uber Mini Program works within the WeChat app. Source: Uber Uber's China history Uber formally launched in China in February 2014, but struggled to stay afloat with the then Uber CEO Travis Kalanick saying that it was losing about $1 billion a year. Uber faced tough competition from Chinese ride hailing app Didi Chuxing, more popularly known as Didi. Then on August 1, 2016, Didi announced it would acquire Uber China, valuing the business at $35 billion. As part of the deal, Uber received 5.89% of the combined company, equal to a 17.7% economic stake in Didi. In April 2019, Uber's S‑1 filing ahead of its IPO revealed that its Didi stake had fallen to 15.4% after new investments diluted its share. Instead of taking on Didi again, Uber is now playing to its strengths. It already operates in many top destinations for Chinese tourists and is making it easier for them to use Uber abroad. 'Uber expects material growth in gross bookings and active users starting from Day One of the rollout,' Brummitt said. Why WeChat Matters For many Chinese users, WeChat is more than a messaging app. It's where they pay bills, shop and book services through built‑in Mini Programs. According to Uber, Weixin Mini Programs has 1.1 billion monthly users. That massive audience is exactly who Uber wants to reach. Talking about the Uber Mini Program, Freedom Li, president of Weixin Pay International Business, said, 'We are dedicated to providing a 'local‑like' digital convenience globally, and Uber's integration strengthens Weixin's cross-border digital ecosystem.' Brummitt further said the Uber Mini Program is fully localized for Chinese users, with simplified Chinese support, familiar navigation and WeChat Pay integration. 'This ensures a seamless and intuitive experience for travelers. Travellers use their Weixin login and Weixin Pay to search, book, and pay for rides,' he said. Explaining the choice of launch markets, Brummitt said: 'We chose Hong Kong and Japan for the initial rollout because they have strong tourism appeal for Chinese travelers.'
