Compass Stock (COMP) Jumps on a Zillow (Z) Lawsuit

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Yahoo

14 hours ago

Yahoo

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Today's mortgage rates have inched up, but the increases are pretty small. For example, according to Zillow, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is up one basis point to 6.59%. The average 15-year fixed rate has risen by four basis points to 5.81%. Steady mortgage interest rates can be good for buyers who want to lock in a rate. Sure, borrowers would be happy if rates dropped drastically — but stable rates are more reliable than volatile ones, which the U.S. housing market has had plenty of experience with so far in 2025. Read more: What determines mortgage rates? It's complicated. Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.59% 20-year fixed: 6.24% 15-year fixed: 5.81% 5/1 ARM: 7.36% 7/1 ARM: 7.38% 30-year VA: 6.14% 15-year VA: 5.60% 5/1 VA: 6.29% Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth. Learn more: 8 strategies for getting the lowest mortgage rates These are today's mortgage refinance rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.59% 20-year fixed: 6.24% 15-year fixed: 5.81% 5/1 ARM: 7.36% 7/1 ARM: 7.38% 30-year VA: 6.14% 15-year VA: 5.60% 5/1 VA: 6.29% Again, the numbers provided are national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth. Mortgage refinance rates are often higher than rates when you buy a house, although that's not always the case. Use the mortgage calculator below to see how today's interest rates would affect your monthly mortgage payments. For a deeper dive, you can use Yahoo's free mortgage calculator to see how homeowners insurance and property taxes factor into in your monthly payment estimate. You even have the option to enter costs for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and homeowners' association dues if those apply to you. These details result in a more accurate monthly payment estimate than if you simply calculated your mortgage principal and interest. There are two main advantages to a 30-year fixed mortgage: Your payments are lower, and your monthly payments are predictable. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has relatively low monthly payments because you're spreading your repayment out over a longer period of time than with, say, a 15-year mortgage. Your payments are predictable because, unlike with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), your rate isn't going to change from year to year. Most years, the only things that might affect your monthly payment are any changes to your homeowners insurance or property taxes. The main disadvantage to 30-year fixed mortgage rates is mortgage interest — both in the short and long term. A 30-year fixed term comes with a higher rate than a shorter fixed term, and it's higher than the intro rate to a 30-year ARM. The higher your rate, the higher your monthly payment. You'll also pay much more in interest over the life of your loan due to both the higher rate and the longer term. The pros and cons of 15-year fixed mortgage rates are basically swapped from the 30-year rates. Yes, your monthly payments will still be predictable, but another advantage is that shorter terms come with lower interest rates. Not to mention, you'll pay off your mortgage 15 years sooner. So you'll save potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your loan. However, because you're paying off the same amount in half the time, your monthly payments will be higher than if you choose a 30-year term. Dig deeper: 15-year vs. 30-year mortgages Adjustable-rate mortgages lock in your rate for a predetermined amount of time, then change it periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years and then goes up or down once per year for the remaining 25 years. The main advantage is that the introductory rate is usually lower than what you'll get with a 30-year fixed rate, so your monthly payments will be lower. (Current average rates don't necessarily reflect this, though — in some cases, fixed rates are actually lower. Talk to your lender before deciding between a fixed or adjustable rate.) With an ARM, you have no idea what mortgage rates will be like once the intro-rate period ends, so you risk your rate increasing later. This could ultimately end up costing more, and your monthly payments are unpredictable from year to year. But if you plan to move before the intro-rate period is over, you could reap the benefits of a low rate without risking a rate increase down the road. Learn more: Adjustable-rate vs. fixed-rate mortgage First of all, now is a relatively good time to buy a house compared to a couple of years ago. Home prices aren't spiking like they were during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you want or need to buy a house soon, you should feel pretty good about the current housing market. However, mortgage rates are staying relatively high due to the political and economic climate. Experts don't think rates will plummet in 2025, so you might not want to base your decision on whether to buy strictly on interest rates. Recent news that home price gains are slowing, with predictions that house values may actually ease lower this year, can be part of your home buying decision. The best time to buy is typically whenever it makes sense for your stage of life. Trying to time the real estate market can be as futile as timing the stock market — buy when it's the right time for you. Read more: Which is more important, your home price or mortgage rate? According to Zillow, the national average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.59% right now. But keep in mind that averages can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you're buying in a city with a high cost of living, rates could be higher. Overall, mortgage rates are expected to lower slightly in 2025. Rates may inch up or down from day to day, but there shouldn't be a huge shift in the near future. No, mortgage rates have been fairly steady over the last week, even ticking up today. In many ways, securing a low mortgage refinance rate is similar to when you bought your home. Try to improve your credit score and lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Refinancing into a shorter term will also land you a lower rate, though your monthly mortgage payments will be higher.

Yahoo

16 hours ago

Yahoo

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Today's mortgage rates have inched up, but the increases are pretty small. For example, according to Zillow, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is up one basis point to 6.59%. The average 15-year fixed rate has risen by four basis points to 5.81%. Steady mortgage interest rates can be good for buyers who want to lock in a rate. Sure, borrowers would be happy if rates dropped drastically — but stable rates are more reliable than volatile ones, which the U.S. housing market has had plenty of experience with so far in 2025. Read more: What determines mortgage rates? It's complicated. Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.59% 20-year fixed: 6.24% 15-year fixed: 5.81% 5/1 ARM: 7.36% 7/1 ARM: 7.38% 30-year VA: 6.14% 15-year VA: 5.60% 5/1 VA: 6.29% Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth. Learn more: 8 strategies for getting the lowest mortgage rates These are today's mortgage refinance rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.59% 20-year fixed: 6.24% 15-year fixed: 5.81% 5/1 ARM: 7.36% 7/1 ARM: 7.38% 30-year VA: 6.14% 15-year VA: 5.60% 5/1 VA: 6.29% Again, the numbers provided are national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth. Mortgage refinance rates are often higher than rates when you buy a house, although that's not always the case. Use the mortgage calculator below to see how today's interest rates would affect your monthly mortgage payments. For a deeper dive, you can use Yahoo's free mortgage calculator to see how homeowners insurance and property taxes factor into in your monthly payment estimate. You even have the option to enter costs for private mortgage insurance (PMI) and homeowners' association dues if those apply to you. These details result in a more accurate monthly payment estimate than if you simply calculated your mortgage principal and interest. There are two main advantages to a 30-year fixed mortgage: Your payments are lower, and your monthly payments are predictable. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has relatively low monthly payments because you're spreading your repayment out over a longer period of time than with, say, a 15-year mortgage. Your payments are predictable because, unlike with an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), your rate isn't going to change from year to year. Most years, the only things that might affect your monthly payment are any changes to your homeowners insurance or property taxes. The main disadvantage to 30-year fixed mortgage rates is mortgage interest — both in the short and long term. A 30-year fixed term comes with a higher rate than a shorter fixed term, and it's higher than the intro rate to a 30-year ARM. The higher your rate, the higher your monthly payment. You'll also pay much more in interest over the life of your loan due to both the higher rate and the longer term. The pros and cons of 15-year fixed mortgage rates are basically swapped from the 30-year rates. Yes, your monthly payments will still be predictable, but another advantage is that shorter terms come with lower interest rates. Not to mention, you'll pay off your mortgage 15 years sooner. So you'll save potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest over the course of your loan. However, because you're paying off the same amount in half the time, your monthly payments will be higher than if you choose a 30-year term. Dig deeper: 15-year vs. 30-year mortgages Adjustable-rate mortgages lock in your rate for a predetermined amount of time, then change it periodically. For example, with a 5/1 ARM, your rate stays the same for the first five years and then goes up or down once per year for the remaining 25 years. The main advantage is that the introductory rate is usually lower than what you'll get with a 30-year fixed rate, so your monthly payments will be lower. (Current average rates don't necessarily reflect this, though — in some cases, fixed rates are actually lower. Talk to your lender before deciding between a fixed or adjustable rate.) With an ARM, you have no idea what mortgage rates will be like once the intro-rate period ends, so you risk your rate increasing later. This could ultimately end up costing more, and your monthly payments are unpredictable from year to year. But if you plan to move before the intro-rate period is over, you could reap the benefits of a low rate without risking a rate increase down the road. Learn more: Adjustable-rate vs. fixed-rate mortgage First of all, now is a relatively good time to buy a house compared to a couple of years ago. Home prices aren't spiking like they were during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you want or need to buy a house soon, you should feel pretty good about the current housing market. However, mortgage rates are staying relatively high due to the political and economic climate. Experts don't think rates will plummet in 2025, so you might not want to base your decision on whether to buy strictly on interest rates. Recent news that home price gains are slowing, with predictions that house values may actually ease lower this year, can be part of your home buying decision. The best time to buy is typically whenever it makes sense for your stage of life. Trying to time the real estate market can be as futile as timing the stock market — buy when it's the right time for you. Read more: Which is more important, your home price or mortgage rate? According to Zillow, the national average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.59% right now. But keep in mind that averages can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you're buying in a city with a high cost of living, rates could be higher. Overall, mortgage rates are expected to lower slightly in 2025. Rates may inch up or down from day to day, but there shouldn't be a huge shift in the near future. No, mortgage rates have been fairly steady over the last week, even ticking up today. In many ways, securing a low mortgage refinance rate is similar to when you bought your home. Try to improve your credit score and lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Refinancing into a shorter term will also land you a lower rate, though your monthly mortgage payments will be higher.

Why anyone selling a home should be following the ‘Zillow ban' lawsuit closely right now

Yahoo

a day ago

Yahoo

Why anyone selling a home should be following the ‘Zillow ban' lawsuit closely right now

The real-estate industry is battling it out over control of for-sale listings, and home sellers in particular could get hurt. Two major lawsuits filed over the last two weeks against the real-estate platform Zillow Z and the National Association of Realtors, an industry group, seek to answer the question of who controls home listings in America. 'I'm single': At 70, I have $500,000 in stocks and $220,000 in savings. How do I invest my $130,000 windfall? 'I do all the yard work, cooking and cleaning': I live with my daughter and her lazy boyfriend. She wants me to buy her house. Do I say yes? My wife and I have $7,000 a month in pensions and Social Security, plus $140,000 cash. Can we afford to retire? My wife and I are in our late 60s. Do I sell stocks to pay our $30,000 credit-card debt — or do it gradually over 3 years? S&P 500 just saw its first 'golden cross' in more than 2 years. Here's what comes next. The lawsuits, filed by two real-estate companies, challenge the status quo of how for-sale listings are seen by millions of users on the internet. The plaintiffs want to keep some listings private and only accessible to those who hire certain brokers. Under the current policy, which is essentially enforced by real-estate platforms, buyers can see almost all U.S. homes for sale online within 24 hours of the properties being publicly marketed as for sale. Because all public for-sale listings are fed to real-estate platforms, home sellers can get the highest level of exposure and the highest price possible. That exposure matters a lot to some sellers right now, as the industry is facing a lull. The housing market has been sluggish in the last few years, and sellers are increasingly getting stung by reluctant buyers. 'It does benefit the seller to have as many people to see the property as possible,' David Palmer, a real-estate agent with Redfin in Seattle, told MarketWatch. 'For sellers that want to maximize their sales, it's best to get more eyes on it than not.' Consumer advocates also support the status quo of online for-sale listings. The two recent lawsuits 'seek to deny consumer choice by limiting buyer access to all listings and seller opportunities to reach the greatest number of potential buyers,' Stephen Brobeck, a senior fellow at the Consumer Policy Center, told MarketWatch. 'It is in the general, long-term interest of the industry as well as consumers for residential listings to be universal and transparent. At present, [multiple-listing services], Zillow and other portals make this possible,' he added. In the first lawsuit, the real-estate brokerage Compass COMP accused Zillow of being anticompetitive with its new rule banning any home listings from the platform that appear on any other service for more than 24 hours before going up on Zillow. Critics have dubbed the rule, which went into effect Monday, the 'Zillow ban.' Compass has argued that it should be able to offer listings marketed exclusively via its own platform without having them appear on Zillow. Zillow, for its part, has said that 'consumers deserve fair access to listings without having to get access behind a velvet rope controlled by any one company.' Asked for comment about the lawsuit, a Zillow spokesperson told MarketWatch that Compass's claims are 'unfounded' and that Zillow 'will vigorously defend against them.' 'Hiding listings creates a fragmented market, limits consumer choice, and creates barriers to homeownership, which is bad for buyers, sellers, and the industry at large, especially in this inventory and affordability-constrained environment,' the spokesperson added. The second lawsuit was filed by pocket-listings website against the NAR, a lobbying group that represents the real-estate industry. Mauricio Umansky, a celebrity real-estate agent who has appeared in 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' and starred in 'Buying Beverly Hills,' is a co-founder of the website. Umansky's company, which had first sued the NAR in 2020 over its control of real-estate listings, refiled the lawsuit this week, according to the New York Times. The lawsuit centers around Umansky's private-listing network, which he launched in 2017 — two years before the NAR launched its Clear Cooperation Policy, which requires that home sellers and their agents submit listings that are marketed publicly to the multiple-listing service, or MLS, within 24 hours. The NAR controls access to most of the listings via its MLS subsidiaries. An NAR spokesperson told MarketWatch the Clear Cooperation Policy 'promotes transparency and competition in the real estate marketplace while still providing home sellers and their agents the option to list their property as an office exclusive.' Referring to the lawsuit, the spokesperson added that the 'NAR will respond directly to the plaintiff's claims in court.' Umansky is not named as a plaintiff in the case. Read more: A real-estate giant wants sellers to list their homes privately. Will homeowners benefit? Private listings might be ideal for some sellers, as MarketWatch has reported previously, for reasons such as privacy or a desire to avoid sending misleading signals about their financial affairs. But most sellers are looking to get the highest price for their home. In one analysis that looked at 100,000 home sales over six months in six states and Washington, D.C., sellers who went the so-called premarket, private route saw 'no benefits' compared with those who sold a home the typical way publicly, according to Bright MLS, one of the platforms that displays home listings. Private listings take longer to sell and 'offer no price advantages' compared with listings that go on the MLS and are then promoted to the public, the company said. 'An increase of office exclusive listings has the potential to harm prospective buyers and sellers by limiting access to information and creating a fragmented inventory system,' Bright MLS added. Brobeck, the Consumer Policy Center senior fellow, said that 'sellers have and should have the ability to list homes privately,' but at the same time 'should recognize that they are opening themselves up to broker manipulation that could limit the sale price, increase the time of sale, and cost them fiduciary representation.' 'Most of the people who are persuaded to privately list do not understand that it's usually not in their interest to do so,' he added. 'Finance makes me break out in hives': I inherited $240K from my parents. Do I pay off my $258K mortgage and give up my job? The Dow and Russell 2000 are joining the stock market's party. Is it a game changer for the bulls? This income fund pays more than a bank account while keeping price volatility low 'Crosscurrents abound' for stocks, but history shows the bull run has further to go, says this analyst I'm a stay-at-home mom. Do I take a part-time job to spend more time with my kids — or get a job for six figures? Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Compass Stock (COMP) Jumps on a Zillow (Z) Lawsuit

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Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Why anyone selling a home should be following the ‘Zillow ban' lawsuit closely right now

Compass Stock (COMP) Jumps on a Zillow (Z) Lawsuit

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Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Mortgage and refinance interest rates today, July 5, 2025: Rates hold steady

Why anyone selling a home should be following the ‘Zillow ban' lawsuit closely right now

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