Rates rise - Today's mortgage rates for April 18, 2024

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Apr 18, 2024 / 5 min read

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Average mortgage rates edged higher for all loan terms compared to a week ago, according to data compiled by Bankrate. Rates for 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, 5/1 ARMs and jumbo loans jumped.

Some forecasters are rethinking the expectation that mortgage rates come down this year. Fixed mortgage rates follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which moves as investor appetite fluctuates with the state of the economy, inflation and Federal Reserve decisions.

“The issue of inflation remains unsettled,” says Ken Johnson of Florida State University. “This is putting upward pressure on mortgage rates through the yield on 10-year Treasurys.”

The Fed indicated it'd cut rates in 2024, but policymakers held off at its latest meeting, citing the need for more promising economic data. The Fed has been working to bring inflation back to its 2 percent target since 2022.

The Fed meets next on May 1 — peak spring homebuying season.

Whether mortgage rates move up or down, though, it’s tough to time the market. Often, the decision to buy a home comes down to what you need. Depending on your situation, it might make sense to take a higher rate now and refinance later. This way you can start building equity, rather than hoping for a future of more favorable rates and home prices that might not materialize.

Mortgage type	Today's rate	Last week's rate	Change
30-year fixed	7.22%	7.01%	+0.21
15-year fixed	6.66%	6.46%	+0.20
5/1 ARM	6.50%	6.33%	+0.17
30-year fixed jumbo	7.33%	7.15%	+0.18

Rates last updated April 18, 2024.

The rates listed above are Bankrate's overnight average rates and are based on the assumptions indicated here. Actual rates displayed on-site may vary. This story has been reviewed by Suzanne De Vita. All rate data accurate as of Thursday, April 18th, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Today's 30-year mortgage rate advances, +0.21%

Today's average rate for the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.22 percent, an increase of 21 basis points over the last week. Last month on the 18th, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was lower, at 6.98 percent.

At the current average rate, you'll pay principal and interest of $680.14 for every $100,000 you borrow. That's an additional $14.17 per $100,000 compared to last week.

There are many advantages to choosing a fixed-rate mortgage when buying a new house, including predictable mortgage payments.

Learn more: What is a fixed-rate mortgage and how does it work?

15-year mortgage rate moves up, +0.20%

The average 15-year fixed-mortgage rate is 6.66 percent, up 20 basis points over the last week.

Monthly payments on a 15-year fixed mortgage at that rate will cost roughly $880 per $100,000 borrowed. The bigger payment may be a little harder to find room for in your monthly budget than a 30-year mortgage payment, but it comes with some big advantages: You'll come out several thousand dollars ahead over the life of the loan in total interest paid and build equity much more rapidly.

5/1 adjustable rate mortgage moves up, +0.17%

The average rate on a 5/1 ARM is 6.50 percent, rising 17 basis points since the same time last week.

Adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, are mortgage terms that come with a floating interest rate. To put it another way, the interest rate will change at regular intervals, unlike fixed-rate mortgages. These types of loans are best for people who expect to refinance or sell before the first or second adjustment. Rates could be materially higher when the loan first adjusts, and thereafter.

While borrowers shunned ARMs during the pandemic days of super-low rates, this type of loan has made a comeback as mortgage rates have risen.

Monthly payments on a 5/1 ARM at 6.50 percent would cost about $632 for each $100,000 borrowed over the initial five years, but could climb hundreds of dollars higher afterward, depending on the loan's terms.

Jumbo mortgage rises, +0.18%

The average rate you'll pay for a jumbo mortgage is 7.33 percent, up 18 basis points over the last week. This time a month ago, the average rate on a jumbo mortgage was lower at 7.08 percent.

At the current average rate, you'll pay $687.61 per month in principal and interest for every $100,000 you borrow. That's an increase of $12.20 over what you would have paid last week.

Mortgage refinance rates

30-year fixed-rate refinance trends higher, +0.16%

The average 30-year fixed-refinance rate is 7.19 percent, up 16 basis points from a week ago. A month ago, the average rate on a 30-year fixed refinance was lower at 7.00 percent.

At the current average rate, you'll pay $678.11 per month in principal and interest for every $100,000 you borrow. That's an extra $10.79 compared with last week.

Where are mortgage rates going?

If and when the Fed cuts interest rates depends on incoming economic data, such as the rate of inflation and the jobs market.

“While the majority of Fed members still expect three rate cuts this year, Atlanta Fed President Bostic is now predicting just one rate cut in the fourth quarter,” says Melissa Cohn of William Raveis Mortgage. “Not the news we want for the spring market.”

Keep in mind: The rates on 30-year mortgages mostly follow the 10-year Treasury, which shifts continuously as economic conditions dictate, while the cost of variable-rate home loans mirror the Fed’s moves.

These broader factors influence overall rate movement. The interest rate you're quoted could be higher or lower than the current average, depending on your finances.

What today's rates mean for you and your mortgage

While mortgage rates change daily, it’s unlikely we’ll see rates back at 3 percent anytime soon. If you’re shopping for a mortgage now, it might be wise to lock your rate when you find an affordable loan. If your house-hunt is taking longer than anticipated, revisit your budget so you’ll know exactly how much house you can afford at prevailing market rates.

You could save serious money on interest by getting at least three loan offers, according to Freddie Mac research. You don’t have to stick with your bank or credit union, either. There are many types of mortgage lenders, including online-only and local, smaller shops.

"All too often, some [homebuyers] take the path of least resistance when seeking a mortgage, in part because the process of buying a home can be stressful, complicated and time-consuming," says Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst for Bankrate. "But when we’re talking about the potential of saving a lot of money, seeking the best deal on a mortgage has an excellent return on investment. Why leave that money on the table when all it takes is a bit more effort to shop around for the best rate, or lowest cost, on a mortgage?”

Methodology

Bankrate displays two sets of rate averages that are produced from two surveys we conduct: one daily (“overnight averages”) and the other weekly (“Bankrate Monitor averages”).

The rates on this page represent our overnight averages. For these averages, APRs and rates are based on no existing relationship or automatic payments.

Learn more about Bankrate’s rate averages, editorial guidelines and how we make money.