Understanding 15-Year Mortgage Rates: Factors, Benefits, and Informed Financial Choices

Last Updated : Oct. 17, 2023, 11:49 a.m.

Mortgage rates are an important factor in the world of real estate and finance, exerting a profound influence on homebuyers, homeowners, etc. They are the interest rates charged by a lender for providing funds to purchase a home loan or refinance an existing loan. These rates are not fixed. Instead, they fluctuate due to many factors.  A lower rate can translate into substantial savings over the life of a loan, making homeownership more affordable. Conversely, higher rates can increase the cost of borrowing, potentially pricing some buyers out of the market.

Mortgage rates significantly influence the housing market and economy, affecting affordability, demand, and the real estate sector’s health, making understanding and navigating their fluctuations crucial for real estate transactions and financial planning. In this exploration, we will look into the facts and factors of mortgage rates that shape them and their help to homeowners and the broader economy.

What is a 15-year Fixed Mortgage Rate?

A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage provides borrowers with a set interest rate and monthly payments for the life of the loan. Adding to its benefits, you will save significantly more with a 15-year mortgage compared to other mortgage options.

Comparing Current 15-year Mortgage Rates

We can keep an eye on the current 15-year mortgage rates through the rate information below:

• The current average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage as of September 19, 2023: 7.55%
• This rate has decreased by 4 basis points compared to the previous week.
• The current average interest rate for a 30-year fixed refinance as of September 19, 2023: 7.74%
• This rate has also decreased by 4 basis points over the last seven days.
• As of September 19, 2023, the average interest rate for a 15-year fixed refinancing was 6.87%.
• This rate is down by 1 basis point from a week ago.
• According to Bankrate’s survey, the average rate on 30-year mortgages this week is 7.41%.
• Factors influencing the mortgage industry include the Federal Reserve’s efforts to combat inflation and the diminishing prospects of a recession.
• The central bank boosted rates by a quarter point in July 2023, which was the 11th increase since 2022. The central bank will likely consider raising rates again at its meeting on September 20. This has an indirect impact on fixed mortgage rates.

In order to correctly compare mortgage rates and get the best out of them, there are several factors to keep in mind, out of which includes determining what type of mortgage is right for you, which is done by considering credit scores.

How to Compare 15-year Mortgage Rates?

To compare 15-year mortgage rates, we use a mortgage amortisation calculator, which illustrates how even slight differences between rates still translate to several thousand dollars in savings. We also compare the mortgage rates by considering the lender’s ratings and our experience by evaluating factors such as convenience, lender’s responsiveness, etc. Also, by comparing the interest rate and APR (annual percentage ratio), you will get the cost incurred in the loan.

The Setting of 15-Year Mortgage Rates

A few factors are kept in mind while setting the rates, which are credit score, income, debt and savings. The better one has credits and financials, the better rates one will be offered. While keeping in mind these factors, the rates also get influenced by the outside forces, which include economic conditions, inflation and the lender’s overhead.

A Summarised Description of 15-Year Mortgage and 30-Year Mortgage

A 15-year mortgage means you will pay off your loan faster and at a lower rate. Still, with higher monthly payments, a 30-year mortgage comes with lower monthly payments, which not only lends more flexibility to your budget but could also allow you to borrow a larger amount. However, you will pay more in interest with the 30-year, and for a longer time.

Refinancing into a 15-Year Mortgage

Refinancing the 30-year mortgage into a 15-year loan  when it has come half its way will save thousands of interests. The type of refinances we opt for should include lender fees to it. Depending on how much you can reduce your rate and the remaining balance of your current loan, 15-year mortgages have larger monthly payments owing to the shorter duration. However, your monthly payment may not increase as much as you anticipate it will, if at all.

Benefits of 15-Year Mortgage

Let’s have a look at the benefits a 15-Year Mortgage has to offer:

1. It helps to build equity faster compared to other plans, and you can pay down your loans quickly.
2. You will have to pay lower interest. Rates of 15-year mortgages are lower.
3. A large amount of monthly payments go towards the loan rather than on interest.
4. Effects on tax deductions.
5. Reimbursements and other perks.
6. Fixed and balanced interest rates.

Conclusion

At many stages in life, you may want to make high-value purchases, but the lack of funds may prevent you. At these times, you can go for loans against your pre-owned property. These are known as mortgage loans. You can opt for mortgage loans to finance any personal needs or business expansion requirements. The smart choice of availing the perfect plan, keeping in mind our credit scores, finances and other credibility, depends on us.

We need to have all the information about all the plans and then decide which suits our financial stability. Fixed interest rates are the key point to keep in mind while opting for a mortgage plan. Another foremost thing to keep in mind is the monthly costs of any loan plan, which will help us securely pay the principal loan as well as the interest. Hope this helps you to master your financial choices.