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s of August 17, 2025, mortgage rates have seen a mixed movement, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate increasing to 6.73% from 6.68%, while refinance rates have generally decreased slightly. This reflects ongoing economic uncertainty and anticipation around Federal Reserve policy moves later this year.
Key Takeaways:
* 30-year fixed mortgage rates increased to 6.73%, up 5 basis points from last week.
* 15-year fixed mortgage rates slightly decreased to 5.77%.
* 5-year ARM mortgage rates rose significantly to 7.38%.
* 30-year fixed refinance rates modestly dropped to 6.91%, down 4 basis points from last week.
The Federal Reserve signals potential rate cuts in September and December 2025, which could lower mortgage rates later this year. Experts predict mortgage rates to stay above 6% through 2025 and ease toward 6.1-6.4% in 2026.
Current Mortgage Rates Overview:
* Loan Type
+ Rate (8/17/2025)
+ 1 Week Change
+ APR
+ 1 Week APR Change
30-Year Fixed: 6.73%, +0.05%, 7.11%, -0.02%
20-Year Fixed: 6.37%, -0.10%, 6.88%, 0.00%
15-Year Fixed: 5.76%, +0.01%, 5.96%, -0.09%
10-Year Fixed: 5.48%, 0.00%, 5.84%, 0.00%
Government-backed loans have seen small decreases this week:
* Loan Type
+ Rate (8/17/2025)
+ 1 Week Change
+ APR
+ 1 Week APR Change
30-Year Fixed FHA: 6.27%, -0.10%, 7.28%, -0.11%
30-Year Fixed VA: 5.95%, -0.21%, 6.01%, -0.33%
Refinance Rates Today:
* Refinance Loan Type
+ Rate (8/17/2025)
+ 1 Week Change
30-Year Fixed: 6.91%, -0.04%
15-Year Fixed: 5.76%, 0.00%
5-Year ARM: 7.60%, -0.12%
The refinance rates' slight decline suggests homeowners with higher existing rates might find better opportunities if the Fed moves to cut interest rates later this year.
Mortgage rates are largely influenced by a few key economic factors:
* Federal Reserve Monetary Policy
* Economic Data (weak job growth and inflation)
* Inflation & GDP (2.7% core PCE, 1.2% annualized GDP growth)
* Market Sentiment (bond market activity)
Experts predict mortgage rates to stay above 6% for the foreseeable future, with some declines possible by year-end or in 2026.
Forecast:
* National Association of REALTORS: average mortgage rate to hover around 6.4% in the latter half of 2025
* Fannie Mae: mortgage rates ending 2025 near 6.5%, easing to 6.1% in 2026
* Mortgage Bankers Association: 30-year rates to stay near 6.8% through September 2025, then soften gradually toward mid-6% range by 2026
Example Calculation:
* A $300,000 loan amount with a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.68% has a monthly principal and interest payment of approximately $1,940.
* At 6.73%, the monthly payment increases to $1,947, adding up to an extra $2,520 over 30 years.
The Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions are the biggest influence on mortgage rate trends, with potential rate cuts in September and December 2025 possibly lowering mortgage rates later this year.
