Today's Mortgage and Refinance Rates: March 21, 2023 | Rates are Flat Ahead of Likely Fed Hike

Mortgage rates dropped last week and are holding steady today as markets await a likely 25-basis-point hike from the Fed.

Our experts answer readers' home-buying questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess mortgages). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.

After spiking earlier this month, mortgage rates dropped significantly last week and are holding steady today. 

The Federal Reserve is meeting today and tomorrow to discuss its path forward in fighting inflation. The central bank has already raised the federal funds rate once this year, and markets largely expect another 25-basis-point hike, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

Fed officials initially appeared to be leaning toward a larger hike, as inflation is still stubbornly high and the labor market remains tight. But with the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the fear that further Fed tightening could create more instability, most investors believe the Fed will opt for a small hike. This has allowed mortgage rates to trend down.

Mortgage Rates Today

Mortgage Refinance Rates Today

Mortgage Calculator

Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. By plugging in different rates and term lengths, you'll also understand how much you'll pay over the entire length of your mortgage.

Click "More details" for tips on how to save money on your mortgage in the long run.

30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates

The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.6%, according to Freddie Mac. This is a decrease from the previous week.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common type of home loan. With this type of mortgage, you'll pay back what you borrowed over 30 years, and your interest rate won't change for the life of the loan.

The lengthy 30-year term allows you to spread out your payments over a long period of time, meaning you can keep your monthly payments lower and more manageable. The trade-off is that you'll have a higher rate than you would with shorter terms or adjustable rates. 

15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates

The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.9%, a decrease from the prior week, according to Freddie Mac data.

If you want the predictability that comes with a fixed rate but are looking to spend less on interest over the life of your loan, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage might be a good fit for you. Because these terms are shorter and have lower rates than 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, you could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in interest. However, you'll have a higher monthly payment than you would with a longer term.

Are Mortgage Rates Going Up?

Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and increased significantly in 2022. But mortgage rates are expected to trend down this year.

In the last 12 months, the consumer price index rose by 6%. The Federal Reserve has been working to get inflation under control, and is expected to keep the federal funds rate elevated until it comes down to the Fed's target rate of 2%.

Inflation remains elevated, but has started to slow, which is a good sign for mortgage rates and the broader economy. 

How Do Fed Rate Hikes Affect Mortgages?

The Fed has been increasing the federal funds rate to try to slow economic growth and get inflation under control.

Mortgage rates aren't directly impacted by changes to the federal funds rate, but they often trend up or down ahead of Fed policy moves. This is because mortgage rates change based on investor demand for mortgage-backed securities, and this demand is often impacted by how investors expect Fed hikes to affect the broader economy. 

As inflation starts to come down, mortgage rates should, too. But the Fed has indicated that it's watching for sustained signs of slowing inflation, and it's not going to lower rates again any time soon — though it has started opting for smaller hikes.

Are HELOCs a Good Idea Right Now?

Many homeowners gained a lot of equity over that past few years as home prices increased at an unprecedented rate. But because rates are so high now, tapping into that equity can be expensive. 

For homeowners looking to leverage their home's value to cover a big purchase — such as a home renovation — a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may still be a good option. 

A HELOC is a line of credit that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. It works similarly to a credit card in that you borrow what you need rather than getting the full amount you're borrowing in a lump sum. 

Depending on your finances and the type of HELOC you get, you may be able to get a better rate with a HELOC than you would with a home equity loan or a cash-out refinance. Just keep in mind that HELOC rates are variable, so if rates start to trend up further, yours will likely increase, as well.