James Matarazzo

Current 30-yr fixed mortgage rates are holding in the mid-6% range, with recent weekly movement only slightly higher for US borrowers navigating affordability.
Elevated inflation remains the key pressure point, with energy-market tensions helping keep borrowing costs firm and limiting near-term rate relief for buyers.
Mortgage pricing continues tracking the 10-yr government bond yield, which stayed above the mid-4% range as policymakers signaled steady benchmark rates through 2026.
Even with record employment, home sales remain below normal, showing affordability is the main planning challenge for buyers and sellers right now.
Forecasts split: some expect mid-6% mortgage rates into 2027, while more optimistic views point toward high-5% rates by year-end 2026 for borrowers planning ahead.

US Mortgage Rates Stay Mid-6%

Current 30-yr fixed refinance rates average mid-6%, giving homeowners a fresh benchmark when comparing savings, equity access, or loan-change options across lenders.
A refinance replaces the existing mortgage with a new loan, so lenders still review credit, income, DTI, and overall qualification before approval.
A common refi guideline: seriously compare options when a new rate is ~1 percentage point below your current mortgage rate, after weighing costs.
Cash-out refinancing can tap equity, typically when homeowners have at least 20% equity; other refis may change terms or loan types instead.
Closing costs typically run 2%-6% of the loan amount, so compare lenders and ask your existing lender about possible incentives first before deciding.