Rates for 30-year new purchase mortgages fell Friday, lowering the flagship average to it cheapest level since mid-October. Rates on other loan types showed mixed movement.

Mortgage rates soared in the post-pandemic era, leaving borrowers scrambling to find home loans under 7.00%. This came as a big shock to those who'd become used to the 3.00% to 4.00% rates that lasted from the end of the great recession until COVID-19 hit and sent inflation surging.

Mortgage rates remain elevated relative to the levels seen in September and early October, but they've definitely moved down a bit from their recent highs.  Thanksgiving week saw the lowest daily average rate in exactly a month,

A drop in mortgage rates for the first time in two months has sparked a surge in home purchase applications, breathing new life into the stagnant housing market.

Most experts predict that mortgage rates will fall steadily in 2025, and forecasts from both the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and Fannie Mae back that up. "I expect mortgage rates to be on a slow grind downward in 2025, barring unexpected softness in the economy," Goodwin says.

MBA now expects mortgage rates to end 2025 at 6.4%, a 50 bps jump from its forecast in October. Forecasted origination volume dropped $200B.

These are today's mortgage and refinance rates. Mortgage rates increased in recent months, and where they go next depends on the economy.

See what mortgage interest rate you could qualify for here now.

When it comes to mortgage rates, the labor market may have the biggest influence. Here’s why. Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter.