Erika Giovanetti
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Consumer Lending Analyst @usnews. I like data and charts. Ask me about mortgage rates. Formerly @FoxBusiness / @LendingTree
Articles by Erika Giovanetti
Today's Mortgage Rates Firm Up on Inflation Report: Oct. 15, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.529%, which is higher than yesterday's reading of 7.521%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.662%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.718%. Yesterday's consumer price index report showed that inflation rose at a slightly faster pace than economists forecasted, which would normally lead us to expect higher mortgage rates.
Mortgage Rates Projected to Stay Above 7% Following 'Tough' Inflation Report
September's CPI report shows inflation rising to 3.7%, driving up 10-year Treasury yields. See how energy costs and Fed rate forecasts impact mortgage rates in 2026. Key Takeaways The September consumer price index report, released today, shows inflation running faster than economists forecast. The 10-year Treasury yield, a key benchmark for 30-year mortgage rates, rose after the report was released.
Today's Mortgage Rates Continue Declining, For Now: Oct. 14, 2026
The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed purchase mortgage is 7.521% as of Oct. 14. Compare today's purchase and refinance rates, explore historical trends, and see tips for shopping for the best loan. Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.521%, which is lower than yesterday's reading of 7.555%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.639%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.676%.
Today's Mortgage Rates Drop to 7.555%: Oct. 13, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.555%, which is lower than yesterday's reading of 7.563%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.683%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.663%. Mortgage rates track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes, and bond yields started to decline late last week after surging to the highest levels since 2007 in late September and early October.
Today's Mortgage Rates Continue Declining From Recent Highs: Oct. 12, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.563%, which is lower than Friday's reading of 7.608%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.684%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.664%. Mortgage rates track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes, and 10-year yields surged to the highest levels since 2007 ahead of the Federal Reserve's September meeting as the bond market priced in a rate hike.
Today's Mortgage Rates Pull Back to 7.6%: Oct. 9, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.608%, which is lower than yesterday's reading of 7.676%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.731%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.692%. Mortgage rates track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes, and 10-year yields surged to the highest levels since 2007 ahead of the Federal Reserve's September meeting as the bond market priced in a rate hike.
Today's Mortgage Rates Cool Off to Weekly Lows: Oct. 8, 2026
The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed purchase mortgage is 7.676% as of Oct. 8. Compare today's purchase and refinance rates, explore historical trends, and see tips for shopping for the best loan. Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.676%, which is lower than yesterday's reading of 7.685%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.794%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.727%.
The High Cost of Small Mortgages: Loans Under $100K Are Hard to Find, Says Realtor.com
Getting a mortgage under $100,000 has gotten harder and more expensive, according to Realtor.com, but the 21st Century Road to Housing Act aims to remove some of the hurdles facing lenders and borrowers of small loans. Key Takeaways Small mortgages of $100,000 or less have become rare over the past decade, even when accounting for rising home prices, according to Realtor.com.
Today's Mortgage Rates Retreat From Weekly Highs: Oct. 7, 2026
The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed purchase mortgage is 7.685% as of Oct. 7. Compare today's purchase and refinance rates, explore historical trends, and see tips for shopping for the best loan. Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.685%, which is lower than yesterday's reading of 7.721%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.813%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.775%.
Today's Mortgage Rates Surge to Nearly 7.5%: Sept. 25, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.477%, which is higher than yesterday's reading of 7.317%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.588%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.648%. Mortgage rates track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes, and 10-year yields surged to the highest levels since 2007 ahead of the Federal Reserve's September meeting as the bond market priced in a rate hike.
Today's Mortgage Rates Continue to Moderate: Sept. 23, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.19%, which is lower than yesterday's reading of 7.225%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.286%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.41%. Mortgage rates track the yield on 10-year Treasury notes, and 10-year yields surged to the highest levels since 2007 ahead of the Federal Reserve's September meeting as the bond market priced in a rate hike.
Today's Mortgage Rates Stable, But Well Above 7%: Sept. 21, 2026
The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed purchase mortgage is 7.248% as of Sept. 21. Compare today's purchase and refinance rates, explore historical trends, and see tips for shopping for the best loan. Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 7.248%, which is higher than Friday's reading of 7.217%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 7.365%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.49%.
5 Experts on What the Fed Rate Hike Means for Mortgages
Key Takeaways The Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75% to 4% at its September meeting to combat persistent inflation. Mortgage rates track 10-year Treasury yields rather than following the federal funds rate directly, meaning mortgage rates and Fed decisions do not always move in tandem.
Today's Mortgage Rates Pull Back After Rapid Gains This Week: Sept. 4, 2026
The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed purchase mortgage is 6.911% as of Sept. 4. Compare today's purchase and refinance rates, explore historical trends, and see tips for shopping for the best loan. Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.911%, which is lower than yesterday's reading of 6.947%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.985%, and the current 15-year rate is 6.043%.
Today's Mortgage Rates Cool to Lowest Level in 3 Weeks: Aug. 13, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.821%, which is lower than yesterday's reading of 6.876%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.909%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.983%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran in late February.
Today's Mortgage Rates Rise After Fed Meeting: July 30, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.863%, which is higher than yesterday's reading of 6.827%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.977%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.971%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran in late February.
Today's Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise: July 22, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.791%, up from 6.742% yesterday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.906%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.898%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran in late February. The Middle East conflict put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Buying a Home Soon? Why June's Good Inflation News Is Bittersweet
Key Takeaways Inflation cooled to an annual pace of 3.5% in June, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, down from May's reading of 4.2%. Mortgage rates tend to rise and fall with inflation, and lower inflation means homebuyers can keep more cash in their pockets for housing expenses. However, June's CPI report doesn't account for renewed fighting in the U.S.-Iran war. On the surface, June's consumer price index report looks like a step in the right direction.
Today's Mortgage Rates Climb as Iran War Reignites: July 13, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.734%, up from 6.715% on Friday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.83%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.818%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran in late February. The Middle East conflict put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Why the Bipartisan Housing Bill Can Still Become Law – Despite Trump's Refusal to Sign
Key Takeaways The reconciled version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act overwhelmingly passed through both chambers of Congress and is on President Donald Trump's desk. Trump has refused to sign it as a form of protest because Congress hasn't passed the SAVE America Act, a voting restrictions bill. However, the housing bill can still become law without the president's signature.
Today's Mortgage Rates Hold Steady: July 10, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.715%, essentially unchanged from 6.716% yesterday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.801%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.796%. Rates drifted upward after the June Federal Reserve meeting – not because the central bank held rates steady, as widely expected, but because of the hawkish tone for future monetary policy in the updated summary of economic projections.
Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders of July 2026
National Average Mortgage Refinance Rate Trends Rates data is based on a borrower with good credit, a conforming loan amount (at least $200,000 but less than the national conforming loan amount), and a loan-to-value ratio of less than 80% (For purchase loans, this corresponds to a down payment of 20% or more). © Zillow, Inc., 2006-2016. Use is subject to Terms of Use .
Best HELOC Lenders of 2026
What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit? A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a form of revolving credit that is secured by your home and can be used for just about anything, from home improvements to debt consolidation. You can borrow against the credit line as needed up to a set limit, which depends on the amount of equity you have in your home and the lender's maximum combined loan-to-value ratio. When you use the HELOC, you pay interest on the balance you borrowed.
Best Home Equity Loans of 2026
What Is a Home Equity Loan? A home equity loan allows you to borrow against the equity in your home, using your property to secure the loan. You get a lump sum payout, which you typically repay at a fixed interest rate over a repayment term of five to 30 years. The payment on your home equity loan is in addition to the payment on your first mortgage, which is why home equity loans are sometimes known as second mortgages.
Today's Mortgage Rates Jump as Iran Deal Breaks Down: July 8, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.655%, up from 6.635% yesterday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.741%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.755%. Rates drifted upward after the June Federal Reserve meeting – not because the central bank held rates steady, as widely expected, but because of the hawkish tone for future monetary policy in the updated summary of economic projections.
FHA Mortgage Rates Just Dropped Below 6% – But There's a Catch
Key Takeaways FHA mortgage rates averaged 5.99% on July 7, down meaningfully from 6.125% the day before. However, the average FHA loan APR, which includes the interest rate and fees, is 6.721%. APRs are usually higher on FHA loans because of the up-front mortgage insurance premium requirement, but it still might be worthwhile to consider an FHA mortgage.
Today's Mortgage Rates Fall: July 7, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.635%, down from 6.664% yesterday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.728%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.722%. Rates drifted upward after the June Federal Reserve meeting – not because the central bank held rates steady, as widely expected, but because of the hawkish tone for future monetary policy in the updated summary of economic projections.
Today's Mortgage Rates Climb Ahead of Holiday Weekend: July 2, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.658%, up from 6.6% yesterday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.745%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.774%. Rates drifted upward after the June Federal Reserve meeting – not because the central bank held rates steady, as widely expected, but because of the hawkish tone for future monetary policy in the updated summary of economic projections.
Today's Mortgage Rates Jump to 6.6%: July 1, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.6%, up from 6.545% yesterday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.683%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.717%. Rates drifted upward after the June Federal Reserve meeting – not because the central bank held rates steady, as widely expected, but because of the hawkish tone for future monetary policy in the updated summary of economic projections.
The Salary You Need to Buy a House in LA in 2026
Key Takeaways Using Los Angeles' median sales price of $1,065,000, your monthly mortgage payment could range from about $6,500 to $10,000 when accounting for principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance and HOA or condo fees. Lenders use the 28/36 rule to determine housing affordability, which dictates that your monthly housing payment (including taxes and insurance) should not exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.
Today's Mortgage Rates Drift Upward: June 30, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.545%, up from 6.531% yesterday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.634%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.665%. Rates drifted upward after the June Federal Reserve meeting – not because the central bank held rates steady, as widely expected, but because of the hawkish tone for future monetary policy in the updated summary of economic projections.
Today's Mortgage Rates Inch Down: June 29, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.531%, down from 6.549% on Friday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.625%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.664%. Rates drifted upward after the June Federal Reserve meeting – not because the central bank held rates steady, as widely expected, but because of the hawkish tone for future monetary policy in the updated summary of economic projections.
Today's Mortgage Rates Inch Higher: June 24, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.64%, which is higher than yesterday when rates were 6.632%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.738%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.789%.
Today's Mortgage Rates Rise: June 23, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.632%, which is higher than yesterday when rates were 6.589%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.726%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.778%.
Today's Mortgage Rates Rise After Fed Meeting: June 18, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.568%, which is higher than yesterday when rates were 6.523%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.642%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.687%.
Fed Holds Rates Steady: What the Decision Means for Mortgage Rates Moving Forward
Key Takeaways Fed policymakers voted to hold rates steady, as expected, at the June FOMC meeting. Less expected was the hawkish tone of economic projections, which point to the possibility of a rate hike later in the year. Mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated given the impact of inflation on monetary policy and bond markets. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at a range of 3.5% to 3.75% as central bank policymakers balance sticky inflation with a strong labor market.
Today's Mortgage Rates Drop on Iran Peace Deal: June 16, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.55%, which is lower than yesterday when rates were 6.6%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.632%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.661%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran in late February. The Middle East conflict put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Iran Peace Agreement Offers Hope for Lower Mortgage Rates This Spring
Key Takeaways Oil prices dropped as markets opened on Monday after President Donald Trump announced the U.S. reached a tentative agreement with Iran to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The trend continued on Tuesday. That's good news for mortgage rates, which are high when inflation is high – and vice versa. If the Middle East conflict is truly over, that could relieve some of the upward pressure on mortgage rates that has been keeping them elevated in recent months.
Today's Mortgage Rates Hold Steady: June 15, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.6%, which is unchanged from Friday, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.702%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.726%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
The Salary You Need to Buy a House in Florida in 2026
Key Takeaways The average monthly mortgage payment in Florida is $2,847, but that number can vary greatly depending on location, homeowners insurance costs, condo fees and other variables. A good rule of thumb when determining housing affordability is that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Using this ratio, your household income should be $10,168 monthly, or $122,014 annually, to afford the average mortgage payment in Florida.
Today's Mortgage Rates Drop to 6.6%: June 12, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.6%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's lower than yesterday, when rates were 6.623%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.688%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.737%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Today's Mortgage Rates Decline: June 11, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.623%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's lower than yesterday, when rates were 6.642%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.71%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.776%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Today's Mortgage Rates Decrease: June 10, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.642%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's lower than yesterday, when rates were 6.65%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.718%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.796%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Today's Mortgage Rates Inch Higher: June 9, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.65%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's higher than yesterday, when rates were 6.647%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.732%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.782%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Today's Mortgage Rates Surge on Strong Jobs Report: June 8, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.647%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's higher than Friday, when rates were 6.588%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.715%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.772%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Today's Mortgage Rates Increase: June 3, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.586%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's higher than yesterday, when rates were 6.577%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.678%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.701%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Today's Mortgage Rates Rise Marginally: June 2, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.577%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's higher than yesterday, when rates were 6.537%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.665%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.708%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Today's Mortgage Rates Decrease: May 29, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.591%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's lower than yesterday, when rates were 6.604%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.675%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.71%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Today's Mortgage Rates Decrease: May 28, 2026
Today's average interest rate on a 30-year purchase mortgage is 6.604%, according to Zillow data provided to U.S. News. That's lower than yesterday, when rates were 6.627%. For refinancing mortgages, today's 30-year rate is 6.694%, and the current 15-year rate is 5.728%. Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran. The Middle East conflict has put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport.
Banning Wall Street From Buying Houses? Inside the Sweeping Bipartisan Housing Bill Headed to Trump
Key Takeaways The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the House by a wide margin of 396-13 on May 20 and now moves to the Senate for deliberation. Among other changes, the bill aims to lower costs by banning institutional investors from buying additional properties; relaxes regulations on manufactured homes; and incentivizes lenders to offer small-dollar mortgages under $100,000.
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