Mortgage Rates Today, Dec 11: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 13 Basis Points

If you're a homeowner looking to refinance, you'll want to know that mortgage rates today, Dec 11, show the 30-year refinance rate rising by 13 basis points, according to Zillow's latest data. This upward tick means that securing a lower rate on your mortgage just became a little more costly. While the numbers might seem small, these changes can add up to a significant difference in your monthly payments and the total interest you pay over the life of your loan. It’s a reminder that the mortgage market is always moving, and staying informed is key to making smart financial decisions.

Mortgage Rates Today, Dec 11: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 13 Basis Points

National Refinance Rates Push Higher

Let's break down what's happening with the major mortgage types. According to Zillow, the average rate for a 30-year fixed refinance reached 6.74% on Thursday, December 11th. This is up from 6.61% just a short while ago. What's more, this figure is also a 6-basis-point jump compared to last week's average of 6.68%. This upward trend indicates that lenders are adjusting their offerings based on market conditions and investor outlook.

For those of you who hold a mortgage now, you might be thinking about refinancing to take advantage of potentially lower rates. However, this recent rise means that refinancing might not be as immediately beneficial as it seemed even a week ago. The market is sensitive to even small changes, and this increase reflects that.

15‑Year Fixed Refinance Rate Adjusts

It's not just the long-term loans that are seeing changes. The national average for a 15-year fixed refinance also nudged upward, rising 8 basis points to 5.74% from its previous 5.66%. While 15-year mortgages have historically offered lower interest rates and allow you to pay off your home faster, they also come with higher monthly payments.

For homeowners who were eyeing a 15-year refi, this increase means the cost of that faster payoff is going up. It highlights a tough decision: do you lock in a rate that's now a bit higher, or do you wait, hoping rates will drop again? My experience tells me that while instinct might be to wait for the “perfect” rate, often a rate that's even just 0.50% to 0.75% lower than your current one can be a solid reason to refinance. Waiting too long can mean missing out on savings altogether if rates continue their climb.

5‑Year ARM Refinance Rate Sees Sharpest Increase

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), particularly the 5-year option, have experienced the most significant movement. The average 5-year ARM refinance rate jumped a noticeable 15 basis points, moving from 7.24% to 7.39%.

ARMs typically start with lower rates than fixed mortgages, offering a potential savings upfront. However, the recent surge here suggests that lenders are building in more caution. They're pricing in greater uncertainty about where interest rates might head in the future. This makes fixed-rate loans, despite their own recent increases, look comparatively more stable and predictable for borrowers who value certainty in their housing costs. For me, this is a clear signal that the perceived “safer bet” in the current climate is leaning towards fixed rates.

What This Means for Borrowers Today

So, what’s the bottom line for homeowners considering refinancing?

• Refinance Costs Are Climbing: As we’ve seen, the cost of refinancing is going up. Your monthly payment might be higher now than it would have been if you had acted at the beginning of December.
• Fixed vs. ARM Decisions: With ARMs seeing a faster rate increase, fixed-rate mortgages now appear more appealing for those seeking long-term predictability. The initial lure of a lower ARM rate is diminished when its future increases are so uncertain.
• Timing Remains Crucial: This is where personal strategy comes into play. You need to weigh the current, higher costs against the possibility that rates could go even higher. On the flip side, there's always the hope that future economic adjustments, perhaps from the Fed, could bring rates down in early 2026.
• Equity Still Offers Opportunities: Even with rising rates, if you have significant equity in your home, a cash-out refinance could still be a smart move. This is especially true if you're looking to consolidate higher-interest debt, like credit cards or personal loans.

Current National Average Refinance Rates (Zillow Data)

Here’s a quick snapshot of where things stand as of December 11, 2025, according to Zillow:

• 30-year fixed: 6.74%
• 15-year fixed: 5.74%
• 5-year ARM: 7.39%

Last updated: Thursday, December 11, 2025

Key Takeaway and Expert Insight

The trend is clear: refinance rates are moving higher across the board, with adjustable-rate mortgages showing the most aggressive climb. While fixed-rate loans are still offering relative stability, it’s a dynamic situation.

The recent move by the Federal Reserve to cut its benchmark rate yesterday, December 10th, was largely anticipated by the market. This is why we didn't see a dramatic drop in mortgage rates following the announcement. In fact, some lenders even saw a slight uptick immediately after. Fixed mortgage rates, being long-term products, are more influenced by the 10-year Treasury yield and expectations about future inflation, not just the Fed's short-term rate.

Despite not dropping further after the Fed's decision, the current rates are near their lowest points for 2025, having come down from over 7% earlier in the year. The general consensus among experts is that rates will likely hover within a relatively narrow range, staying above 6% consistently, for the immediate future.

So, the advice from many financial experts – and myself – is to consider refinancing now if you can secure a rate that offers a tangible improvement over your current one, perhaps a 0.50% to 0.75% reduction. Waiting for a perfect scenario might mean missing out on current savings. The best approach is to compare personalized refinance offers online from different lenders to find the best rate for your unique financial situation. Don't let market fluctuations discourage you; informed action is your best strategy.