Mortgage Rates Today, Dec 13: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 5 Basis Points

As of Saturday, December 13, 2025, the 30-year fixed refinance rate has nudged up by 5 basis points, now sitting at 6.73%, according to Zillow's latest report. This isn't a dramatic leap, but it's a clear signal that the landscape for refinancing is shifting slightly. For homeowners looking to lower their monthly payments or tap into their home equity, understanding these daily movements is crucial.

The move we’re seeing today is a good reminder that rates don't always go in one direction. Even small shifts can influence whether a refinance makes financial sense for you right now. The current rate for a 30-year fixed refi is 6.73%, a slight increase from yesterday.

Mortgage Rates Today, Dec 13: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 5 Basis Points

What the Numbers Tell Us Today

Let's break down exactly what's happening with national average refinance rates as of December 13, 2025, according to Zillow:

Loan Type	Current Rate	Change (Basis Points)	Previous Rate
30-Year Fixed	6.73%	+5	6.68%
15-Year Fixed	5.67%	+3	5.64%
5-Year ARM	7.45%	+18	7.27%

Key Takeaways from Today's Data

Looking at these figures, a few things stand out to me:

• The 30-Year Fixed Tick Up: The 30-year fixed refinance rate climbing by 5 basis points to 6.73% is the headline. While a small increase, it’s worth noting because this is the most popular loan type for homeowners looking to refinance. It means that locking in a rate today is slightly more expensive than it was yesterday.
• 15-Year Fixed Inches Up: The 15-year fixed refinance rate also saw a modest increase, moving up by 3 basis points to 5.67%. This loan type remains a solid option for those who can handle larger monthly payments and want to pay off their home faster, building equity more quickly.
• ARMs Surge: The most significant jump is in the 5-year Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), which shot up by a notable 18 basis points to 7.45%. This highlights the increased cost and potential volatility associated with ARMs right now.

How This Impacts Your Refinance Decision

So, what does this mean for you? If you were planning to refinance and lock in a rate today, that 6.73% for a 30-year fixed loan is your starting point. This small rise means your monthly payment could be slightly higher than if you had locked in yesterday.

For folks who are still considering a refinance, the 15-year fixed loan at 5.67% continues to be an attractive option if your budget allows for the larger monthly payments. Think about it: shaving six years off your mortgage term and potentially saving a significant amount of interest over the life of the loan is powerful. However, with the cost of borrowing ticking up across the board, it’s more important than ever to run the numbers carefully.

Now, about those ARMs. Seeing the 5-year ARM jump to 7.45% definitely makes me pause. While ARMs can offer a lower initial rate, this significant increase shows the risk involved. When short-term rates are rising, ARMs can become more expensive quickly, and that can be a tough pill to swallow if your financial situation isn't flexible.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Driving These Rates?

These daily rate movements, though small, are ripples from larger economic waves. We're seeing continued pressure from inflation and, importantly, what lenders expect the Federal Reserve to do about it. Even though the Fed has been making some positive moves lately by cutting its benchmark rate, their signals for 2026 suggest a more measured approach, with potentially only one more cut planned.

My experience tells me that mortgage rates don't just follow the Fed's one official rate. They are much more closely tied to what’s called the 10-year Treasury yield. This is like a crystal ball for where the market thinks long-term interest rates are headed, and it's heavily influenced by inflation expectations. If inflation continues to cool down and settle closer to the Fed's target of 2%, we could see mortgage rates follow suit. But if inflation stays stubbornly high, those rates will likely stay elevated or even creep up further.

Refinance Activity: A Surge Fueled by Rate Hopes

It’s interesting to note that even with this slight uptick, we've seen a significant surge in refinance applications lately. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a big jump (14% week-over-week) in their refinance index for the week ending December 5, 2025. In fact, refinance applications are now making up over half of all mortgage applications – 58.2% to be exact. This is happening because many homeowners who were locked into higher rates over the past few years are finally seeing an opportunity to get a better deal, or to tap into the equity they've built up in their homes.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Refinance Forecast

What’s the outlook for early 2026? Most experts are predicting a relatively stable to slightly lower rate environment for 30-year fixed refinance loans. We're generally looking at figures in the low-to-mid 6% range. Some are even hoping for a dip below 6% by the end of next year. However, a return to the incredibly low rates we saw during the pandemic (think 2%-3%) is highly unlikely.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what some major housing authorities are forecasting for the 30-year fixed rate in 2026:

• Fannie Mae: Predicts an average of 6.2% in Q1 2026, potentially dropping to 5.9% by year-end.
• Realtor.com: Averages around 6.3% for the entire year.
• Redfin: Also sees an average of 6.3%, with possible brief dips below 6%.
• National Association of Realtors (NAR): Projects an average close to 6.0%.
• Wells Fargo: Estimates an average of 6.18% for the year.
• Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA): Forecasts steady rates at 6.4% throughout 2026.

Crucially, the pace at which rates fall will depend heavily on inflation and the overall health of the economy. A strong economy generally keeps rates higher, while signs of a slowdown or increased unemployment could push them down.

My Two Cents: What I'd Be Thinking About

From my perspective, the data suggests that while today’s slight increase is a pause, the general trend seems to be pointing towards a more favorable refinancing environment in early 2026, if economic conditions cooperate. If you secured a mortgage at a rate significantly higher than the current numbers, say above 6.5% or 7%, then keeping an eye on these forecasts and potentially refinancing early next year could be a smart move.

However, I always advise people to remember that these are just predictions. Life happens. Your own financial situation is the most important factor. Can you comfortably afford the monthly payments, even if they're slightly higher than yesterday? Have you factored in all the closing costs associated with refinancing? Does it truly align with your long-term financial goals?

Bottom Line

Today, December 13, 2025, we're seeing a slight upward tick in mortgage refinance rates. The 30-year fixed rate is at 6.73%, the 15-year fixed rate is at 5.67%, and 5-year ARMs have seen a significant jump to 7.45%. While today’s numbers might be a reason to be a little more cautious, the broader outlook for 2026 suggests a potentially more affordable environment for refinancing. As always, it's vital to weigh the stability of fixed-rate loans against the variables of ARMs and compare your options carefully to make the best decision for your financial future.