Mortgage Rates Today, Dec 14: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 5 Basis Points

Today, December 14, 2025, homeowners looking to refinance will find that the 30-year fixed refinance rate has held its ground, remaining at 6.73%. After a slight uptick earlier in the week, this stability suggests that lenders are proceeding with careful consideration, and for many, it means a good opportunity to lock in a predictable rate. Today's numbers, as reported by Zillow, show a real sense of steadiness, especially with that 30-year fixed rate holding at 6.73%. This isn't a huge jump or a dramatic drop; it’s more like a firm pause.

Mortgage Rates Today, Dec 14: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 5 Basis Points

What Are Today's Refinance Rates?

Let's break down the national average refinance rates as of Sunday, December 14, 2025:

Loan Type	Current Rate	Change (Basis Points)	Previous Rate
30-Year Fixed	6.73%	+5	6.68%
15-Year Fixed	5.71%	0	5.71%
5-Year ARM	7.29%	0	7.29%

As you can see, the 30-year fixed rate saw a small increase of 5 basis points, moving from 6.68% to 6.73%. This is the rate many homeowners are most familiar with, offering long-term predictability. The 15-year fixed rate remained solid at 5.71%, a great option if you're looking to pay off your mortgage faster and save on interest over time. Meanwhile, the 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is sitting at 7.29% and hasn't budged, but ARMs are a different beast altogether, and we'll touch on that later.

Why the Stability? A Look at the Market

It might seem like rates just fluctuate randomly, but there's a lot going on behind the scenes. While the Federal Reserve's actions always play a big role in overall interest rates, refinance rates have their own rhythm. Lenders are constantly trying to figure out the best way to balance the risk of lending money with how much demand there is from people like us who want to refinance.

My experience in this field tells me that this kind of steady environment often comes after periods of more dramatic movement. We've seen rates significantly lower in the past, particularly during the pandemic years (think 2-3% for a 30-year fixed!), but they've also been much higher. The current low-to-mid 6% range for the 30-year fixed is a reality many homeowners are now navigating. It means that the massive savings some saw a year or two ago might not be as dramatic, but there are still opportunities.

The market has become super sensitive to even small daily changes, and that's a sign of the caution out there. Even though hints of Federal Reserve rate cuts and moderating inflation have generally pushed rates downward in late 2025, they don't always move perfectly in sync. This careful balancing act by lenders results in these quiet periods where rates just hold steady.

What This Means for You

So, what does this 6.73% 30-year fixed rate and overall stability mean for homeowners considering a refinance?

• Predictability is Key: With both the 30-year and 15-year fixed rates holding firm, you get a clear picture of your monthly payments for the life of the loan. This is incredibly valuable for budgeting and financial planning. If you secured a mortgage with a rate significantly higher than 6.73% in 2023 or 2024, refinancing could still mean substantial savings, even if the headlines aren't screaming about record lows.
• ARMs: A Higher Bar: The 5-year ARM at 7.29% is currently higher than the 30-year fixed. This makes it far less appealing for most people. ARMs are designed for borrowers who plan to move or refinance again before the initial fixed period ends, and who are comfortable with the possibility of higher payments down the line. For most, especially with rates this stable, the fixed-rate options are the safer, more attractive choice right now.
• Now Might Be the Time to Act: If you've been on the fence about refinancing, a period of rate stability can be a golden opportunity. It allows you to plan your move without the pressure of a rapidly changing market. You can shop around, compare offers, and make an informed decision. Waiting too long might mean missing out if rates eventually tick up again, though most expert forecasts suggest a path of gradual decline or stability.

Expert Forecasts: What's Next?

Looking into the crystal ball is always tricky, but I always like to see what the smart folks are predicting. The general consensus among experts is that rates will likely stay within a relatively narrow band.

• Fannie Mae has a slightly more optimistic outlook, suggesting the 30-year rate could dip below 6% by the end of 2026.
• The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) predicts rates will hover around 6.4% throughout 2026.
• Economists from Zillow and Realtor.com tend to agree that rates will stay above 6% in 2026, with Redfin hinting at occasional dips below 6% but not for extended periods.

These forecasts give us a good sense of the general direction, but they also highlight that we probably won't see those pandemic-era lows again anytime soon. The current 6.73% for the 30-year fixed, while higher than the dream rates of the past, is likely to be a common rate for the near future.

The Bottom Line

As of December 14, 2025, the refinance market is showing a steady hand. The 30-year fixed refinance rate is 6.73%, the 15-year fixed is 5.71%, and the 5-year ARM is 7.29%. This stability offers a clear path for homeowners. If you're looking to lower your monthly payment, shorten your loan term, or simply get more predictable housing costs, now is a good time to seriously explore your refinancing options. Weighing the comfort of fixed rates against the potential, but also risk, of adjustable rates is the key decision you'll need to make in this current lending environment.