Today’s Mortgage Rates, Dec 26: Rates Persist in Low 6% Range for Homebuyers

It's reassuring to know that mortgage rates on December 26, 2025, are showing welcome stability, with minor fluctuations that aren't drastically shifting the market. This means if you're looking to buy a home or refinance an existing mortgage, the landscape hasn't seen any dramatic upheavals. While we aren't at the rock-bottom rates of a few years ago, this steady environment can offer a bit more predictability as we head into a new year.

Today’s Mortgage Rates, Dec 26: Rates Persist in Low 6% Range for Homebuyers

It’s been quite a ride with mortgage rates the past few years, hasn't it? We saw them dip to levels that felt almost too good to be true, and then climb back up, making many of us hold our breath. Today, the numbers are telling a story of calm before what’s next.

According to Zillow, the national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is currently sitting at a solid 6.10%. That’s a bit lower than the 6.18% average (for the week) reported by Freddie Mac for the same type of loan, and a noticeable drop from the 6.85% we saw this time last year. On the 15-year fixed mortgage front, Zillow reports 5.52%, a gentle nudge down from 5.50% on the Freddie Mac tracker and a pleasant decrease from 6.00% a year ago.

This quiet period feels more like a thoughtful pause than a stalemate. The market seems to be digesting the Federal Reserve's recent moves and waiting for clearer signals about the economy's direction in 2026.

For potential buyers, this means you can approach your budgeting with a bit more certainty. For homeowners considering a refinance, it’s a good time to check if your current rate is significantly higher than these averages, but significant savings might be elusive unless you have a loan from the high-rate period of 2022 or earlier.

What the Numbers Mean for You Right Now

Let’s break down what these rates really translate to for folks like you and me. It’s not just about a number; it’s about how that number impacts your monthly payments and your overall financial plan.

For Homebuyers:
Having rates in the low 6% range for a 30-year fixed mortgage is certainly better than the higher numbers we saw earlier in 2025. While it’s not the “once-in-a-lifetime” deal we experienced not too long ago, it's a realistic figure that allows for more confident planning. My advice? Don't chase the absolute lowest rate if it means waiting indefinitely. If you find a home you love and the rate fits your budget, locking it in can provide peace of mind. The stability here is your friend.

For Homeowners Looking to Refinance:
This is where things get a bit nuanced. If you secured your mortgage before 2022, chances are you have a rate higher than what’s currently available. In that case, refinancing could offer notable savings. However, if your mortgage is from, say, 2023 or even early 2024 when rates were elevated but perhaps not at their peak, the savings from refinancing might be marginal. You'll need to run the numbers carefully, factoring in closing costs, to see if it truly makes financial sense. Sometimes, the hassle isn't worth a few dollars saved each month.

For Those Considering Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs):
ARMs, like the 5/1 and 7/1 options, are currently hovering around 6.26%. While they can sometimes offer a lower initial rate, they come with the risk of future increases. With fixed rates in a stable, albeit higher-than-historic-low, range, ARMs are less appealing unless you have a very specific plan to move or refinance before the fixed period ends and rates potentially rise.

Today's Mortgage Rates: A Closer Look

It's always best to see the specifics, so here's a clear picture of the national averages from Zillow for today, December 26, 2025:

Please remember these are national averages. Your actual rate will depend on your credit score, loan-to-value ratio, and other individual factors.

Refinancing Rates: Is it Worth It?

For those of you curious about refinancing an existing mortgage, here are the current national averages also provided by Zillow:

Notice how the refinance rates are generally a touch higher than the purchase rates. This is common and reflects different market dynamics and lender pricing for each type of transaction.

Why the Stability? Factors Shaping Today's Rates

The market's current calm isn't by accident. It's a result of several forces working together.

• Holiday Lull: It's no surprise that trading volumes tend to be lighter during the holiday season. Many institutional investors and traders are enjoying time off, which naturally leads to less market activity and, consequently, fewer aggressive swings in bond yields that influence mortgage rates.
• Fed's “Wait-and-See” Approach: The Federal Reserve has made several rate adjustments throughout 2025. Now, the market is digesting these changes and anticipating what the Fed might do next. Without a strong immediate push from the Fed, mortgage rates tend to settle.
• Inflation Cooling: A significant factor is the recent news that inflation is cooling down. Reports showing inflation dropping to around 2.7% are a good sign. Lower inflation generally means the Federal Reserve might feel more comfortable with continuing its policy of easing interest rates in 2026, which could put downward pressure on mortgage rates in the longer term.
• Economic Strength: On the flip side, economic data paints a picture of a reasonably strong economy. Robust GDP growth, like the 4.3% seen in the third quarter of 2025, can sometimes nudge rates higher. Why? Because investors might pull money out of safer government bonds (whose yields influence mortgage rates) and pour it into the stock market, seeking higher returns.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Early 2026

As I look into my crystal ball (or, more accurately, analyze market forecasts), it seems we might be in a “higher-for-longer” scenario for a bit. This means significant drops in mortgage rates aren't likely right around the corner. However, if inflation continues to trend downwards and the Fed signals more rate cuts for 2026, we could see a modest easing. Some experts suggest that rates might hover in a relatively narrow range in the immediate future.