Today’s Mortgage Rates November 15: Rates Drop Slightly, Forecasting Stability

Today, November 15th, we're seeing a familiar trend – mortgage interest rates are taking small steps lower, offering a tiny bit of breathing room for prospective homeowners. According to Zillow, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has dipped to 6.07%, and the 15-year fixed rate is now at 5.54%. This is good news, even though the changes are modest. It's important to remember that these are national averages. Your specific rate will depend on many personal factors, like your credit score, down payment, and the lender you choose. But these national figures give us a solid benchmark to understand where things stand.

Today's Mortgage Rates November 15: Rates Drop Slightly, Forecasting Stability

What the Numbers Say: Today's Mortgage Rates at a Glance

Let's break down what the latest figures from Zillow are telling us for November 15th. It's helpful to see the different loan types laid out clearly.

Current Mortgage Rates (November 15, 2025)

Loan Type	Interest Rate
30-year fixed	6.07%
20-year fixed	5.99%
15-year fixed	5.54%
5/1 ARM	6.21%
7/1 ARM	6.29%
30-year VA	5.60%
15-year VA	5.22%
5/1 VA	5.20%

You'll notice the 20-year fixed rate is also hovering just below 6%, which can be an attractive option for some looking for a middle ground between the shorter 15-year and the longer 30-year terms. For those who are active-duty military or veterans, the VA loan rates continue to be very competitive, sitting significantly lower than conventional loans. This is a fantastic benefit designed to help our heroes achieve homeownership.

Refinancing: Is Now a Good Time for You?

If you already own a home and are considering refinancing, the slightly lower rates today might also be worth exploring. Refinancing could help you lower your monthly payments, shorten your loan term, or tap into your home's equity. Here's what the refinance rates look like today, also according to Zillow:

Today's Mortgage Refinance Rates (November 15, 2025)

Loan Type	Interest Rate
30-year fixed	6.20%
20-year fixed	6.26%
15-year fixed	5.74%
5/1 ARM	6.42%
7/1 ARM	6.58%
30-year VA	5.58%
15-year VA	5.45%
5/1 VA	5.39%

It's interesting to see that the refinance rates are slightly higher than the purchase rates. This is quite typical. Lenders often price refinance loans a little differently, and the market conditions for existing homeowners looking to change their mortgage can vary. When I consider refinancing for myself or advise others, I always look at the “break-even point” – how long it will take for the savings from the new rate to offset the closing costs of the refinance.

The Forces Behind Today's Mortgage Rates

So, what’s causing these rates to tick downwards, even if it’s just a little? It’s a complex interplay of economic factors that keep seasoned observers like myself glued to the news cycles. Understanding these drivers is key to forming your own educated opinion about future rate movements.

• Inflation and Economic Health: When inflation is high, it’s like a tax on the money lenders get back. To protect themselves, they tend to raise interest rates. However, recent whispers from the private sector suggest that the job market might be easing up a bit. Fewer people looking for jobs can sometimes signal that economic growth isn't overheating, which is generally good news for keeping inflation in check and potentially leading to lower borrowing costs.
• The Federal Reserve's Balancing Act: The Federal Reserve doesn't directly set mortgage rates. Think of them more like the conductor of an orchestra. Their decisions on the federal funds rate (the target rate banks charge each other for overnight loans) and how they manage their balance sheet (the assets they hold) have a huge ripple effect. The Fed did make some rate cuts earlier this year, which helped push mortgage rates down. But lately, their tone has become more cautious. They're hinting that future rate cuts might not be as frequent or as deep as some hoped, which can put a floor under or even nudge rates slightly higher.
• Treasury Yields: Mortgage rates often move hand-in-hand with the yields on 10-year Treasury notes. When investors feel uncertain about the economy, they often flock to the perceived safety of U.S. Treasury bonds. Increased demand for these bonds drives their prices up and their yields down, and this often translates into lower mortgage rates. It’s a direct link that many of us watch closely.
• Government Uncertainty (and Resolution): We recently saw periods of government shutdown that really muddled the economic data picture. When we don't have clear economic signals, it creates uncertainty in the markets. However, the reopening of government agencies is starting to clear the fog a bit, which can help stabilize things and reduce some of the rate volatility we might otherwise see.

Will Rates Keep Falling This Month? The Crystal Ball is Cloudy

This is the million-dollar question, right? As we look at the rest of November 2025, the forecasts are quite divided, which makes it an interesting time to make decisions.

• Mixed Signals: Some very smart people in the industry believe rates will largely stay put – what they call a “holding pattern.” They feel the market has already priced in much of the recent economic news. On the other hand, a good number are seeing the potential for rates to ease slightly further before the year is out.
• Fed Uncertainty Lingers: While the Fed has signaled a pause or slower pace for rate cuts, the timing and magnitude are still up in the air. Any hint of a potential December rate cut (or lack thereof) will strongly influence bond yields and, consequently, mortgage rates. It's not a sure bet that we'll see further reductions in the short term.
• The Big Picture for Year-End: Most experts I’ve seen are predicting that by the end of 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will likely settle in the low to mid-6% range. This means significant, dramatic drops are probably not in the cards for the remainder of November. It suggests a period of relative stability, with minor fluctuations.

According to a survey I read by Bankrate, the experts themselves are split right down the middle – 50% think rates will go down, and 50% expect them to hold steady in mid-November. This division highlights the cautious optimism – or perhaps, cautious uncertainty – that defines the current market.

My Take: Patience and Preparedness

From my perspective, what we're seeing today is a market trying to find its footing. The slight dip in rates is a welcome sign, but it's not a signal for drastic action unless you were already on the verge of making a move. For anyone looking to buy, getting pre-approved remains crucial. It locks in a rate for a period, giving you certainty while you search for your perfect home. For those considering a refinance, I’d advise looking at your personal financial situation and doing the math. If the numbers work for your long-term goals, now could be a good time to explore options, even if the rates aren't historic lows.

The key takeaway for me is that while we're not seeing huge swings, the market is responsive to economic data and Fed policy. Staying informed and being ready to act when the time is right for you is the best strategy. Don't chase rates, but be prepared if they align with your financial goals.