Today’s mortgage and refinance rates: May 29, 2022 | Will 5% rates become the norm?

Mortgage rates trended down last week, with 30-year fixed rates briefly dipping below 4.8% on Thursday. After months of dramatic increases, recent drops indicate that mortgage rates may be stabilizing somewhat.

Even as rates inch down, they’re still up 2% from where they ended 2021. Higher rates have cooled homebuying demand as more buyers find themselves priced out of the market. 

Today’s mortgage rates

Today’s refinance rates

Mortgage calculator

Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today’s interest rates will affect your monthly payments:

By clicking on “More details,” you’ll also see how much you’ll pay over the entire length of your mortgage, including how much goes toward the principal vs. interest.

Are mortgage rates going up?

Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021, and may continue to increase throughout 2022.

In April, the Consumer Price Index rose by 8.3% year-over-year — a slight deceleration from March’s rate. The

Federal Reserve

has been working to get inflation under control, and plans to increase the federal funds target rate five more times this year, following a 0.25% increase at its March meeting and a 0.5% increase in May.

Though not directly tied to the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are often pushed up as a result of Fed rate hikes. As the central bank continues to tighten monetary policy to lower inflation, it’s likely that mortgage rates will remain elevated.

What do high rates mean for the housing market?

When mortgage rates go up, home shoppers’ buying power decreases, as more of their anticipated housing budget has to go toward paying interest. If rates get high enough, buyers can get priced out of the market completely, which cools demand and puts downward pressure on home price growth.

However, that doesn’t mean home prices will fall — in fact, they’re expected to rise even more this year, just at a slower pace than what we’ve seen in the past couple years.

What is a good mortgage rate?

It can be hard to know if a lender is offering you a good rate, which is why it’s so important to get preapproved with multiple

mortgage lenders

and compare each offer. Apply for preapproval with at least two or three lenders.

Your rate isn’t the only thing that matters. Be sure to compare both what your monthly costs would be as well as your upfront costs, including any lender fees.

Even though mortgage rates are heavily influenced by economic factors that are out of your control, there are some things you can do to help ensure you get a good rate:

• Consider fixed vs. adjustable rates. You may be able to get a lower introductory rate with an adjustable-rate mortgage, which can be good if you plan to move before the intro period ends. But a fixed rate could be better if you’re buying a forever home because you won’t risk your rate going up later. Look at the rates your lender offers and weigh your options.
• Look at your finances. The stronger your financial situation, the lower your mortgage rate should be. Look for ways to boost your credit score or lower your debt-to-income ratio, if necessary. Saving for a higher down payment also helps.
• Choose the right lender. Each lender charges different mortgage rates. Picking the right one for your financial situation will help you land a good rate.