Mortgage rates moved sharply higher this week, according to data from the Zillow lender marketplace. The average 30-year fixed rate rose 12 basis points from a week ago to 6.67%, the 15-year fixed rate climbed 13 basis points to 6.04%, and the 5/1 ARM jumped 38 basis points to 6.26%. Moves of this size matter for affordability: on a typical loan, even a fraction of a percentage point changes the monthly payment and the total interest paid over the life of the mortgage, which is why weekly swings like this one feed directly into buyers' budgets. The increases come even though industry forecasts still expect rates to hold near current levels through year-end, with the Mortgage Bankers Association projecting a 30-year average of 6.6% to 6.7% and Fannie Mae predicting 6.7% to 6.8% for the remainder of 2026.

Today's mortgage rates

Here are the current national mortgage rates for Sunday, September 6, 2026, based on the latest Zillow data (national averages, rounded to the nearest hundredth):

• 30-year fixed: 6.67%
• 20-year fixed: 6.66%
• 15-year fixed: 6.04%
• 5/1 ARM: 6.64%
• 7/1 ARM: 6.53%
• 30-year VA: 6.32%
• 15-year VA: 5.91%
• 5/1 VA: 5.93%

Today's mortgage refinance rates

Here are today's national refinance rates for Sunday, September 6, 2026, according to Zillow (national averages, rounded to the nearest hundredth):

• 30-year fixed: 6.73%
• 20-year fixed: 6.68%
• 15-year fixed: 6.11%
• 5/1 ARM: 6.50%
• 7/1 ARM: 6.63%
• 30-year VA: 6.23%
• 15-year VA: 5.86%
• 5/1 VA: 6.01%

Refinance rates are often — though not always — higher than the rates offered on home purchases. Weekly rate swings also shape refinancing decisions: when rates fall, refinance applications typically rise, as seen earlier this year when rates dropped more than half a point from the end of May and refinance applications jumped more than 62% year over year.

Monthly mortgage payment calculator

Borrowers can use the Yahoo Finance mortgage payment calculator to see how different mortgage terms and interest rates affect monthly payments. The calculator incorporates property taxes and homeowners insurance alongside principal and interest, providing a more realistic estimate of the total monthly payment than principal and interest alone.

30-year vs. 15-year fixed mortgage rates

The average 30-year mortgage rate today stands at 6.67%. The 30-year term remains the most popular mortgage type because spreading payments across 360 months produces a lower monthly payment than a shorter-term loan.

The average 15-year mortgage rate is 6.04% today. When weighing a 15-year versus a 30-year mortgage, borrowers should consider short-term versus long-term goals. A 15-year loan carries a lower interest rate and is repaid 15 years sooner, eliminating 15 years of interest accumulation — but the monthly payment is higher because the same amount is paid off in half the time.

As an illustration, on a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term at a 6.41% rate, the monthly principal-and-interest payment would be roughly $1,878.48, with $376,254 in total interest paid over the life of the loan — on top of the original $300,000. The same $300,000 loan with a 15-year term at a 5.80% rate would carry a monthly payment of $2,499.27, but only $149,869 in total interest.

Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages

With a fixed-rate mortgage, the rate is locked in for the entire life of the loan; a new rate applies only if the borrower refinances.

An adjustable-rate mortgage holds the rate steady for a predetermined period, after which it can move up or down based on factors such as the economy and the maximum change allowed under the contract. With a 7/1 ARM, for example, the rate is fixed for the first seven years and then adjusts annually for the remaining 23 years of the term.

Adjustable rates typically start lower than fixed rates, though once the initial lock period ends the rate may rise. Recently, however, some fixed rates have started lower than adjustable rates. Borrowers should discuss rate options with their lender before choosing between the two. More detail is available in this comparison of fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages.

How to get a low mortgage rate

The best mortgage lenders typically reserve their lowest rates for borrowers with larger down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios. Prospective buyers seeking a lower rate can save more, improve their credit score, or pay down debt before shopping for homes.

Waiting for rates to fall is generally not an effective strategy at the moment; for those ready to buy, strengthening personal finances is the more reliable path to a lower rate. That advice is reinforced by current forecasts, which anticipate rates staying within a narrow band through the end of 2026 rather than declining sharply.

How to choose a mortgage lender

To identify the best lender for their situation, borrowers should apply for mortgage preapproval with three or four companies, submitting all applications within a short time frame. This yields the most accurate comparisons and limits the impact on credit scores.

When comparing lenders, borrowers should look beyond the interest rate to the mortgage annual percentage rate (APR), which factors in the interest rate, discount points, and fees. Expressed as a percentage, the APR reflects the true annual cost of borrowing and is often the most important figure when comparing lenders. Additional guidance is available in 6 tips for choosing a mortgage lender.

Current mortgage rates: FAQs

What are mortgage interest rates doing right now?

According to Zillow lender marketplace rates, mortgage rates are higher this week than last week. The 30-year fixed rate is up 12 basis points to 6.67%, the 15-year fixed rate rose 13 basis points to 6.04%, and the 5/1 ARM is up 38 basis points to 6.26%.

What's a good mortgage rate right now?

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.67%, according to Zillow. Borrowers with excellent credit, a sizable down payment, and a low debt-to-income ratio (DTI) may qualify for better rates.

Are mortgage rates expected to drop?

According to the latest forecasts, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) expects the 30-year mortgage rate to average between 6.6% and 6.7% through the rest of 2026, while Fannie Mae predicts a 30-year rate between 6.7% and 6.8% through year-end.

Related reading

• Is now a good time to refinance your mortgage? 5 things to consider following the Fed rate pause: Mortgage rates have fallen more than half a point since the end of May, driving a year-over-year increase of more than 62% in refinance applications.
• Want to refinance your house before the end of 2026? What you need to know: What borrowers should know about refinancing a mortgage loan.
• Housing market predictions for 2026: The outlook for the year includes marginally lower mortgage rates and cooling home prices.
• 7 types of mortgage refinance options: Options include cash-out, no-closing-cost, and other refinance types.
• Is now a good time to get a VA loan?: VA loans offer a lower rate with no down payment.
• Are lower loan interest rates coming in 2026? Here's what experts expect: Whether rates are likely to rise or fall in 2026 and how economic shifts could affect borrowers.
• Weekly survey of mortgage lenders with the lowest rates: Minor pricing changes

Source: Yahoo Finance