
Rocket Mortgage 15 year rates are a popular choice for homeowners looking to save on interest and pay off their mortgage quickly. According to recent data, Rocket Mortgage's 15-year rates have been averaging around 2.5% lower than their 30-year counterparts.
This significant difference in rates can save homeowners thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. For example, if you borrow $200,000 at 2.5% interest for 15 years, you'll pay around $30,000 less in interest compared to a 30-year loan.
Rocket Mortgage's 15-year rates have been trending downward in recent years, making it an even more attractive option for homeowners.
Types of Loans
If you're considering a 15-year mortgage, you'll want to know about the different types of loans available. There are several options to choose from.
A 15-year fixed loan can be a great option for people who have a solid financial situation and can take on larger payments. This type of loan allows you to save significantly over the life of the loan by paying off your mortgage sooner.
You'll also want to think about your financial goals when choosing a mortgage. Matching your mortgage to your goals is key to getting the best results.
A 15-year fixed loan is ideal for people who want to save money in interest by paying off their loan sooner. This type of loan is great for those who have a stable financial situation and can afford larger payments.
Fixed Rate Loans
If you're considering a 15-year fixed loan, it's essential to understand the benefits and requirements. A 15-year fixed loan is ideal for those who want to save money in interest by paying off their loan sooner, and it's great for people who have a solid financial situation and can take on larger payments.
You'll completely pay off your mortgage in just 15 years with a 15-year fixed rate loan, and your interest rate is locked, so your principal and interest payments won't change. However, your taxes and insurance can fluctuate.

To qualify for a 15-year fixed loan, you'll need to meet certain requirements. You'll typically need a general minimum 3% to 3.5% down payment, a minimum 580 to 620 qualifying FICO Score, a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 50%, and 3% to 6% of the purchase price to cover closing costs.
Here are some benefits of a 15-year fixed loan:
- You’ll pay off your mortgage faster than with other loans.
- You can pay off your mortgage at any time without prepayment penalties.
- You may be able to avoid mortgage insurance with a down payment of 20% or higher.
- Your interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan, so you don’t have to worry about rising rates.
- You can buy a home with as little as 3% down.
- You can refinance your home for up to 97% of its value.
Refinancing and Rates
Low interest rates can make refinancing to a 15-year mortgage a smart move, as it may not significantly change your monthly payment.
Today's national 15-year mortgage rate trends show that the average fixed interest rate is 6.30%, down from last week's rate of 6.34%. This is a great opportunity to save on interest without breaking the bank.
Typically, 15-year mortgage rates are lower than those on 30-year loans, which is a major advantage. In fact, 15-year loans can carry an interest rate that's about three-quarters of a percentage point lower than a 30-year loan.
Here's a comparison of 15-year and 30-year mortgage rates:
As you can see, a 15-year mortgage can save you a significant amount of money in interest payments over the life of the loan. If you can handle the higher monthly payment, a 15-year mortgage might be a more attractive option for you.
Qualifying and Choosing
To qualify for a 15-year fixed mortgage, you'll need to meet some basic requirements. A general minimum down payment is 3% to 3.5% of the purchase price.
Your credit score will also play a role in getting approved. You'll need a minimum FICO score of 580 to 620. I've seen people with lower scores struggle to get approved for mortgages.
To qualify, you'll also need to keep your debt-to-income ratio in check. This means keeping your monthly debt payments below 50% of your income. It's surprising how many people don't realize this is a requirement.
You'll also need to cover closing costs, which can range from 3% to 6% of the purchase price. This can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor it into your budget.
Here are the key requirements to qualify for a 15-year fixed mortgage:
- 3% to 3.5% down payment
- 580 to 620 FICO score
- 50% debt-to-income ratio
- 3% to 6% of purchase price for closing costs
National Trends and Rates
As of January 6, 2025, the national average 15-year fixed mortgage interest rate is 6.30%, down from last week's rate of 6.34%. This is according to Bankrate's most recent survey of the nation's largest refinance lenders.
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate is currently lower than the 30-year fixed mortgage rate, which is 7.01% as of January 6, 2025. This difference in rates can save you a significant amount of money on interest over the life of the loan.
In fact, if you borrow $320,000 with a 15-year fixed mortgage at 5.73%, your monthly payment would be $2,804, compared to $2,130 for a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.47%. This is a significant difference, and one that could make a 15-year mortgage a more attractive option for some borrowers.
Here are some key national trends and rates as of January 6, 2025:
It's worth noting that mortgage rates can fluctuate daily, and it's always a good idea to compare rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your situation.
Calculating and Comparing
To get a sense of what your monthly mortgage payments might look like, use Rocket Mortgage's calculator to see what your mortgage payment could be with today's rates. This will give you a rough idea of how much you'll need to budget each month.
Getting preapproved is a crucial step in comparing 15-year mortgage rates. Get rate quotes from at least three mortgage lenders, ideally on the same day, to have an accurate basis for comparison.
Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your interest rate. Borrowers with a credit score of 740 and up tend to score the most attractive offers.
The interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are two key factors to consider when comparing rate offers. The APR includes the interest rate and other costs such as the origination fee and any points, providing a more complete picture of the all-in cost.
To evaluate other factors, consider the lender's ratings and your experience with them. Look up what other borrowers have had to say about the lender to get a sense of their responsiveness and convenience.
Here's a quick rundown of the key factors to consider when comparing 15-year mortgage rates:
Pros and Cons
A 15-year mortgage can be a great option for those looking to build equity and pay off their mortgage quickly. You can build home equity faster with a 15-year mortgage, paying off your mortgage in 15 years can help you build equity in your home at a faster rate than you would with a 30-year mortgage.
Paying less in interest is another advantage of a 15-year mortgage. If your loan amount is $200,000, borrowed at an interest rate of 3.0%, you'll pay out $48,609 over the life of the loan, saving you thousands of dollars in the long run compared to a 30-year mortgage.
A 15-year mortgage can also help you pay off your largest debt and own your home outright at a faster pace. It cuts your payoff period in half, making it a great option for those who want to own their home quickly.
To qualify for a 15-year fixed mortgage, you'll typically need a general minimum 3% to 3.5% down payment, a minimum 580 to 620 qualifying FICO score, a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 50%, and 3% to 6% of the purchase price to cover closing costs.
Here's a comparison of the pros of a 15-year mortgage:
- You'll build equity faster
- You'll pay less interest
- A larger chunk of monthly payments go toward the loan principal rather than interest
Rocket Mortgage 15 Year Rates
The national average 15-year fixed mortgage interest rate is 6.30%, down compared to last week's rate of 6.34%.
For today, Monday, January 06, 2025, the national average 15-year fixed mortgage interest rate is 6.30%.
Typically, 15-year mortgage rates are lower than rates on the more popular 30-year loans.
Here are the current national mortgage interest rates as of January 06, 2025:
Fixed Benefits
You can pay off your mortgage faster with a 15-year fixed mortgage, which is a big plus. This is because you'll be making monthly payments for a shorter period of time, which means you'll be debt-free sooner.
One of the best things about a 15-year fixed mortgage is that you can pay off your mortgage at any time without prepayment penalties. This gives you the freedom to make extra payments or pay off your mortgage early if you want to.
You may be able to avoid mortgage insurance with a down payment of 20% or higher. This can save you money on your monthly payments.
Your interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan, so you don't have to worry about rising rates. This can provide peace of mind and help you budget your finances.
Here are some key benefits of a 15-year fixed mortgage:
Low Interest Rates
Low interest rates can be a game-changer for homeowners looking to refinance their mortgage. With rates as low as 6.32% for a 15-year fixed mortgage, refinancing to a shorter loan term can save you big on interest without breaking the bank.
If you're considering refinancing, keep in mind that rates have been trending downward since April this year, with the current national average 15-year fixed mortgage interest rate at 6.30%. This is a great time to lock in a lower rate and pay off your mortgage faster.
One major advantage of a 15-year mortgage is its lower interest rate, which can be as much as three-quarters of a percentage point lower than a 30-year loan. For example, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage with a $320,000 loan principal and 5.73% interest rate has a monthly payment of $2,804, compared to $2,130 for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with the same loan principal and 6.47% interest rate.
Here's a comparison of the total interest and total payments for a 15-year and 30-year mortgage:
If you can handle the higher monthly payment, a 15-year mortgage might be a more attractive option for you. With a 15-year mortgage, you'll pay off your mortgage faster, avoid mortgage insurance with a down payment of 20% or higher, and have the flexibility to refinance your home for up to 97% of its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much would a 15 year mortgage be on $100,000?
For a $100,000 loan with a 6% APR, the monthly payment on a 15-year mortgage is $843.86. This breaks down the estimated cost of repaying the loan in a shorter timeframe.
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