Close Menu
Tuesday, May 19
Personal Finance

Mortgage Rates Today, Tuesday, May 19: Still Trending Higher

No Comments6 Mins Read

SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED

This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on BW. The information has been collected by BW and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.

Mortgage interest rates went up again today as markets remain sensitive to shifting threats during the Iran war.

The average interest rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6.47% APR, according to rates provided to BW by Zillow. This is eight basis points higher than yesterday and 19 basis points higher than a week ago. A basis point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point.

We probably won’t see stable mortgage rates until an actual peace agreement is finalized. If mortgage rates keep moving up this week, we’ll likely see the highest rates of 2026 in the next several days. Why? Check out our analysis below the chart.

Average mortgage rates, last 30 days

🤓 From the Nerds: Kate on Rates

Video thumbnail

📈 Why are mortgage rates moving upward?

Mortgage rates are constantly changing, since a major part of how rates are set depends on reactions to new inflation reports, job numbers, Fed meetings, global news … you name it. For example, even tiny changes in the bond market can shift mortgage pricing.

The next major data drop that the Nerds are looking toward is the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE), which the Bureau of Economic Analysis is scheduled to release on May 28. This contains the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, and will likely sway mortgage rates.

The further inflation rises above the Fed’s target of 2%, the harder it will be for incoming Fed chair Kevin Warsh to push for a rate cut. If inflation grows too high, we might even be looking at the possibility of rate hikes in the fall.

Mortgage rates have already been elevated following the release of April’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) on May 12. The report showed that inflation spiked to its highest level in nearly three years last month, reaching 3.8%. This indicates that the effects of the Iran war have really begun to ripple across the economy; comparatively, inflation rose just 3.3% in March.

Refinancing might make sense if today’s rates are at least 0.5 to 0.75 of a percentage point lower than your current rate (and if you plan to stay in your home long enough to break even on closing costs).

With rates where they are right now, you may want to start considering a refi if your current rate is around 6.97% or higher.

Also consider your goals: Are you trying to lower your monthly payment, shorten your loan term or turn home equity into cash? For example, you might be more comfortable with paying a higher rate for a cash-out refinance than you would for a rate-and-term refinance, so long as the overall costs are lower than if you kept your original mortgage and added a HELOC or home equity loan.

If you’re looking for a lower rate, use BW’s refinance calculator to estimate savings and understand how long it would take to break even on the costs of refinancing.

🏡 Should I start shopping for a home?

There is no universal “right” time to start shopping — what matters is whether you can comfortably afford a mortgage now at today’s rates.

If the answer is yes, don’t get too hung up on whether you could be missing out on lower rates later; you can refinance down the road. Focus on getting preapproved, comparing lender offers, and understanding what monthly payment works for your budget.

BW’s affordability calculator can help you estimate your potential monthly payment. If a new home isn’t in the cards right now, there are still things you can do to strengthen your buyer profile. Take this time to pay down existing debts and build your down payment savings. Not only will this free up more cash flow for a future mortgage payment, it can also get you a better interest rate when you’re ready to buy.

🔒 Should I lock my rate?

If you already have a quote you’re happy with, you should consider locking your mortgage rate, especially if your lender offers a float-down option. A float-down lets you take advantage of a better rate if the market drops during your lock period.

Rate locks protect you from increases while your loan is processed, and with the market forever bouncing around, that peace of mind can be worth it.

🤓 Nerdy Reminder: Rates can change daily, and even hourly. If you’re happy with the deal you have, it’s okay to commit.

🧐 Why is the rate I saw online different from the quote I got?

The rate you see advertised is a sample rate — usually for a borrower with perfect credit, making a big down payment, and paying for mortgage points.

It’s important to note that not every buyer’s circumstances will match up with the customized quotes provided.

Market factors beyond your control play a role in determining your personalized quote, as well as other factors such as:

Even two individuals with similar credit scores may receive different rates based on their overall financial profiles.

👀 Is the rate I see today guaranteed if I apply now?

While it’s possible, personalized rate quotes can fluctuate until you lock them in. Lenders adjust pricing multiple times daily in response to market changes.

Share.

Related Posts

Add A Comment
Leave A Reply