Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Mortgage rates were falling in mid-September 2025, and refinance applications rose. In the Mortgage Bankers Association’s survey for the week ending September 12, released September 17, the 30-year fixed rate was 6.39%. Freddie Mac’s separate September 11 weekly averages were 6.35% for a 30-year fixed loan and 5.50% for a 15-year fixed loan. Those are historical national survey benchmarks—not personalized refinance offers—and the figures are not interchangeable because the surveys measure different periods and use different methodologies.
What were mortgage refinance rates on September 17, 2025?
The date needs a source and survey period attached to it. The MBA released its weekly survey on September 17, covering the week ending September 12; it put the 30-year fixed rate at 6.39%. Freddie Mac’s closest published weekly reading available by September 17 was released September 11: 6.35% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 5.50% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. Freddie Mac released its next reading on September 18, reporting 6.26% and 5.41%, respectively. These figures describe distinct national surveys, not offers available to every refinancing homeowner.
Freddie Mac says its Primary Mortgage Market Survey focuses on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home-purchase loans for borrowers with excellent credit making a 20% down payment. It provides market context, but it is not a refinance quote. Freddie Mac PMMS
How did rates move around that week?
Freddie Mac’s weekly series shows rates declining through September 18, then edging higher the following week. Its figures are weekly averages for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE: Keys clearly labeled in residential mortgage finance terms like Loan AMT, Int, Term, PMT. This industry-standard calculator is super easy to use on all realty financing matters from finding a loan that works for your client to considering trust deeds investments, or finding remaining balances or balloon payments and much more
- CONFIDENTLY AND EASILY SOLVES: All your clients' financial questions whether they are buyers, sellers, investors or renters. Increase your perceived professionalism as a new agent, experienced broker or seasoned loan officer. Close more home sales and impress your clients with fast, accurate answers to all their real estate finance questions
- DEDICATED BUYER QUALIFYING KEYS: Enter client's income, debt and expenses to pre-qualify them to only show properties they can afford. Include tax, insurance and mortgage insurance then compare loan options and payment solutions to give your client choices before they make an offer to buy
- FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT LOAN: At the press of a button for jumbo, conventional, FHA/VA, or even 80:10:10 or 80:15:5 combo loans; check to see if ARMs or bi-weekly loans, quarterly payments or if interest-only payments are the answer; giving your client more choices; easily perform what if loan or tvm calculations Find loan amount, term, interest or PITI or PI payments
- BECOME AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE: Reduce your clients' confusion and uncertainty; ensuring they are able to make a purchase offer; knowing they can afford the down payment; and determining which is the right loan for them. Date-math for listings and contracts too. Comes with a protective slide cover, quick reference guide, pocket User's Guide, and long-life batteries
| Freddie Mac release date, 2025 | 30-year fixed | 15-year fixed |
|---|---|---|
| September 4 | 6.50% | 5.60% |
| September 11 | 6.35% | 5.50% |
| September 18 | 6.26% | 5.41% |
| September 25 | 6.30% | 5.49% |
Source: Freddie Mac’s PMMS archive. The September 18 release said both fixed-rate averages were 9 basis points below the previous week. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said: “Mortgage rates decreased yet again this week, prompting many homeowners to refinance. In fact, the share of mortgage applications that were refinances reached nearly 60%, the highest since January 2022.” That statement refers to the September 18 release and its reported application mix, not a guarantee that rates would continue falling. Freddie Mac, September 18, 2025
Did falling rates lead to more refinance applications?
In the MBA survey week ending September 12, mortgage applications increased 29.7% from the previous week, according to the association’s September 17 release. The MBA also reported that adjustable-rate mortgage applications reached their highest share since 2008. These figures show activity and loan mix; they do not establish that any particular homeowner qualified for a refinance or that an adjustable-rate loan is the right choice for them.
Rank #2
- Loan Amortization and Remaining Balances
- Instant Principal, Interest, Interest Only and Total Payments
- Future Values
- Date math function
MBA Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni said: “Indicative of the weakening job market, and in anticipation of a rate cut from the Federal Reserve, mortgage rates last week dropped to their lowest level since last October, with the 30-year fixed rate declining to 6.39 percent.” The statement accompanied the MBA’s survey for the week ending September 12. MBA, September 17, 2025
The Federal Reserve announced a 25-basis-point cut to its federal funds target range on September 17, 2025. That is relevant monetary-policy context, but it does not show that the decision caused the mortgage-rate movement. Mortgage rates reflect broader market pricing, and the contemporaneous report does not establish a one-to-one link between the policy decision and mortgage rates. Associated Press coverage of the September 17 decision
Rank #3
- SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE: Keys clearly labeled in residential mortgage finance terms like Loan Amt, Int, Term, Pmt; this industry-standard calculator is super easy to use on all realty financing matters from finding a loan that works for your client to considering trust deeds investments, or finding remaining balances or balloon payments and more
- CONFIDENTLY AND EASILY SOLVE: Clients' financial questions whether they're buyers, sellers, investors or renters. Increase your perceived professionalism as a new agent, experienced broker or seasoned loan officer. Close more home sales and impress your clients with fast, accurate answers to all their real estate finance questions from PITI Payments to IRR, NPV and Cashflows
- DEDICATED BUYER QUALIFYING KEYS: Enter client's income, debt and expenses to pre-qualify them to only show properties they can afford. Include tax, insurance and mortgage insurance then compare loan options and payment solutions to give your client choices before they make an offer to buy
- FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT LOAN: For your client at the press of a button for jumbo, conventional, FHA/VA, or even 80:10:10 or 80:15:5 combo loans; check to see if ARMs or bi-weekly loans, quarterly payments or if interest-only payments are the answer; giving your client more choices; easily perform what if loan or TVM calculations find loan amount, term, interest or PITI or PI payments
- BECOME AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE: To your clients by reducing their confusion and uncertainty; ensuring they are able to make a purchase offer; knowing they can afford the down payment; and determining which is the right loan for them. Date-math for listings and contracts too. Comes with a protective slide cover, quick reference guide, pocket user's guide, and long-life battery
Should you refinance when rates fall?
A lower advertised rate is a reason to compare offers, not by itself a reason to refinance. Your available rate and whether the change makes financial sense depend on your existing mortgage, credit, equity, loan type, property, points, fees, and lender terms. Weigh the full cost and loan structure against how long you expect to keep the mortgage; a smaller monthly payment may result from extending the repayment term rather than saving money overall.
Compare Loan Estimates on equal terms
Ask lenders for Loan Estimates based on the same requested loan purpose, amount, term, and rate-lock assumptions. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends comparing estimates and reviewing the interest rate, annual percentage rate (APR), principal-and-interest payment, mortgage insurance, total monthly payment, upfront loan costs, lender credits, and cash to close. Also compare the Loan Estimate’s five-year cost of borrowing, which includes interest and fees over that period, and consider the remaining balance and repayment term. CFPB guidance on comparing Loan Estimates
Rank #4
- The mortgage is a huge part of buying a house and you should know your options, figure your monthly payments (using mortgage calculator), understand the different mortgage loan types, learn what is emi and mortgage insurance etc.
- This mini-course is also crucial If you already have a mortgage because you must understand the terms of your mortgage and check if you should refinance your mortgage (We live in a time in which refinancing can often save a lot of money because of the low interest rates).
- We have a few extra tools for you that will help you get the most of the app:
- Weekly reminder - Schedule lessons time and days of the week, in which you want to use the time learning and using the app. The app will notify when it's time.
- Notes tool - here you'll write your notes and ideas you'll want to remember later on.
Account for “no closing cost” offers
Closing costs do not necessarily disappear when a lender advertises a no-closing-cost refinance. The lender may cover them in exchange for a higher rate and lender credit, or the costs may be added to the loan balance. The first can increase borrowing costs over time; the second raises the amount owed and affects equity. Compare the terms and total costs rather than relying on the offer label. CFPB explanation of Loan Estimate costs and credits · CFPB refinance handout
Quick Recap
Best Value
How to read a mortgage-rate headline
- Check the source and the observation or survey date: an MBA figure and a Freddie Mac figure may cover different periods.
- Confirm whether the number is a market benchmark or a quote for your own refinance. Freddie Mac’s PMMS is a purchase-loan survey, not an individualized refinance offer.
- Compare lender estimates with matching loan terms and rate-lock assumptions, including fees, credits, cash to close, monthly payment, and longer-term borrowing cost.
- Do not assume one week’s decline predicts the next. Freddie Mac’s 30-year and 15-year averages both rose slightly on September 25 after falling through September 18.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
