Rates for 30-year new purchase mortgages fell Friday, lowering the flagship average to it cheapest level since mid-October. Rates on other loan types showed mixed movement.

"While we may see mortgage rates drop modestly in December, anyone expecting a significant change for the better may be disappointed," says Darren Tooley, senior loan officer at Cornerstone Financial Services. Change likely isn't on the horizon for a few reasons, according to Tooley.

These are today's mortgage and refinance rates. Mortgage rates increased in recent months, and where they go next depends on the economy.

Rates on new 30-year home loans held their ground at a slightly lower level Tuesday, after sinking dramatically Monday. Movement was mixed for other loan types.

Most experts predict that mortgage rates will fall steadily in 2025, and forecasts from both the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and Fannie Mae back that up. "I expect mortgage rates to be on a slow grind downward in 2025, barring unexpected softness in the economy," Goodwin says.

When it comes to mortgage rates, the labor market may have the biggest influence. Here’s why. Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter.