The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged lower this week, staying relatively close to its low for the year.

The December Federal Reserve meeting may lead to lower mortgage rates, but it's not directly caused by the 25 basis point rate cut.

The U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.19% during the week ending on Dec. 4, according to the latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. That's a drop of .04 points from the week prior. The 15-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 5.44%, .07 points lower than the week before.

The latest Fed rate cut has pulled mortgage rates down further from this year's highs, improving affordability.

Mortgage rates continue to fall, with the 30-year fixed dropping to 6.19% and the 15-year fixed to 5.44%, creating a more favorable environment for buyers

There's good and bad news for home shoppers hoping for lower mortgage rates in 2026 — they're likely to fall more in the new year but shouldn't drop much below 6.0%, if they reach that. But the decrease may help you afford a home .