Mortgage rates are down today, with the national average 30-year fixed rate at 6.28% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.56%, according to Zillow. Today marks the best week of the year to buy a house, as rates are not expected to plummet. Here are the current mortgage rates provided by Zillow for various terms and types of loans.

For mortgage refinancing, rates are slightly higher than rates for purchasing a home. The national average 30-year fixed rate for refinancing is 6.38%, while the 15-year fixed rate is 5.76%. Remember, these numbers are national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth.

When deciding between a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage, consider your short-term versus long-term goals. A 15-year mortgage comes with a lower interest rate, allowing you to pay off the loan 15 years sooner. However, the monthly payments will be higher compared to a 30-year term.

With a fixed-rate mortgage, your rate is locked in for the entire life of the loan, while an adjustable-rate mortgage has a rate that can change after a predetermined period. Adjustable rates typically start lower than fixed rates, but they can increase once the initial rate-lock period ends.

Mortgage lenders offer the lowest rates to those with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios. To find the best lender, apply for preapproval with multiple companies and compare the mortgage annual percentage rate (APR), which reflects the true annual cost of borrowing money.

The national average 30-year mortgage rate for purchasing a home is 6.28%, but rates can vary by location. You might qualify for a better rate with an excellent credit score, sizable down payment, and low debt-to-income ratio. While rates are not expected to drop significantly, focusing on personal finances can help lower your rate.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Best week of the year to buy a house