When rates fell to around 6.7% (the lowest level in months) in early July, applications for home loans promptly ticked up, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. But when the average 30-year fixed rate jumped to around 6.8% last week, mortgage activity plummeted 10%.

Mortgage rates tend to fluctuate day by day. So if you’re planning to buy a home, it’s a good idea to keep a close watch on interest rates and weigh various mortgage options. One common type of mortgage is a conventional loan with a 15-year fixed interest rate.

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