Mortgage lenders with the best rates this week, Feb. 17, 2026: Sub-6% offers nearly double

Core Insights - The number of national mortgage lenders offering rates below 6% is increasing rapidly, with a significant rise in lenders providing 30-year fixed loans at these rates [3][4] - A survey by Yahoo Finance identifies the top lenders with the lowest annual percentage rates (APRs), highlighting the importance of comparing multiple lenders for better rates [2][4] Mortgage Rate Trends - The number of lenders offering sub-6% mortgage rates has nearly doubled this week, with seven of the top ten lenders advertising APRs below this threshold [3] - Despite national average rates remaining above 6%, borrowers can achieve substantial savings by shopping around [4] Lender Comparisons - Among the 16 national lenders surveyed, Navy Federal had the lowest APR, while Third Federal had the highest, with a difference of 1.311 percentage points [4] - Notable lenders such as PNC, Flagstar Bank, Bank of America, Fifth Third Bank, Rocket Mortgage, and Third Federal did not make the top 10 based on APR [4] Shopping for Mortgage Rates - Borrowers can save an average of $44,000 over the life of a 30-year loan by comparing rates from multiple lenders [6] - The APR is emphasized as the most critical figure, as it encompasses both the interest rate and lender fees, providing a clearer picture of borrowing costs [7] Discount Points and Offers - Lenders may offer mortgage discount points to lower interest rates, which are optional and involve upfront fees [9][10] - Special promotions, such as discounts on closing costs or guarantees for on-time closing, are becoming more common among lenders [11] Simplifying the Process - When comparing rates, it is advisable for borrowers to request quotes without discount points and focus on the APR for accurate comparisons [12]