Core Insights - The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has decreased to 6.01% from 6.09% in the previous week, marking the lowest level in over three years [4][5] - This decline in mortgage rates is seen as a positive sign for prospective homebuyers ahead of the spring homebuying season [5] - The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage also fell to 5.35% from 5.44% last week, down from 6.04% a year ago [4][5] Mortgage Rate Trends - The current 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 6.01% is significantly lower than the 6.85% rate from the same period last year [4][5] - The last time the 30-year mortgage rate was below 6% was on September 8, 2022, when it averaged 5.89% [4][5] - The easing of shorter-term borrowing costs is also noted, with the 15-year fixed mortgage rate declining [4][5]

Key TakeawaysUS Crude inventories plunged by 9.014 million barrels, a massive surprise compared to analyst expectations of a 1.65 million barrel build, sending oil futures sharply higher.Blue Owl Capital (OWL) halted redemptions at one of its funds, triggering a broader sell-off in private credit stocks as liquidity concerns surfaced.The European Central Bank (ECB) sanctioned JPMorgan Chase (JPM) with a €12.18 million fine for misreporting capital requirements.Mortgage rates continued their downward trend, ...

Mortgage Rate Trends - The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate has decreased to 6.01%, the lowest level in over three years, down from 6.09% last week and significantly lower than 6.85% a year ago [1] - The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has not been below 6% since September 8, 2022, when it was 5.89% [1] Impact on Homebuying - The decline in mortgage rates is seen as a positive development leading into the annual spring homebuying season, benefiting home shoppers who can afford current rates [2] - The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also decreased to 5.35% from 5.44% last week, down from 6.04% a year ago, indicating favorable conditions for refinancing [2] Economic Influences - Mortgage rates are affected by various factors, including the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies and bond market expectations regarding the economy and inflation [3] - The 10-year Treasury yield, which influences mortgage pricing, was at 4.08%, slightly down from 4.09% the previous week [3] Housing Market Performance - Despite lower mortgage rates, home sales have not significantly improved, remaining at 30-year lows for previously occupied homes [4][5] - The housing market has not recovered from a slump that began in 2022, even with a slight increase in home sales over the last four months of 2025 [4]

Primary Mortgage Market Survey® U.S. weekly average mortgage rates as of 02/19/2026 MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.01%. “Mortgage rates dropped again this week, now down to their lowest level since September of 2022,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “This lower rate environment is not only improving affordability for ...

Mortgage rates fell sharply this week as tensions between the US and Iran stoked the possibility of military conflict. Inflation concerns also lingered, as evidenced in the minutes of the Federal Reserve's latest meeting. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell 8 basis points to 6.01% for the week ending Wednesday, according to Freddie Mac. That's the lowest level since September 2022. The 15-year fixed dropped 9 basis points to 5.35%. “This lower rate environment is not only improving affordability for pro ...

Mortgage Rates Overview - The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has increased by 11 basis points to 5.89%, while the 15-year rate rose by four basis points to 5.38% [1] - Despite the increase, the 30-year loan rate remains close to a three-year low [1] - The Mortgage Bankers Association reported an increase in refinance applications as rates remain favorable [1] Current Mortgage Rates - Current national average mortgage rates include: - 30-year fixed: 5.89% - 20-year fixed: 5.79% - 15-year fixed: 5.38% - 5/1 ARM: 5.99% - 7/1 ARM: 5.79% - 30-year VA: 5.38% - 15-year VA: 5.08% - 5/1 VA: 4.98% [4] Refinance Rates - Today's refinance rates show slight variations, with refinance rates generally being higher than purchase mortgage rates [3][11] - Current refinance rates include: - 30-year fixed: 5.97% - 20-year fixed: 5.86% - 15-year fixed: 5.47% - 5/1 ARM: 6.28% - 7/1 ARM: 6.19% - 30-year VA: 5.46% - 15-year VA: 5.07% - 5/1 VA: 4.81% [5] Mortgage Rate Determinants - Mortgage rates are influenced by controllable factors such as lender comparison, credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and down payments [9][10] - Uncontrollable factors include economic conditions, where struggling economies typically lead to lower mortgage rates to encourage borrowing [11] Mortgage Types - Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the interest rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have an initial fixed period followed by periodic adjustments [7] - A 30-year fixed mortgage offers lower monthly payments but incurs more interest over time, whereas a 15-year fixed mortgage has higher monthly payments but lower overall interest costs [12][13] Market Insights - The lowest-ever 30-year fixed mortgage rate recorded was 2.65% in January 2021, and it is unlikely to drop below 3% in the near future [16] - Experts suggest refinancing when a new rate is at least 1% to 2% lower than the current rate, depending on individual financial goals [17]

Core Insights - Greystone has provided a $115 million Freddie Mac loan to refinance Courtlands on the Park, a multifamily apartment community in Des Plaines, Illinois [1][2] - The loan features a 5-year term, 30-year amortization, and three years of interest-only payments, refinancing previous bridge financing from 2019 [2] Company Overview - Greystone is a national commercial real estate finance company recognized as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, ranking as a top lender for FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac [4] - The company operates through various affiliates, including Greystone Servicing Company LLC and Greystone Funding Company LLC [4] Property Details - Courtlands on the Park consists of 918 units across 153 buildings, featuring one- and two-bedroom apartments that have been recently renovated [2] - The property offers amenities such as a playground, dog park, grilling stations, and on-site parking [2] Client Relationship - CLK Properties, the borrower, is a repeat client of Greystone, indicating a strong ongoing partnership [1][3] - The CEO of CLK Properties expressed appreciation for Greystone's commitment to excellence and client care in multifamily financing [3]

Core Insights - The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has finalized the repeal of Fair Housing Rules, impacting oversight for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, effective March 9 [1] - Agile has been recognized with HousingWire's 2026 Tech100 Award for its innovative electronic platform that enhances efficiency in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) trading [3] - The mortgage industry is focusing on modernizing credit scores, with both FICO Score 10T and VantageScore 4.0 being implemented, which will affect lenders' evaluation strategies [6] Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The FHFA has repealed the Equitable Housing Finance Plans, which previously governed fair-lending oversight for major mortgage entities [1] - The evolving regulatory environment necessitates that lenders stay informed about changes that could impact their operations and compliance strategies [6] Group 2: Technological Innovations - Floify's Dynamic Apps 2.0 allows lenders to create custom loan applications tailored to various loan types, improving efficiency and completion rates [2] - LauraMac DataHub consolidates diligence data from multiple providers into a single portal, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing inconsistencies [4] - Agile's platform aims to eliminate inefficiencies in MBS trading, focusing on better pricing and faster execution [3] Group 3: Market Trends - The mortgage application volume increased by 2.8% for the week ending February 13, driven by a 7% rise in refinance activity as interest rates fell [15] - The market is experiencing a shift in expectations regarding Federal Reserve rate cuts, with futures markets pricing in 62 basis points of cuts by December [14] - The yield curve is flattening, indicating potential macroeconomic shifts that could impact lending and investment strategies [14] Group 4: Industry Events and Training - The 2026 Forum will convene leaders in fair lending and compliance for discussions on operational alignment and supervisory expectations [9] - Upcoming events like the Optimal Blue Summit and Desert Disruption will focus on advancements in mortgage technology and market strategies [10]

Core Insights - Mortgage rates are expected to decrease further as the 10-year Treasury yield has dropped nearly 2% in the past week, leading to increased investor interest in bonds and a subsequent fall in yields [1] - Zillow reports the current national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 5.79%, marking the lowest level in years, while the 15-year fixed rate stands at 5.34% [1] Current Mortgage Rates - The current mortgage rates according to Zillow include: - 30-year fixed: 5.79% - 20-year fixed: 5.71% - 15-year fixed: 5.34% - 5/1 ARM: 5.90% - 7/1 ARM: 5.69% - 30-year VA: 5.44% - 15-year VA: 5.06% - 5/1 VA: 5.14% [5] Mortgage Refinance Rates - Today's mortgage refinance rates, which are typically higher than purchase rates, are also provided as national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth [3] Market Trends - The decline in mortgage rates is attributed to stock market volatility, particularly in tech stocks, and concerns regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, which have led buyers to seek refuge in the bond market [17]

Core Insights - Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. has appointed Jeff Lee as Executive Vice President and Head of Agency Lending, aiming to enhance its agency lending platform [1][2] - Mr. Lee brings thirty years of experience in multifamily real estate finance and is expected to drive technology-based innovation within Arbor's lending and servicing operations [3] Company Overview - Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. is a nationwide real estate investment trust and direct lender, specializing in loan origination and servicing for multifamily, single-family rental portfolios, and diverse commercial real estate assets [5] - The company manages a multibillion-dollar servicing portfolio and is recognized as a leading Fannie Mae DUS® lender and Freddie Mac Optigo® Seller/Servicer [5] Leadership Background - Jeff Lee previously served as President of NewPoint Real Estate, focusing on a wide range of real estate asset classes, including multifamily and healthcare [3] - Prior to NewPoint, Mr. Lee held significant roles at Capital One and co-founded Beech Street Capital, overseeing its multifamily lending platform [3]