Core Insights - Mortgage rates in 2026 have started lower than in 2025, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 5.90%, which is 82 basis points lower than the previous year [1] - The 15-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased to 5.36%, down 63 basis points from last year [1] - A survey by Yahoo Finance indicates that some lenders are offering rates at or below 5.50% [1] Current Mortgage Rates - The current national average for various mortgage types includes: - 30-year fixed: 5.90% - 20-year fixed: 5.84% - 15-year fixed: 5.36% - 5/1 ARM: 6.11% - 7/1 ARM: 6.28% - 30-year VA: 5.48% - 15-year VA: 5.07% - 5/1 VA: 5.17% [5] Refinance Rates - Current refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, with the 30-year fixed refinance rate at 6.01% [13] Mortgage Comparison - A $400,000 mortgage with a 30-year term at 5.90% results in a monthly payment of approximately $2,373, leading to total interest payments of $454,117 over the term [8] - Conversely, a 15-year mortgage at 5.36% would require a monthly payment of about $3,239, resulting in total interest payments of $182,965 [8] Adjustable vs. Fixed Rates - Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the interest rate from the start, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have a fixed rate for an initial period before adjusting based on market conditions [10][11] - ARMs may start with lower rates compared to fixed rates, but there is a risk of rate increases after the initial period [12] Future Rate Predictions - The MBA forecasts that the 30-year mortgage rate will be around 6.4% through 2026, while Fannie Mae predicts a dip to 5.9% in Q4 2026 [14] - For 2027, the MBA expects rates to average 6.3%, with Fannie Mae estimating rates near 5.9% for the entire year [15]

Core Viewpoint - National average mortgage rates have decreased, influenced by President Trump's proposed initiatives to enhance affordable housing, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 5.91% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.36% [1] Current Mortgage Rates - The current national average mortgage rates are as follows: - 30-year fixed: 5.91% - 20-year fixed: 5.83% - 15-year fixed: 5.36% - 5/1 ARM: 6.17% - 7/1 ARM: 6.36% - 30-year VA: 5.57% - 15-year VA: 5.21% - 5/1 VA: 5.36% [4] Mortgage Refinance Rates - Today's national average mortgage refinance rates are typically higher than purchase rates, although this is not always the case [3] Comparison of Fixed and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages - Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the interest rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have a fixed rate for a predetermined period before adjusting based on market conditions [9][10] - ARMs generally start with lower rates than fixed rates, but rates may increase after the initial period [11] Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates - Lenders offer lower mortgage rates to borrowers with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios [12] - It is suggested that focusing on personal finances is a more effective strategy for obtaining lower rates than waiting for rates to drop [13] Choosing a Mortgage Lender - To find the best mortgage lender, it is recommended to apply for preapproval with multiple companies within a short time frame to minimize the impact on credit scores [14] - When comparing lenders, the annual percentage rate (APR) should be considered as it reflects the true annual cost of borrowing, including interest rates and fees [15] Future Mortgage Rate Expectations - The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) forecasts that the 30-year mortgage rate will remain near 6.4% through 2026, while Fannie Mae predicts rates above 6% for the next year, potentially dipping to 5.9% in Q4 2026 [18]

Mortgage Rate Overview - Today's mortgage rates show a slight increase in the 30-year fixed rate to 6.47% and a decrease in the 15-year fixed rate to 5.66% [1][4] - The 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has decreased for three consecutive days, making it potentially advantageous for buyers who plan to sell before the introductory rate period ends [2][4] Current Mortgage Rates - Current national average mortgage rates include: - 30-year fixed: 6.47% - 20-year fixed: 6.10% - 15-year fixed: 5.66% - 5/1 ARM: 6.66% - 7/1 ARM: 6.88% - 30-year VA: 5.89% - 15-year VA: 5.59% - 5/1 VA: 5.32% [4] Mortgage Comparison - A 30-year mortgage at 6.47% results in a monthly payment of approximately $1,890 for a $300,000 loan, with total interest paid over the loan's life being $380,504 [9] - A 15-year mortgage at 5.66% would have a monthly payment of about $2,477, with total interest paid being $145,823 [9] Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages - Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the interest rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable-rate mortgages have a fixed rate for an initial period before adjusting based on market conditions [10][11] - Adjustable rates typically start lower than fixed rates, but there is a risk of increases after the initial period [12] Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates - Lenders offer lower rates to borrowers with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios [12] - It is suggested that focusing on personal finances rather than waiting for rates to drop may be a better strategy for securing lower mortgage rates [13] Choosing a Mortgage Lender - To find the best mortgage lender, it is recommended to apply for preapproval with multiple companies within a short time frame to minimize the impact on credit scores [14] - When comparing lenders, the annual percentage rate (APR) should be considered as it reflects the true annual cost of borrowing [15]