Current mortgage rates have leveled out. According to Zillow, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now 6.00%. The 15-year fixed rate now sits at 5.50%. Since these are national averages, you may qualify for an even lower rate. Shop with a few mortgage lenders to find the best rate offer. Current mortgage rates Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.00% 20-year fixed: 5.98% 15-year fixed: 5.50% 5/1 ARM: 6.15% 7/1 ARM: 6.35% 30-year VA: 5.54 ...

According to an internal email obtained by the Associated Press, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), under director Bill Pulte, has lifted portfolio caps that earlier limited Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to holding no more than $40 billion each in mortgage bonds. The January 12 directive raises that ceiling to $225 billion apiece, effective immediately, AP reported.If fully utilised, the change would allow the two lenders to increase bond purchases by roughly $170 billion beyond the $200 billion buying ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has granted Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac the authority to nearly double their mortgage bond holdings, raising the cap from $40 billion to $225 billion each, which could significantly increase risk for these government-backed lenders [2][4]. Group 1: Changes in Bond Purchase Authority - The FHFA's email to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac eliminated previous caps, allowing each lender to hold up to $225 billion in mortgage bonds, effectively increasing their purchasing capacity by approximately $170 billion beyond the president's initial directive [2][3]. - This change reverses nearly two decades of bipartisan consensus on limiting government-backed lenders' exposure following the 2008-09 financial crisis, which resulted in both companies being placed under government conservatorship [4]. Group 2: Political and Market Reactions - Concerns have been raised by some members of Congress regarding the potential risks associated with the increased bond purchasing authority, suggesting that any benefits from lower mortgage rates may be short-lived without an increase in housing supply [5]. - Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the move as a superficial gesture that is unlikely to lead to long-term reductions in mortgage interest rates and raises questions about the increased risks to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac [6].

Core Insights - The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has decreased to 6.00%, while the 15-year fixed rate is at 5.50%, indicating a potential opportunity for consumers to lock in favorable mortgage rates [1][18]. Current Mortgage Rates - Current national average mortgage rates include: - 30-year fixed: 6.00% - 20-year fixed: 5.98% - 15-year fixed: 5.50% - 5/1 ARM: 6.15% - 7/1 ARM: 6.35% - 30-year VA: 5.54% - 15-year VA: 5.14% - 5/1 VA: 5.18% [5] Refinance Rates - Today's mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, with the national averages rounded to the nearest hundredth [3]. Market Conditions - The current housing market is more favorable for buyers compared to the previous years, with home prices stabilizing and mortgage rates having decreased since last year [16]. Future 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 [19]. Historical Rate Trends - Mortgage rates have gradually decreased since the end of May, with the 30-year fixed rate peaking over 7% in January 2025 before fluctuating [20].

Today's national average mortgage and refinance lates remain close to one-year lows. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate for the week averaged 6.09%. One year ago, it was 6.96%. The 15-year fixed rate had a one-week average of 5.44%. A year ago, it was 6.16%. This may be a good time to shop for the mortgage lender offering the best deal and lock in a rate. Current mortgage rates Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 5.96% 20-yea ...

CHICAGO, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Guaranteed Rate Affinity, a leading mortgage provider offering unparalleled lending services, today announced that Aaron Wise has returned to the company, operating as The Wise Team. A highly respected mortgage professional in the Chicago market, Wise brings more than two decades of industry experience to Guaranteed Rate Affinity, where he will continue serving homebuyers and real estate partners with a strong focus on reliability, speed, and service. Wise returned to ...

Mortgage rates moved up slightly this week as geopolitical tensions between the US and Europe flared. The average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.09% through Wednesday, according to Freddie Mac data, up from 6.06% a week earlier. The average 15-year mortgage rate increased to 5.44%, up from 5.38%. Learn more: Find the lowest mortgage rates right now President Trump’s fresh tariff threats over Greenland temporarily jolted markets earlier this week and sent mortgage rates from near 6% — their lowest level si ...

Group 1 - Selling cash secured puts is a strategy that allows investors to generate extra income while being prepared to take ownership of stocks they are bullish on [1][2][3] - Cash secured puts are considered a bullish trade, but less bullish than outright stock ownership, suitable for investors expecting the stock to remain flat or rise slightly [2][3] - Investors selling cash secured puts must set aside enough capital to purchase the shares if assigned, contrasting with naked put sellers who do not intend to take ownership [3] Group 2 - The closer the strike price of the put option is to the current stock price, the higher the premium generated and the likelihood of assignment [4] - An example involving Rocket Companies (RKT) shows that selling a put option with a strike price of $20 while the stock trades at $21.22 allows the seller to receive a premium of $71 [5] - If RKT trades above $20 at expiration, the put option expires worthless, allowing the seller to keep the premium, resulting in a net cost basis of $19.29 if assigned, which is a 9.10% discount from the previous trading price [6]

Core Insights - Mortgage rates are decreasing, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.06% as of January 15, down from 6.97% a year ago, potentially saving buyers significant amounts over the life of a loan [2][4] - Forecasts suggest that mortgage rates may dip into the high- or mid-5% range around mid-2026 before rising again due to changing economic conditions and recovering housing demand [3][5][10] Mortgage Rate Trends - Many analysts expect mortgage rates to remain in the lower 6% range through 2026, with some predicting temporary dips to between 5.50% and 5.75% [3][5][7] - Curinos anticipates a similar pattern, with rates falling in the second quarter of 2026 before increasing again [6][10] - Fannie Mae had previously projected rates to fall to 5.9% by year-end but has since revised its outlook slightly higher [8] Economic Influences - A slowing economy and cooling inflation are expected to contribute to lower mortgage rates later this year, even if the Federal Reserve is cautious with rate cuts [9][12] - Investor behavior, particularly a shift towards safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasurys, is seen as a key driver for lower mortgage rates, potentially bringing the 10-year Treasury yield down to around 3.75% by mid-2026 [10][11] Housing Market Implications - A dip in mortgage rates below 6% may be necessary to stimulate housing activity, which is crucial for consumer spending and job growth [13][14] - With 80% of first-lien mortgage holders having rates below 6%, a further decline in rates could support a growing mortgage market [14] Future Projections - Most experts believe that any decline in mortgage rates will be temporary, with expectations that rates will return to around 6% by the end of 2026 [15][16] - Sustained progress on inflation is necessary for rates to remain below 6% for an extended period, as any unexpected inflation increase could quickly push rates higher [17][18]

Mortgage rates rose this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.25%, up from 6.18% last week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average 52-week low 30-year 6.25% 6.30% 7.06% 6.61% 6.18% 15-year 5.53% 5.57% 6.29% 5.83% 5.49% 30-year jumbo 6.41% 6.49% 7.10% 6.68% 6.31% The 30-year fixed mortgages in this week’s survey had an average total of 0.34 discount and origina ...