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 ...

Core Insights - Mortgage rates are currently experiencing a period of low volatility, with the average 30-year fixed rate at 5.85% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.36%, marking the lowest levels reported in years [1] Current Mortgage Rates - The current national average mortgage rates are as follows: - 30-year fixed: 5.85% - 20-year fixed: 5.64% - 15-year fixed: 5.36% - 5/1 ARM: 5.81% - 7/1 ARM: 5.71% - 30-year VA: 5.36% - 15-year VA: 5.15% - 5/1 VA: 4.99% [4] Mortgage Refinance Rates - The current national average mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, with specific rates not detailed in the provided content [3] Comparison of Mortgage Types - A comparison between 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgage rates indicates that 15-year rates are typically lower, but result in higher monthly payments due to the shorter repayment term [6] - For a $400,000 mortgage at a 30-year term with a 5.85% rate, the monthly payment is approximately $2,360, leading to a total interest payment of $449,515 over the term. In contrast, a 15-year mortgage at a 5.36% rate results in a monthly payment of about $3,239, with total interest paid being $182,965 [7] Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) - Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the interest rate from the start, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have a fixed rate for an initial period, after which the rate may adjust based on market conditions [9][10] - ARMs may start with lower rates compared to fixed rates, but there is a risk of rate increases after the initial period [11] Future Rate Predictions - Forecasts suggest that the 30-year mortgage rate will remain around 6.10% through 2026, with expectations of rates between 6.20% to 6.30% for most of 2027 [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - Guaranteed Rate Affinity has promoted Kevin Ginsburg to National Builder Divisional Manager to enhance its builder strategy and expand partnerships in the new-construction market [1] Group 1: Leadership and Strategy - Kevin Ginsburg will lead the company's builder strategy nationwide, focusing on expanding builder partnerships and supporting loan officers [1] - Ginsburg has been part of the leadership team since the company's inception and previously served as Regional President [1] - The promotion reflects the company's strategic investment in the builder segment to strengthen partnerships and capture new business opportunities [1] Group 2: Market Opportunity - The builder market is identified as a significant growth opportunity, prompting the company to be more intentional in pursuing it [1] - Ginsburg's experience in builder-focused lending and team scaling is expected to drive long-term growth for the organization [1] Group 3: Company Overview - Guaranteed Rate Affinity is a joint venture between Guaranteed Rate, Inc. and Anywhere Integrated Services, having funded over $100 billion in loans since its inception [1] - The company provides mortgage lending services to Anywhere's real estate, brokerage, and relocation subsidiaries, ensuring fast pre-approvals and loan closings [1]

Core Insights - Current mortgage rates are experiencing a decline, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 5.85% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.36%, which may encourage homebuyers and mortgage refinancers to apply for loans soon [1][16]. Current Mortgage Rates - The national average for various mortgage types includes: - 30-year fixed: 5.85% - 20-year fixed: 5.64% - 15-year fixed: 5.36% - 5/1 ARM: 5.81% - 7/1 ARM: 5.71% - 30-year VA: 5.36% - 15-year VA: 5.15% - 5/1 VA: 4.99% [6][16]. Mortgage Payment Calculations - For a $300,000 mortgage at a 30-year term with a 5.85% rate, the monthly payment would be approximately $1,770, resulting in $337,136 paid in interest over the loan's life [7]. - For the same mortgage amount at a 15-year term with a 5.36% rate, the monthly payment would increase to $2,429, with total interest paid being $137,224 [9]. Adjustable Mortgage Rates - Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) typically start with lower rates than fixed rates but can increase after the initial fixed period. For instance, a 5/1 ARM maintains the same rate for the first five years before adjusting annually [10][11]. - Recent trends show that ARM rates can sometimes be similar to or higher than fixed rates, emphasizing the importance of comparing lenders and rates [12]. Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates - Lenders offer lower mortgage rates to borrowers with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios. Strategies to secure lower rates include saving more, improving credit scores, or reducing debt [13]. - Borrowers can also consider buying down their interest rates through discount points at closing, which can lead to lower monthly payments [14][15]. Future Rate Predictions - Forecasts from the MBA suggest that the 30-year mortgage rate may remain around 6.1% through 2026, while Fannie Mae predicts a similar rate near 6% by the end of the year [18].

Core Insights - Today's mortgage rates are at their lowest in years, with the 30-year fixed home loan rate reported at 6.09% by Freddie Mac and an average of 5.85% by Zillow, indicating a favorable environment for home buying or refinancing [1][16] Current Mortgage Rates - The national average for the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.85% and for the 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.36% [16][17] - Other mortgage rates include: - 20-year fixed: 5.64% - 5/1 ARM: 5.81% - 7/1 ARM: 5.71% - 30-year VA: 5.36% - 15-year VA: 5.15% - 5/1 VA: 4.99% [4] Mortgage Refinance Rates - Current mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, but this is not always the case [3] Monthly Payment Calculations - For a $300,000 mortgage: - 30-year term at 5.85% results in a monthly payment of approximately $1,770 and total interest of $337,136 over the loan's life - 15-year term at 5.36% results in a monthly payment of approximately $2,429 and total interest of $137,224 [8] Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages - Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the interest rate for the entire loan term, while adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have rates that can change after an initial fixed period [9][10] - ARMs typically start with lower rates but can increase after the initial period, making fixed rates sometimes more attractive [11] Factors for Low Mortgage Rates - Lenders offer the lowest rates to borrowers with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios [12] - Improving personal finances is suggested as a better strategy than waiting for rates to drop [13] Choosing a Mortgage Lender - It is advisable to apply for mortgage preapproval with multiple lenders within a short time frame for accurate comparisons [14] - When comparing lenders, the annual percentage rate (APR) should be considered as it reflects the true annual cost of borrowing [15]

Core Insights - Rising home prices have made traditional down payments a significant barrier to homeownership, with the median U.S. home price exceeding $400,000, necessitating an approximate $80,000 down payment for a 20% contribution [1] - Many buyers can qualify for conventional mortgages with as little as 3% down, making homeownership more accessible, as a 3% down payment on a $400,000 home amounts to $12,000 [2] Mortgage Options - A 3% down mortgage allows borrowers to finance up to 97% of a home's purchase price, differing from the traditional 80% limit, and is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac [3] - Borrowers typically need a solid credit profile, stable income, and sufficient cash reserves, although requirements can vary by lender [4] Specific Programs - The Conventional 97 program permits buyers to finance up to 97% of the purchase price, requiring at least one borrower to be a first-time homebuyer, defined as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years [6] - The HomeReady program also allows a 3% down payment without the first-time buyer requirement, but household income must generally be below 80% of the area median income, offering flexible income sourcing [8]

Core Insights - Current mortgage rates are reported to be at their lowest in years, with Zillow indicating a 30-year fixed rate of 5.85% [1][17] - Mortgage rates vary significantly by source, with Zillow's rates typically lower than those from Freddie Mac due to different data collection methods [17] Mortgage Rates Overview - The current national average mortgage rates according to Zillow are as follows: - 30-year fixed: 5.85% - 20-year fixed: 5.64% - 15-year fixed: 5.36% - 5/1 ARM: 5.81% - 7/1 ARM: 5.71% - 30-year VA: 5.36% - 15-year VA: 5.15% - 5/1 VA: 4.99% [4] Refinance Rates - Today's mortgage refinance rates are generally higher than purchase rates, with the following national averages: - 30-year fixed: 5.97% - 20-year fixed: 5.67% - 15-year fixed: 5.39% - 5/1 ARM: 6.10% - 7/1 ARM: 5.89% - 30-year VA: 5.68% - 15-year VA: 5.21% - 5/1 VA: 4.95% [5] Market Conditions - The current housing market is considered favorable for buyers compared to previous years, with home prices stabilizing and mortgage rates dropping since last year [15] - Predictions indicate that the 30-year mortgage rate is expected to remain around 6% through the end of the year, with minimal decreases anticipated [18] Mortgage Types and Their Characteristics - A 30-year fixed mortgage offers lower and predictable monthly payments but comes with higher interest costs over the loan's life [7][9] - A 15-year fixed mortgage has higher monthly payments but lower interest rates, allowing borrowers to pay off their mortgage sooner and save on interest [10][11] - Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) offer lower initial rates but come with the risk of rate increases after the introductory period [12][13]

Mortgage Rates Overview - The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate is currently just above 6%, specifically at 6.09%, down from 6.11% last week and significantly lower than the 6.87% average from a year ago [1] - The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage average has also decreased to 5.44% from 5.5% last week, compared to 6.09% a year ago [2] Influencing Factors - Mortgage rates are affected by various factors including the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies and bond market investors' expectations regarding the economy and inflation [3] - The 10-year Treasury yield, which serves as a benchmark for pricing home loans, has decreased to 4.13% from 4.21% a week prior [3]

Core Viewpoint - Guaranteed Rate Affinity has launched The Kenneth Lee Team to enhance its mortgage services and cater to a wider range of homebuyers in California [1] Company Developments - The Kenneth Lee Team is led by experienced loan officer Kenneth Lee, indicating a strategic move to leverage his expertise in the mortgage sector [1] - The new team structure is designed to provide personalized lending support, reflecting the company's commitment to customer service and growth [1] Industry Context - The launch of specialized teams within mortgage providers like Guaranteed Rate Affinity highlights a trend towards personalized services in the lending industry, aiming to meet diverse customer needs [1]

Core Viewpoint - The mortgage industry is shifting away from a single credit score system to a more comprehensive evaluation of borrowers' financial behavior, which could benefit those who manage their finances well but have lower traditional credit scores [2][3]. Group 1: Changes in Credit Scoring - The traditional minimum credit score of 620 for qualifying for conventional mortgages is being reconsidered as lenders and regulators explore new scoring models [1][2]. - Fannie Mae has removed its minimum credit score requirement, encouraging lenders to assess borrowers based on a broader range of factors such as cash reserves and debt levels [5][6]. - New credit scoring models like FICO Score 10T and VantageScore 4.0 are being tested, which utilize "trended data" to evaluate borrowers' credit management over time [7]. Group 2: Implications for Borrowers - The changes in credit scoring are aimed at making it easier for responsible borrowers, including renters and younger individuals, to qualify for mortgages despite not having high traditional credit scores [6]. - The new evaluation methods may not guarantee approvals for riskier borrowers but could provide opportunities for those who have demonstrated financial responsibility [3][4].