Mortgage Rates Drop Below 6% for the First Time in 3.5 Years

February 26, 2026

For the first time in three and a half years, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped into the 5% range, falling even lower than last week’s milestone. This rate, combined with the improving availability of homes for sale, is meaningful and will drive more potential buyers into the market for spring homebuying season.

  • The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.98% as of February 26, 2026, down from last week when it averaged 6.01%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.76%.
  • The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.44%, up from last week when it averaged 5.35%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.94%.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.

Average 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Hits Another Low

February 19, 2026Mortgage rates dropped again this week, now down to their lowest level since September of 2022. This lower rate environment is not only improving affordability for prospective homebuyers, it’s also strengthening the financial position of homeowners. Over the past year, refinance application activity has more than doubled, enabling many recent buyers to reduce their annual mortgage payments by thousands of dollars.

  • The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.01% as of February 19, 2026, down from last week when it averaged 6.09%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.85%.
  • The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.35%, down from last week when it averaged 5.44%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.04%.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.

Mortgage Rates Inch Down

February 12, 2026Bolstered by strong economic growth, a solid labor market and mortgage rates at three-year lows, housing affordability continues to measurably improve. These factors have caught the attention of many prospective homebuyers, driving purchase application activity higher than a year ago.

  • The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.09% as of February 12, 2026, down from last week when it averaged 6.11%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.87%.
  • The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.44%, down from last week when it averaged 5.50%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.09%.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.