A live benchmark — refreshed as new survey data is released — plus what actually moves your personal rate and how FHA, VA, DSCR, and Conventional pricing compares.
National weekly average as of October 1, 2026, published by Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS) — the same benchmark FRED and most rate-comparison sites reference. This is a survey average, not a personalized quote, lock, or commitment to lend.
| Change vs. 1 week ago | +0.25 pts |
| Change vs. 1 month ago | +0.57 pts |
| Change vs. 1 year ago | +0.94 pts |
52-week trend, 30-year fixed rate. Source: Freddie Mac PMMS. Updated automatically as new survey data is released (typically weekly).
The number above is a national weekly average for a specific borrower profile (strong credit, 20% down, conforming loan amount). Your actual rate depends on several factors layered on top of that benchmark:
| Program | Rate tendency | Mortgage insurance |
|---|---|---|
| FHA | Often near or slightly below conventional | MIP, frequently for the life of the loan |
| VA | Frequently competitive with or better than conventional | None — one-time funding fee instead (waived for qualifying disability ratings) |
| DSCR | Typically higher than owner-occupied programs (non-QM investor pricing) | Varies by lender; priced into the rate |
| Conventional | The benchmark shown above | PMI below 20% down, removable at 78-80% LTV |
General tendencies, not guaranteed pricing — every scenario is underwritten individually. See the full program comparison →
Once you're under contract (or sometimes before, depending on the lender), you can typically lock your interest rate for a set window — commonly 30 to 60 days — so it can't rise before closing even if the market moves. Locks usually have an expiration date, and extending one can carry a fee or a rate adjustment. Ask about lock timing and float-down options as soon as you're seriously considering a specific property.
A "good" rate depends on your credit score, down payment, loan program, and property type — the national average above is just a benchmark. Borrowers with strong credit and larger down payments typically price better than the survey average. The only way to know your actual rate is a real quote based on your full scenario.
FHA's base interest rate is sometimes slightly lower than conventional, but FHA adds mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that often lasts the life of the loan, which can make the true cost higher over time depending on how long you keep the loan. Comparing programs means looking at total cost, not just the headline rate.
VA loan rates are frequently competitive with or better than conventional rates, and VA loans carry no monthly mortgage insurance — instead there is typically a one-time funding fee (waived for veterans with a service-connected disability rating).
Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the benchmark shown on this page, is published weekly (typically Thursdays). Actual lender pricing can move daily or even multiple times a day based on bond market activity.
Timing the market precisely is unreliable even for professionals. Many buyers instead lock in a home at today's price and plan to refinance later if rates fall — "marry the house, date the rate" is a common industry framing, though refinancing has its own costs and isn't guaranteed to make sense in every case.
A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a set period (commonly 30-60 days) while your loan is processed, protecting you if rates rise before closing. Locks typically have an expiration date and may involve a fee or rate adjustment if extended.
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