LemonTrades
TL;DR
- The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is shown live below, from Freddie Mac’s weekly survey. On November 5, 2026, it was 7.18%, down for a third week, and the 15-year was 6.57%.
- Mortgage rates follow the 10-year Treasury yield more than the Fed, and usually sit about 2 points above it.
- Your own rate depends on your credit score, down payment and lender, so compare at least three offers.
- LemonTrades warns you before the inflation reports and Fed decisions that move rates, and tells you what they did.
Mortgage rates change every day, but the number most people quote comes from one weekly survey. Here it is, and what it means for your payment.
What the rate costs each month
| Loan | At the current rate | At a year-ago rate |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $2,032 | $1,841 |
| $400,000 | $2,710 | $2,455 |
| $500,000 | $3,387 | $3,069 |
Principal and interest on a 30-year fixed loan, before taxes and insurance.
What moves mortgage rates
- The 10-year Treasury yield, the main driver. Lenders price 30-year loans off it, usually about 2 points higher. See the 10-year Treasury yield.
- Inflation. Consumer prices rose 3.7% in the year to September. Higher inflation pushes yields and mortgage rates up. See what CPI means.
- The Fed, indirectly. It doesn’t set mortgage rates. It raised its own rate in September to 3.75–4.00% and held on October 28. See when interest rates could go down.
- Jobs and growth. A strong economy tends to lift yields. See the job report today.
How to get a lower rate than the average
- Compare at least three lenders on the same day. Offers for the same borrower can differ a lot.
- Raise your credit score before you apply; the best rates usually go to scores of 740 or more.
- Put more down. At 20% you also avoid mortgage insurance.
- Consider a 15-year loan if you can afford the higher payment; the rate is lower.
- Ask about points, fees you pay upfront for a lower rate, and work out how long it takes to break even.
Thinking of waiting for prices to fall? See will the housing market crash?.
Sources
- Freddie Mac: Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- Freddie Mac: rates decline for a third week to 7.18%
- CFPB: Explore interest rates
Education, not financial or mortgage advice. See our disclaimer.
