Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans fell to 6.02% on February 17, 2026, down from 6.12% the previous week, according to the Mortgage Research Center. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.21%, a decline of 0.09 percentage points from the previous week.

The average annual percentage rate (APR) for a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped to 6.04%, compared to 6.15% the prior week. Borrowers taking out a $100,000 loan at the current rate would pay $601 per month in principal and interest, with total interest over the life of the loan amounting to $116,834.

For 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, the APR is now 5.25%, down from 5.34% a week ago. A $100,000 mortgage at the current 5.21% interest rate would result in a monthly payment of $802, with total interest of approximately $44,689 over the life of the loan.

Jumbo mortgage rates for 30-year fixed loans increased slightly to 6.5%, up 0.02 percentage points from the previous week. Borrowers with a $100,000 jumbo mortgage would pay $632 per month, with total interest of $127,947 over the life of the loan.

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate remained in the mid-to-high 6% range for most of 2025, while the 15-year rate fluctuated between 5.3% and 6.27% before declining in the final three months of 2025. This trend followed the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts during its meetings in September, October, and December 2025, which brought the federal funds rate down to a 3.50% to 3.75% target range.

The Fed held the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75% during its January 28, 2026, meeting, signaling a pause in further cuts. The central bank will consider future rate decisions based on incoming economic data.

Mortgage rates are closely tied to U.S. Treasury bond yields and the Fed’s rate decisions. If inflation eases or the economy weakens, further rate cuts could push mortgage rates lower, but a significant drop is unlikely in the near term.

Homebuyers and refinancers are advised to compare their current mortgage rates with current market rates before making a decision. Using a mortgage calculator can help estimate monthly payments based on home price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term.