Section A: lender charges
Compare origination charges, including points and lender or broker fees. Ask what each charge covers.
Compare rate and lender costs, simply.
Bring a written quote. I’ll help you compare the rate, lender charges and credits using consistent loan details.
A stronger score may help you qualify for better pricing. Depending on the loan, it can affect your interest rate, upfront lender costs and private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Your down payment, income, debts, property and loan program also matter. Conventional PMI pricing can vary with credit score and down payment; FHA mortgage-insurance premiums are not based on credit score.
Base FICO® Scores range from 300 to 850. The score in an app may use a different model or credit-report data than your mortgage lender uses. Ask which score applies before comparing quotes.
Get free weekly online reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com. Checking your own reports does not affect your score. These reports do not include a credit score.
Paying down a card before your issuer reports may lower the utilization on your credit reports. Reporting often follows the statement closing date, but issuers differ. Ask when yours reports, allow time for the payment to post and still pay by the due date. You don’t need to carry a balance or pay interest to build credit.
Explore credit utilization and reporting tipsA lower score does not automatically rule out a mortgage. Talk with Lance about your credit profile and the options that may fit before choosing a loan.
Review your reports for errors before applying. Keep payments on time, keep revolving balances manageable, and talk with your lender before opening new accounts or taking on major debt. A lender can confirm the score model, loan requirements and actual pricing for your situation. This section does not predict a rate, score increase or approval.
Sources reviewed October 18, 2026. FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation.
See the monthly averages and the weekly range behind them. These are Freddie Mac’s national 30-year fixed benchmarks, not personalized offers or APRs.
| Month | 2026 | 2025 | Average change |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.10%6.06%–6.16% range · 4 readings | 6.96%6.91%–7.04% range · 5 readings | -0.86 percentage points |
| February | 6.05%5.98%–6.11% range · 4 readings | 6.84%6.76%–6.89% range · 4 readings | -0.80 percentage points |
| March | 6.18%6.00%–6.38% range · 4 readings | 6.65%6.63%–6.67% range · 4 readings | -0.47 percentage points |
| April | 6.33%6.23%–6.46% range · 5 readings | 6.73%6.62%–6.83% range · 4 readings | -0.39 percentage points |
| May | 6.44%6.36%–6.53% range · 4 readings | 6.82%6.76%–6.89% range · 5 readings | -0.37 percentage points |
| June | 6.49%6.47%–6.52% range · 4 readings | 6.82%6.77%–6.85% range · 4 readings | -0.33 percentage points |
| July | 6.54%6.43%–6.66% range · 5 readings | 6.72%6.67%–6.75% range · 5 readings | -0.18 percentage points |
| August | 6.67%6.65%–6.69% range · 4 readings | 6.59%6.56%–6.63% range · 4 readings | +0.08 percentage points |
| September | 6.86%6.71%–7.03% range · 4 readings | 6.35%6.26%–6.50% range · 4 readings | +0.51 percentage points |
| October* | 7.36%7.28%–7.40% range · 3 readings | 6.25%6.17%–6.34% range · 5 readings | Partial month |
| November | — | 6.24%6.22%–6.26% range · 4 readings | Not available yet |
| December | — | 6.19%6.15%–6.22% range · 5 readings | Not available yet |
*October 2026 is partial and is not treated as a matched full-month comparison. Monthly averages are simple arithmetic means of published weekly observations, grouped by the actual release date, including holiday releases. The range is the lowest and highest weekly benchmark reported that month, not the range of rates offered to borrowers. Changes use unrounded averages and are expressed in percentage points.
Rates move through different cycles. This history provides context; it does not tell us where rates will go next.
Freddie Mac’s methodology changed in November 2022, so readings across that boundary are not produced by an identical survey method. These are national interest-rate benchmarks, not APRs or rate-lock offers. Points and fees are not included in the current reported series.
| Release date | Interest rate |
|---|---|
| 2021-10-21 | 3.09% |
| 2021-10-28 | 3.14% |
| 2021-11-04 | 3.09% |
| 2021-11-11 | 2.98% |
| 2021-11-18 | 3.10% |
| 2021-11-24 | 3.10% |
| 2021-12-02 | 3.11% |
| 2021-12-09 | 3.10% |
| 2021-12-16 | 3.12% |
| 2021-12-23 | 3.05% |
| 2021-12-30 | 3.11% |
| 2022-01-06 | 3.22% |
| 2022-01-13 | 3.45% |
| 2022-01-20 | 3.56% |
| 2022-01-27 | 3.55% |
| 2022-02-03 | 3.55% |
| 2022-02-10 | 3.69% |
| 2022-02-17 | 3.92% |
| 2022-02-24 | 3.89% |
| 2022-03-03 | 3.76% |
| 2022-03-10 | 3.85% |
| 2022-03-17 | 4.16% |
| 2022-03-24 | 4.42% |
| 2022-03-31 | 4.67% |
| 2022-04-07 | 4.72% |
| 2022-04-14 | 5.00% |
| 2022-04-21 | 5.11% |
| 2022-04-28 | 5.10% |
| 2022-05-05 | 5.27% |
| 2022-05-12 | 5.30% |
| 2022-05-19 | 5.25% |
| 2022-05-26 | 5.10% |
| 2022-06-02 | 5.09% |
| 2022-06-09 | 5.23% |
| 2022-06-16 | 5.78% |
| 2022-06-23 | 5.81% |
| 2022-06-30 | 5.70% |
| 2022-07-07 | 5.30% |
| 2022-07-14 | 5.51% |
| 2022-07-21 | 5.54% |
| 2022-07-28 | 5.30% |
| 2022-08-04 | 4.99% |
| 2022-08-11 | 5.22% |
| 2022-08-18 | 5.13% |
| 2022-08-25 | 5.55% |
| 2022-09-01 | 5.66% |
| 2022-09-08 | 5.89% |
| 2022-09-15 | 6.02% |
| 2022-09-22 | 6.29% |
| 2022-09-29 | 6.70% |
| 2022-10-06 | 6.66% |
| 2022-10-13 | 6.92% |
| 2022-10-20 | 6.94% |
| 2022-10-27 | 7.08% |
| 2022-11-03 | 6.95% |
| 2022-11-10 | 7.08% |
| 2022-11-17 | 6.61% |
| 2022-11-23 | 6.58% |
| 2022-12-01 | 6.49% |
| 2022-12-08 | 6.33% |
| 2022-12-15 | 6.31% |
| 2022-12-22 | 6.27% |
| 2022-12-29 | 6.42% |
| 2023-01-05 | 6.48% |
| 2023-01-12 | 6.33% |
| 2023-01-19 | 6.15% |
| 2023-01-26 | 6.13% |
| 2023-02-02 | 6.09% |
| 2023-02-09 | 6.12% |
| 2023-02-16 | 6.32% |
| 2023-02-23 | 6.50% |
| 2023-03-02 | 6.65% |
| 2023-03-09 | 6.73% |
| 2023-03-16 | 6.60% |
| 2023-03-23 | 6.42% |
| 2023-03-30 | 6.32% |
| 2023-04-06 | 6.28% |
| 2023-04-13 | 6.27% |
| 2023-04-20 | 6.39% |
| 2023-04-27 | 6.43% |
| 2023-05-04 | 6.39% |
| 2023-05-11 | 6.35% |
| 2023-05-18 | 6.39% |
| 2023-05-25 | 6.57% |
| 2023-06-01 | 6.79% |
| 2023-06-08 | 6.71% |
| 2023-06-15 | 6.69% |
| 2023-06-22 | 6.67% |
| 2023-06-29 | 6.71% |
| 2023-07-06 | 6.81% |
| 2023-07-13 | 6.96% |
| 2023-07-20 | 6.78% |
| 2023-07-27 | 6.81% |
| 2023-08-03 | 6.90% |
| 2023-08-10 | 6.96% |
| 2023-08-17 | 7.09% |
| 2023-08-24 | 7.23% |
| 2023-08-31 | 7.18% |
| 2023-09-07 | 7.12% |
| 2023-09-14 | 7.18% |
| 2023-09-21 | 7.19% |
| 2023-09-28 | 7.31% |
| 2023-10-05 | 7.49% |
| 2023-10-12 | 7.57% |
| 2023-10-19 | 7.63% |
| 2023-10-26 | 7.79% |
| 2023-11-02 | 7.76% |
| 2023-11-09 | 7.50% |
| 2023-11-16 | 7.44% |
| 2023-11-22 | 7.29% |
| 2023-11-30 | 7.22% |
| 2023-12-07 | 7.03% |
| 2023-12-14 | 6.95% |
| 2023-12-21 | 6.67% |
| 2023-12-28 | 6.61% |
| 2024-01-04 | 6.62% |
| 2024-01-11 | 6.66% |
| 2024-01-18 | 6.60% |
| 2024-01-25 | 6.69% |
| 2024-02-01 | 6.63% |
| 2024-02-08 | 6.64% |
| 2024-02-15 | 6.77% |
| 2024-02-22 | 6.90% |
| 2024-02-29 | 6.94% |
| 2024-03-07 | 6.88% |
| 2024-03-14 | 6.74% |
| 2024-03-21 | 6.87% |
| 2024-03-28 | 6.79% |
| 2024-04-04 | 6.82% |
| 2024-04-11 | 6.88% |
| 2024-04-18 | 7.10% |
| 2024-04-25 | 7.17% |
| 2024-05-02 | 7.22% |
| 2024-05-09 | 7.09% |
| 2024-05-16 | 7.02% |
| 2024-05-23 | 6.94% |
| 2024-05-30 | 7.03% |
| 2024-06-06 | 6.99% |
| 2024-06-13 | 6.95% |
| 2024-06-20 | 6.87% |
| 2024-06-27 | 6.86% |
| 2024-07-03 | 6.95% |
| 2024-07-11 | 6.89% |
| 2024-07-18 | 6.77% |
| 2024-07-25 | 6.78% |
| 2024-08-01 | 6.73% |
| 2024-08-08 | 6.47% |
| 2024-08-15 | 6.49% |
| 2024-08-22 | 6.46% |
| 2024-08-29 | 6.35% |
| 2024-09-05 | 6.35% |
| 2024-09-12 | 6.20% |
| 2024-09-19 | 6.09% |
| 2024-09-26 | 6.08% |
| 2024-10-03 | 6.12% |
| 2024-10-10 | 6.32% |
| 2024-10-17 | 6.44% |
| 2024-10-24 | 6.54% |
| 2024-10-31 | 6.72% |
| 2024-11-07 | 6.79% |
| 2024-11-14 | 6.78% |
| 2024-11-21 | 6.84% |
| 2024-11-27 | 6.81% |
| 2024-12-05 | 6.69% |
| 2024-12-12 | 6.60% |
| 2024-12-19 | 6.72% |
| 2024-12-26 | 6.85% |
| 2025-01-02 | 6.91% |
| 2025-01-09 | 6.93% |
| 2025-01-16 | 7.04% |
| 2025-01-23 | 6.96% |
| 2025-01-30 | 6.95% |
| 2025-02-06 | 6.89% |
| 2025-02-13 | 6.87% |
| 2025-02-20 | 6.85% |
| 2025-02-27 | 6.76% |
| 2025-03-06 | 6.63% |
| 2025-03-13 | 6.65% |
| 2025-03-20 | 6.67% |
| 2025-03-27 | 6.65% |
| 2025-04-03 | 6.64% |
| 2025-04-10 | 6.62% |
| 2025-04-17 | 6.83% |
| 2025-04-24 | 6.81% |
| 2025-05-01 | 6.76% |
| 2025-05-08 | 6.76% |
| 2025-05-15 | 6.81% |
| 2025-05-22 | 6.86% |
| 2025-05-29 | 6.89% |
| 2025-06-05 | 6.85% |
| 2025-06-12 | 6.84% |
| 2025-06-18 | 6.81% |
| 2025-06-26 | 6.77% |
| 2025-07-03 | 6.67% |
| 2025-07-10 | 6.72% |
| 2025-07-17 | 6.75% |
| 2025-07-24 | 6.74% |
| 2025-07-31 | 6.72% |
| 2025-08-07 | 6.63% |
| 2025-08-14 | 6.58% |
| 2025-08-21 | 6.58% |
| 2025-08-28 | 6.56% |
| 2025-09-04 | 6.50% |
| 2025-09-11 | 6.35% |
| 2025-09-18 | 6.26% |
| 2025-09-25 | 6.30% |
| 2025-10-02 | 6.34% |
| 2025-10-09 | 6.30% |
| 2025-10-16 | 6.27% |
| 2025-10-23 | 6.19% |
| 2025-10-30 | 6.17% |
| 2025-11-06 | 6.22% |
| 2025-11-13 | 6.24% |
| 2025-11-20 | 6.26% |
| 2025-11-26 | 6.23% |
| 2025-12-04 | 6.19% |
| 2025-12-11 | 6.22% |
| 2025-12-18 | 6.21% |
| 2025-12-24 | 6.18% |
| 2025-12-31 | 6.15% |
| 2026-01-08 | 6.16% |
| 2026-01-15 | 6.06% |
| 2026-01-22 | 6.09% |
| 2026-01-29 | 6.10% |
| 2026-02-05 | 6.11% |
| 2026-02-12 | 6.09% |
| 2026-02-19 | 6.01% |
| 2026-02-26 | 5.98% |
| 2026-03-05 | 6.00% |
| 2026-03-12 | 6.11% |
| 2026-03-19 | 6.22% |
| 2026-03-26 | 6.38% |
| 2026-04-02 | 6.46% |
| 2026-04-09 | 6.37% |
| 2026-04-16 | 6.30% |
| 2026-04-23 | 6.23% |
| 2026-04-30 | 6.30% |
| 2026-05-07 | 6.37% |
| 2026-05-14 | 6.36% |
| 2026-05-21 | 6.51% |
| 2026-05-28 | 6.53% |
| 2026-06-04 | 6.48% |
| 2026-06-11 | 6.52% |
| 2026-06-18 | 6.47% |
| 2026-06-25 | 6.49% |
| 2026-07-02 | 6.43% |
| 2026-07-09 | 6.49% |
| 2026-07-16 | 6.55% |
| 2026-07-23 | 6.58% |
| 2026-07-30 | 6.66% |
| 2026-08-06 | 6.69% |
| 2026-08-13 | 6.67% |
| 2026-08-20 | 6.65% |
| 2026-08-27 | 6.66% |
| 2026-09-03 | 6.71% |
| 2026-09-10 | 6.76% |
| 2026-09-17 | 6.95% |
| 2026-09-24 | 7.03% |
| 2026-10-01 | 7.28% |
| 2026-10-08 | 7.40% |
| 2026-10-15 | 7.40% |
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS historical archive · Survey methodology. Original charts and monthly calculations by Seattle Wholesale Mortgage. Last reviewed October 16, 2026.
Start with the same loan amount, program, term, down payment and lock period, priced on the same day. Then compare the details.
Compare origination charges, including points and lender or broker fees. Ask what each charge covers.
Compare required third-party services for which the lender selects the provider. Sections A and B are a useful starting point, not the whole closing bill.
If it applies, compare any upfront charge and ongoing premium. Check whether it is included in the payment shown.
Use consistent assumptions for the down payment, deposit, taxes, insurance and closing date. Reconcile other fees, prepaids, escrow deposits, seller credits and lender credits.
Include lender credits from Section J, counting each credit once. Review Section C and the remaining closing costs too. Lower estimated taxes or insurance do not make a lender’s loan less expensive.
With the same loan amount, rate and term, principal and interest should match. Still compare the full payment, including mortgage insurance, taxes, insurance and any HOA dues.
APR reflects the interest rate plus points, broker fees and certain other loan charges. It adds context when comparing similar loans. Review it alongside the fees, credits and time you expect to keep the loan.
Your Realtor and I work together on the offer and financing numbers. We confirm the likely closing costs and cash you need before you negotiate.
A price cut can reduce the down payment and amount borrowed. Its payment benefit depends on your loan terms.
An approved credit offsets eligible closing costs dollar for dollar, up to the amount you can use. It cannot replace your required down payment or become extra cash back.
Choose based on your cash needs and longer-term cost. The seller must agree, and the lender must approve how the credit is used.
Illustration: on a $500,000 purchase with 5% down, a $10,000 price reduction lowers the down payment by $500 and the base loan amount by $9,500. An allowable $10,000 seller credit can instead offset $10,000 of eligible closing costs while the price and required down payment stay the same.
This assumes the appraisal supports the price, the loan permits the credit and at least $10,000 of eligible costs are available. It excludes any other fee or mortgage-insurance changes. We compare the full costs for your actual loan.
For a typical conventional primary-home purchase with 5% down, Fannie Mae’s limit is 3% of the lower purchase price or appraised value. An eligible FHA purchase with 3.5% down generally allows up to 6% of the sales price.
These caps include other counted interested-party contributions. You can use only the amount allowed for actual eligible costs, and the credit cannot fund your required down payment. Other loans and property uses have different limits. Your lender must confirm the amount and use for your loan.
Fannie Mae contribution limits · FHA Handbook, pages 260–261
Price matters. So do experience, clear advice, responsiveness and a realistic plan for closing. Ask who will handle your loan, what still needs review and whether the lender can meet your timeline.
I’ll explain the tradeoffs, review the details early and help you choose an option that fits your plans.
Paying points can reduce your interest rate in exchange for an upfront charge. Compare that cost with the monthly savings over several possible holding periods.
A lender credit can offset closing costs in exchange for a higher rate. That can preserve cash at closing while increasing borrowing costs over time.
Ask to see options with and without points or credits. Consider your shortest, longest and most likely time keeping the loan.
Survey averages help explain the wider market. They won’t tell you the terms a lender can offer for your specific loan. A useful next step is to compare written options against a payment you can comfortably sustain.
No. For mortgages covered by the Loan Estimate rules, a lender must send or deliver the estimate within three business days after receiving your name, income, Social Security number for a credit report, property address, estimated property value and desired loan amount. A signed purchase agreement and income-verification documents are not required for that estimate.
You can discuss preliminary pricing before supplying all six items. Use a secure application channel for personal information. A Loan Estimate is not loan approval. HELOCs and certain other loans use different disclosures. Read the CFPB explanation.
No single rate is available to every borrower, and I don’t promise the lowest rate in the market. I help compare wholesale options, explain the costs and find a fit for your circumstances.
It depends on the fees and how long you keep the loan. Review the APR, cash to close and total costs over a realistic timeframe. A lower rate with substantial points may not suit a short holding period.
Build a payment you can manage today. A future refinance depends on qualification, property value and available loan terms. It is not guaranteed.
National survey figures provide market context and do not describe a loan offer available from Seattle Wholesale Mortgage. This page is not a personalized quote, rate lock or commitment to lend. Loan pricing and availability can change. Approval is subject to underwriting, eligibility and program requirements.
Compare APRs carefully across different loan products. A fixed-rate mortgage, adjustable-rate mortgage and HELOC do not have interchangeable cost structures.
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Do you have excellent credit? Are your funds liquid? Are you prepared to close quickly?
I’ll help you see how a well-prepared offer and a faster closing could create negotiating leverage and opportunities to save.
I specialize in 8–14-day closings. Timing depends on your qualifications, documents, property and lender requirements. Seller agreement is needed for any negotiated savings.
See what a fast closing takes →MAKING MOVES HAPPEN
National benchmarks are a starting point, not your personal quote. Let’s compare financing for your goals.