November 13, 2026

As of November 13, 2026, the mortgage market continues to experience volatility, with rates showing slight upward movement. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is currently averaging approximately 7.17% APR. Market analysts note that these daily fluctuations have been heavily influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions, specifically the conflict in Iran, which continues to impact broader economic indicators and lender pricing strategies.

For those considering shorter loan terms, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage remains a more affordable option relative to the 30-year product. Recent data indicates that the average rate for a 15-year conforming mortgage is approximately 6.439%. While these figures provide a general baseline for the current environment, individual offers can vary significantly based on a borrower’s credit score, down payment size, and the specific financial institution providing the loan.

Homeowners looking to refinance are seeing similar trends in their segment of the market. The average refinance rate for a 30-year fixed-rate home loan has climbed to roughly 7.323%. As the economic landscape shifts, prospective buyers and homeowners are encouraged to monitor these developments closely, as even minor changes in interest rates can have a substantial long-term effect on monthly housing costs and overall affordability.

Home Loan Rates
View More Interest Rates

Six Places to Start

Whatever stage you're at — buying your first home, comparing offers, or just trying to avoid a bad deal — one of these guides covers it.

Mortgage Basics 101

Start here — the core terms, loan types, and steps every mortgage borrower should understand first.

Learn More
Finding Your Best Mortgage Deal

Compare rates, lenders, and loan structures the right way so you don't leave money on the table.

Learn More
First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Everything a first-time buyer needs to know, from saving for a down payment to closing day.

Learn More
Avoiding Rip-Offs and Bad Terms

Spot predatory fees, junk charges, and unfavorable terms before they cost you thousands down the road.

Learn More
Working with Lenders and Brokers

What a broker actually does, how to vet one, and what to expect throughout the process.

Learn More
Managing Mortgage Payments

Practical strategies for staying on top of payments, refinancing wisely, and paying down your loan faster.

Learn More
Get weekly rate updates and mortgage tips

Are you interested in learning more about mortgage brokers in your area? Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll point you in the right direction — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Latest Articles

The Real Math of Total Interest Saved on a 30-Year Mortgage at 7%

The Real Math of Total Interest Saved on a 30-Year Mortgage at 7%

today – A 7% mortgage is not just a monthly payment. It is a long road of interest. On a 30-year fixed loan at 7%, the interest can cost almost as much as...

Read More
What a Typical 10-Year HELOC Draw Period Really Means

What a Typical 10-Year HELOC Draw Period Really Means

today – A 10-year draw period is the stretch when your home equity line of credit is open for use. You can borrow up to your credit limit, pay some back, and...

Read More
Free Online Amortization Calculators: Track Your Mortgage Paydown Without the Guesswork

Free Online Amortization Calculators: Track Your Mortgage Paydown Without the Guesswork

today – A free online amortization calculator is one of the most useful tools a homeowner can keep bookmarked. It turns your mortgage into a month-by-month...

Read More
Side Hustle Income and Your First Mortgage: What Counts and What Doesn’t

Side Hustle Income and Your First Mortgage: What Counts and What Doesn’t

1 day ago – When you are buying your first home and you have a side hustle, it can feel like a secret weapon. You deliver packages on weekends, sell crafts...

Read More
How to Figure Out Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Before You Talk to a Lender

How to Figure Out Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Before You Talk to a Lender

1 day ago – When you apply for a mortgage, lenders aren’t just checking whether you have a pulse and a paycheck. They want to know whether you can handle a new...

Read More
Mortgage Recasting vs. Refinancing: Which One Actually Lowers Your Payment?

Mortgage Recasting vs. Refinancing: Which One Actually Lowers Your Payment?

2 days ago – If you have a chunk of cash and want to change your mortgage payment, you have two main paths: recasting or refinancing. They sound similar because...

Read More
Mortgage Calculator

Calculate Your Monthly Payment

Get an accurate estimate instantly. Adjust the values below to explore different scenarios.

Home Price
$50K$2M
Down Payment — 20%
3%50%
Loan Term
Annual Interest Rate (%)
Est. Monthly Payment
$2,846
Principal & Interest $2,496
Est. Property Tax $281
Est. Insurance $69
Payment Breakdown
Monthly $2,846
Principal
$729 / mo
25.6%
Interest
$1,767 / mo
62.1%
Property Tax
$281 / mo
9.9%
Insurance
$69 / mo
2.4%
Amortization Summary
First 6 months
Month Payment Principal Interest Balance
Video

Understand Your Mortgage

Short, practical explainers on rates, loan types, and what to expect from the process — no jargon, no sales pitch.

Mortgage Brokers Near You

A directory of the best independent mortgage brokers across the country.

Finding brokers near you…

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions we hear most.

APR calculations generally include:
The note interest rate
Origination fees or points
Underwriting and processing fees
Mortgage insurance premiums (if applicable)
Other lender-specific fees

A Mortgage Broker is a licensed professional who acts as an intermediary between you (the borrower) and potential lenders. Their primary role is to shop around on your behalf to find a mortgage loan that best suits your financial situation and goals. They assess your needs, compare options from their panel of lenders, assist with the application process, and guide you to settlement.

The process varies by lender. Typically, you can do this through your online mortgage account portal, by phone, or by mailing a check. It is critical to include clear written instructions (e.g., “Apply to principal reduction only”) and to verify the payment was applied correctly on your next statement.

Yes, the most common types are a standard lock (a set rate for a set time), a lock with a float-down option (as described above), and a one-time float option (where you have one opportunity to lock a rate after your application has been submitted).

Thoroughly shop for lenders before making an offer. Compare detailed Loan Estimates from at least 3-4 lenders. Check online reviews and ask your real estate agent for recommendations of reliable, communicative lenders with a proven track record of closing on time.