MortgageCast

As of March 13, 2026, the average 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgage stands at 6.125%, up 7 basis points from the previous day and 13 basis points from a week ago, per Optimal Blue data. The 15-year fixed-rate average is 5.399%, down 1 basis point daily but up 5 basis points weekly. Other variants include 30-year jumbo at 6.358% (up 6 basis points daily), FHA at 5.944% (up 8 basis points), VA at 5.750% (up 9 basis points weekly), and USDA at 5.836% (up 2 basis points weekly). Sources show slight variations: NerdWallet reports 6.09% for 30-year fixed and 5.60% for 15-year, while Bankrate lists 6.30% APR for 30-year and 5.69% for 15-year.

These rates reflect daily fluctuations influenced by economic factors like oil prices and bond yields, with Freddie Mac noting a weekly average of 6.11% for 30-year fixed as of March 12. Jumbo loans, exceeding the $832,750 conforming limit in most areas, carry higher rates at 6.358% due to increased lender risk. Government-backed options like FHA (5.944%) and VA (5.750%) remain more accessible for qualifying borrowers with lower credit or military service, often featuring lower rates than conventional loans. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), such as 5-year at 6.07% or 7/6 ARM around 5.625%-5.875%, offer initial savings but carry adjustment risks. Refinance rates average 6.28% for 30-year fixed.

For a $300,000 loan, a 30-year mortgage at 6.125% incurs about $356,220 in lifetime interest, versus $138,336 for 15-year at 5.399%, excluding taxes and insurance. Rates above 6.00% are typical now, but securing under 6.00% is advantageous amid upward trends from last week's 5.993%. Shop multiple lenders, as APRs (including fees) like NerdWallet's 6.10% for 30-year fixed provide a fuller cost picture. Weekly Freddie Mac data for strong-credit borrowers with 20% down confirms the 6.11% benchmark. (298 words)