Mortgage Interest Rates Today: Rates Plunge to 6.01% on Cooling Inflation and Strong Jobs Data—Lowest Level in More Than 3 Years

Mortgage interest rates have dropped to 6.01%, their lowest level in more than three years, following cooler January inflation data and steady job growth.

Realtor.com By Snejana Farberov

2/19/20261 min read

Mortgage interest rates have dropped to 6.01%, their lowest level in more than three years, following cooler January inflation data and steady job growth. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined from 6.09% last week and is significantly lower than the 6.85% average seen during the same period in 2025.

The rate drop was triggered by a decline in the 10-year Treasury yield, which mortgage rates closely follow. Lower inflation readings have improved market confidence, helping borrowing costs ease just ahead of the spring homebuying season. Economists are already seeing early signs of renewed demand, with pending home sales rising 1.2% year over year in January.

While lower rates improve affordability and boost purchasing power—potentially creating nearly a full percentage point advantage compared to last spring—experts caution that limited housing inventory could offset affordability gains. Without increased supply, lower rates may reignite buyer competition and upward pressure on home prices.

Refinance activity has more than doubled over the past year, allowing many homeowners to reduce annual mortgage payments by thousands of dollars.

Mortgage rates remain closely tied to broader economic indicators such as inflation trends, Federal Reserve policy, and Treasury bond yields. Borrower-specific factors—including credit score, loan type, down payment, and property characteristics—continue to influence the final rate offered by lenders.

As the spring market approaches, buyers and homeowners alike are watching rate movements closely, as even small shifts can significantly impact monthly payments and overall purchasing power.

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