Where you'll find real information about home loans — current rates, loan program details, calculators, and much more.
Market Wire
◆ 2026 Conforming Loan Limit: $832,750 (single-family, non-high cost)◆ VA Funding Fee (1st use, 0% down): 2.15% — waived for disabled veterans◆ FHA Min Down Payment: 3.5% with 580+ credit score◆ USDA Income Limit: 115% of area median income — many suburban areas qualify◆ Conventional: 3% down available with 620+ credit score◆ PMI cancels automatically at 78% LTV on conventional loans◆ FHA Upfront MIP: 1.75% of loan amount — can be rolled into the loan◆ Rate locks typically available in 15, 30, 45, and 60-day terms◆ Jumbo loans begin above $832,750 in most U.S. counties (2026 limit)◆ Live rates provided by Mortgage News Daily · OBMMI data by Optimal Blue
Market Data
Mortgage Rates
The rates below are meant to help you understand rate movement (daily) in the market — not the rate you'll get from your lender. Your actual rate depends on your specific qualifications, including credit score, down payment, loan type, etc.
National averages sourced from Mortgage News Daily and Optimal Blue's daily rate indexes — updated each weekday around 4PM EST.
Source: OptimalBlue.com · Updated daily from actual locked loan data
Rate Context
Rates move with the bond market — specifically mortgage-backed securities (MBS). When bond yields rise, mortgage rates follow.
The Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage rates, but Fed policy shifts influence bond markets and, by extension, your rate.
Use the live widgets above — sourced from Mortgage News Daily and Optimal Blue's OBMMI index — for current rate movement.
What Moves Your Rate
↓↑
Credit Score The better your credit score, the better your rate
LTV Ratio Larger down payments can reduce the rate
Loan Type Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA all price differently
And More... There are additional factors that can affect your rate not shown here
Loan Intelligence
Loan Programs Explained
An overview of the most common home loan programs. Become a Member for qualification requirements, pros and cons, and program comparisons.
Conventional
3% down payment. No upfront mortgage insurance. Best for buyers with good credit and steady income.
FHA Loan
3.5% down with 580+ credit. More lenient debt ratios. Ideal for first-time buyers or credit rebuilders.
VA Loan
0% down for eligible veterans and active military. No PMI. Often the best deal on the market.
USDA Rural
0% down for rural and suburban properties. Income limits apply. Low monthly mortgage insurance.
Jumbo Loan
Loans above $832,750. Higher credit and reserve requirements. Best for high-cost markets.
Specialty
Self-employed bank statement and 1099 programs, no income verification, rental property loans, etc.
Education
Key Mortgage Terms
A starter glossary of common terms you'll encounter during the home loan process. Members get access to our full 100+ term glossary with in-depth explanations.
APR
Annual Percentage Rate — includes interest rate plus fees, giving a true cost comparison between loans.
DTI
Debt-to-Income Ratio — your monthly debt payments divided by gross income. Most lenders want ≤43%.
LTV
Loan-to-Value Ratio — loan amount vs. appraised value. 80% LTV = 20% down. Drives PMI requirements.
PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance — required on conventional loans when LTV exceeds 80%. Cancels at 80% LTV.
PITI
Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance — the four components of a full monthly mortgage payment.
Escrow
Account held by lender to collect taxes and insurance. Monthly payment split is deposited here.
Points
Prepaid interest paid at closing to buy down your rate. 1 point = 1% of loan. Reduces monthly payment.
Rate Lock
Guarantees your interest rate for a set period (30–60 days typical) while your loan is processed.
MBS
Mortgage-Backed Securities — bonds backed by pools of mortgages. MBS pricing directly drives mortgage rates.
Members Only
Full Glossary — 100+ Terms with In-Depth Explanations
ARM caps, buydowns, subordinate liens, SOFR, assumable loans, and much more.
Calculate your estimated monthly payment including principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and PMI.
$2,847
per month (PITI)
$2,046
$333
$150
$0
Preparation Guide
Loan Document Checklist
When you're ready to work with a lender, you'll typically need these documents. Use this checklist to get organized before you start shopping.
Income Documentation
✓
W-2s — last 2 years
From all employers
Pay stubs — last 30 days
Most recent consecutive stubs
Federal tax returns — 2 years
All schedules. Self-employed: also need P&L statement
Other income documentation
Social security, rental, alimony, pension award letters
Asset Documentation
Bank statements — 1–2 months
All accounts: checking, savings. All pages including blanks
Investment/retirement statements
401k, IRA, brokerage — most recent quarter
Gift letter (if applicable)
If any down payment funds are a gift — signed by donor
Explanation letters
Any large deposits outside of payroll in last 60 days
Identity & Legal
Government-issued ID
Driver's license or passport
Social Security number
For credit pull authorization
Rental history (if no mortgage)
12 months cancelled checks or landlord contact
Property (After Contract)
Fully executed purchase contract
Signed by all parties with all addenda
Homeowner's insurance binder
Contact your agent early — needed before closing
HOA documents (if applicable)
Budget, bylaws, meeting minutes for last 2 years
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or mortgage advice. Rate data is sourced from Mortgage News Daily and Optimal Blue and represents market averages — actual rates vary by lender, credit profile, loan type, and market conditions. Calculator results are estimates only. We do not offer loan services or originate mortgages. Always consult a licensed mortgage professional before making financial decisions.
🔒
Members Only Content
Get full loan program details, qualification requirements, pros and cons, and much more — all in one place.