Current Mortgage Rates for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026
30-year fixed rates now range from 6.4%–7.1%, with FHA loans averaging 6.2%. Here's how today's rates affect what first-time buyers can actually afford.
Tag FHA loans
Everything You Need to Know About Assumable Mortgages
FHA and VA loans from 2020–2022 carry rates as low as 2.5%–3.5% — nearly half today's 6.8% average. Here's how assuming a seller's mortgage actually works.
How Deferred Student Loans Affect Your FHA Mortgage Rate
Deferred student loans count as $400/month in debt calculations for FHA mortgages, even with $0 payments. See how this affects your rate and approval.
The Quiet Role Mortgage Insurance Premiums Play in the True Rate You Pay Each Month
FHA mortgage insurance runs 0.55% annually; conventional PMI ranges 0.46% to 1.50%. See how these premiums stack onto your monthly payment and when you can remove them.
USDA vs FHA Mortgage Rates: Which Saves More for Rural First-Time Buyers
On a $275K rural home, USDA loans save $11,880 upfront versus FHA—but eligibility and credit scores shift the advantage. See the actual numbers.
Mortgage Rates After Bankruptcy: What to Expect and How to Improve Your Offer
Borrowers two years past Chapter 7 discharge pay $25,000+ extra in interest on a $250K mortgage. See how bankruptcy affects your rate and when the penalty drops.