Mortgage rates tick down
Mortgage rates slipped slightly over the past two days, offering limited refinance windows while the 30‑year fixed still sits above February lows — ARMs and HELOC rates are being tracked as alternatives. (themortgagereports.com) (fortune.com)
Bankrate’s daily survey showed the national average 30‑year fixed rate at 6.57% on April 2, 2026. (bankrate.com) Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey recorded a 30‑year average of 5.98% for the week ending Feb. 26, 2026, and 6.38% for the week ending Mar. 26, 2026, leaving current April readings notably above February’s low. (freddiemac.com) The Mortgage Bankers Association reported mortgage applications fell 10.4% in the week ending March 27, 2026, with the refinance index down 17% and the refinance share of activity sliding to 45.3% — signs that refill windows have narrowed. (mba.org) Adjustable‑rate alternatives are cheaper for many buyers: Bankrate’s national average 5/1 ARM APR was 6.17% on April 1, 2026, and Fortune’s April ARM snapshot showed some 7/6 ARM offers from lenders such as Bank of America at 5.75% and Zillow Home Loans at about 6.125%. (bankrate.com) HELOCs are trading near the high‑single digits for many borrowers, with Bankrate’s national average HELOC interest rate at 7.04% as of March 25, 2026, while other trackers put the national HELOC APR around the mid‑6% range. (bankrate.com) Lenders are promoting home‑equity loan specials for top‑tier borrowers, with Mortgage Reports listing fixed home‑equity loan rates as low as 5.25% to 6.50% for excellent credit profiles in early April 2026. (themortgagereports.com)
