If you're looking to buy a home or refinance an existing mortgage, January 23, 2026, brings some welcome news: mortgage rates are currently sitting close to their lowest points in a year. This is a significant shift from the higher rates we saw not too long ago, and it's This is a moment many have been waiting for. For a while there, it felt like the dream of homeownership was slipping further out of reach for many. But the current rate environment is offering a fresh wave of optimism.
Today’s Mortgage Rates, January 23: Buyers Cheer As Rates Hit Lowest Point in 3 Years
What the Numbers Are Telling Us: A Look at the Averages
To get a clear picture of where things stand, I usually look at a couple of reliable sources. First up is Freddie Mac, a company that provides vital stability for the housing market. According to their latest weekly update, things are looking pretty good.
- 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage: The average for this popular loan type clocked in at 6.09% for the week. To put that in perspective, just one year ago, we were looking at an average of 6.96%. That's a noticeable drop!
- 15-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage: For those looking at shorter-term loans, the average is 5.44%. Again, compare that to the 6.16% we saw a year ago, and it's a clear improvement.
These Freddie Mac figures give us a great, broad overview of where the national averages are heading. But to get a real-time pulse, I also check data from services like Zillow. Their latest figures offer a more granular look at the current mortgage rates available to borrowers today, January 23, 2026.
Here’s a snapshot of what Zillow is reporting:
| Loan Type | Current Average Rate |
|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed | 5.96% |
| 20-Year Fixed | 6.07% |
| 15-Year Fixed | 5.51% |
| 5/1 ARM | 6.19% |
| 7/1 ARM | 6.06% |
| 30-Year VA | 5.65% |
| 15-Year VA | 5.33% |
| 5/1 VA | 5.31% |
Remember, these are national averages and have been rounded to the nearest hundredth. Your actual rate might be a little different.
While the Freddie Mac numbers are a weekly benchmark, the Zillow data gives us a snapshot of what’s actively being offered right now. It’s encouraging to see the 30-year fixed rate dipped slightly below 6% in Zillow's latest figures, even though Freddie Mac's weekly average is just a hair above. This indicates a strong, competitive market.
Understanding the “Why”: Factors Driving Today's Rates
It's easy to just look at the numbers and feel good, but as someone who's navigated the mortgage process a few times, I always try to understand what's behind the movements. Mortgage rates don't just appear out of thin air; they're influenced by a whole mix of economic forces.
One of the biggest players is the 10-year Treasury yield. Think of this as a benchmark for many loan interest rates. When the 10-year Treasury yield goes up, mortgage rates tend to follow, and vice versa. We've seen a lot of back-and-forth with this recently, thanks to everything from economic shifts to global events that can make investors nervous.
Then there's the Federal Reserve. They control the federal funds rate, which is like the thermostat for the economy. While the Fed has been making moves to adjust rates, they're currently in a bit of a holding pattern, and this indirectly influences the mortgage rates we see. Even though there have been some rate cuts, mortgage rates have stayed in a relatively narrow band.
I've noticed that economists are generally expecting rates to hang around the low 6% range for most of 2026. There's a possibility we might see them dip a bit lower, perhaps into the high 5s, if inflation continues to calm down as hoped. However, a return to the super-low rates we saw during the pandemic, like those under 4%, is pretty unlikely unless something truly unexpected happens in the economy.
The Impact on You: Homebuyers and Refinancers Rejoice
So, what does this all mean for the average person? It's good news, plain and simple!
- For Homebuyers: The current rate environment, while still higher than pandemic lows, is a huge relief compared to the peaks of 2023 and 2024. This makes monthly payments more manageable and opens the door for more people to achieve homeownership. I've spoken with many first-time homebuyers who are finally feeling like they can make their dream a reality.
- For Refinancers: If you took out a mortgage when rates were higher, often in the 7% range or even above, now is an excellent time to consider refinancing. Locking in a lower rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. It's like getting a discount on your biggest monthly expense.
It's Not Just a National Picture: State and Local Differences Matter
It’s important to remember that the national averages are just that – averages. The reality on the ground can vary quite a bit from state to state, and even town to town.
Zillow’s data gives us a glimpse into this, showing that average 30-year fixed rates by state in January 2026 are generally ranging from 6.00% to 6.53%.
- Looking for Lower Rates: States like Arkansas are currently showing some of the lowest averages, around 6.00%. Historically, states with a lot of mortgage lenders competing, such as California, Massachusetts, and Washington, often have rates that are lower than the national average.
- Higher Averages: On the flip side, states like Connecticut have been reporting higher average rates recently, up to 6.53%. Other states that sometimes see higher averages include New Jersey, New York, and Iowa. This can be due to various factors, like how lenders operate in those areas or legal processes that might add a bit more risk for lenders.
Beyond the State Lines: Regional and Metro Variations
Even within a state, your specific metropolitan area can play a role. Lenders often adjust their rates based on the local market's risk and their own business costs.
- Busy Metro Areas: Big cities like San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles tend to have a lot of lenders vying for business. This intense competition can sometimes push rates down, even if home prices in those areas are quite high.
- Growing Markets: In areas that are expected to grow a lot, like perhaps Hartford, CT, you might see some adjustments in affordability that influence local rate offerings.
- Affordable Pockets: On the other hand, some cities in the Northeast and Midwest are showing rates that are a bit sweeter than the national average. For instance, Rochester, NY (around 6.01%) and Pittsburgh, PA (around 6.07%) have recently had rates slightly below the national mark.
What I'm Thinking About This Trend
From my perspective, seeing these rates hover near one-year lows is a very positive sign for the housing market. It's a signal that things are stabilizing after a period of considerable uncertainty. If I were advising someone today, I’d be telling them to absolutely explore their options, whether they're looking to buy or refinance.
However, I also caution against waiting too long without a plan. While rates are good now, they can and do change. The best approach is always to get pre-approved and understand what you qualify for. This way, you’re ready to act when you find the right home or when the refinancing opportunity is perfect for you.
It's also crucial to shop around. Don't just go with the first lender you talk to. Comparing offers from different banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers can lead to significant savings. Even a quarter-point difference can add up to a lot of money over 30 years.
The fact that rates are near a one-year low is a fantastic opportunity. It balances the desire for lower payments with the ongoing reality of housing prices. It’s not quite the ultra-low rate environment of a few years ago, but it’s a much more accessible market than we’ve seen recently.
and
Florida’s A+ affordable rental vs Punta Gorda’s larger high‑yield property. Which fits YOUR investment strategy?
We have much more inventory available than what you see on our website – Let us know about your requirement.
📈 Choose Your Winner & Contact Us Today!
Speak to a Norada investment counselor (No Obligation):
(800) 611-3060
Mortgage rates remain high in 2026, but rental properties continue to deliver strong cash flow and appreciation. Savvy investors know that turnkey real estate is the path to passive income and long‑term wealth.
Norada Real Estate helps you secure turnkey rental properties designed for immediate cash flow and appreciation—so you can invest smartly regardless of interest rate trends.
Also Read:
- Mortgage Rates Predictions Backed by 7 Leading Experts: 2025–2026
- Mortgage Rate Predictions for the Next 3 Years: 2026, 2027, 2028
- 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Forecast for the Next 5 Years
- 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Predictions for Next 5 Years: 2025-2029
- Will Mortgage Rates Ever Be 3% Again in the Future?
- Mortgage Rates Predictions for Next 2 Years
- Mortgage Rate Predictions for Next 5 Years
- Mortgage Rate Predictions: Why 2% and 3% Rates are Out of Reach
- How Lower Mortgage Rates Can Save You Thousands?
- How to Get a Low Mortgage Interest Rate?
- Will Mortgage Rates Ever Be 4% Again?












