Introduction

On February 18, 2026, the mortgage landscape is showing subtle but encouraging shifts. If you’re thinking about buying or refinancing, today’s data offers some bright spots to consider. Credit unions are leading with competitive rates, especially for FHA loans. For example, Potlatch No 1 Financial’s 15-year fixed FHA at 4.5% stands out as the lowest rate available right now. Meanwhile, Zillow reports slight decreases in jumbo loan rates, with the 30-year fixed jumbo dipping to 6.151%. Inflation expectations are easing too, signaling potential stability ahead. Here’s what you need to know before locking in a rate, whether it’s your first home or an investment property, because small changes can have a big impact on your financial future.

New Purchase - FHA 15 yrs Fixed

Lender
2026-02-18
(Current Day)
2026-02-11
(7 Days Ago)
2026-02-03
(15 Days Ago)
2026-01-19
(30 Days Ago)
2026-01-04
(45 Days Ago)
2025-12-20
(60 Days Ago)
2025-11-20
(90 Days Ago)
2025-08-22
(180 Days Ago)
5.13%
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.63%
+50 bps
5.63%
+50 bps
5.63%
+50 bps
4.88%
5.00%
+12.5 bps
5.13%
+25 bps
5.00%
+12.5 bps
5.00%
+12.5 bps
4.99%
+11.5 bps
4.88%
5.00%
+12.5 bps
5.00%
+12.5 bps
4.88%
5.00%
+12.5 bps
5.13%
+25 bps
5.13%
+25 bps
5.25%
+37.5 bps
4.99%
4.99%
5.25%
+26 bps
4.99%
5.00%
+1 bps
5.00%
+1 bps
5.00%
+1 bps
5.25%
+26 bps
4.63%
4.88%
+25 bps
4.99%
+36.5 bps
4.88%
+25 bps
5.00%
+37.5 bps
5.13%
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.63%
+50 bps
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.63%
+50 bps
4.50%
4.75%
+25 bps
4.63%
+12.5 bps
4.50%
4.63%
+12.5 bps
4.63%
+12.5 bps
4.75%
+25 bps

New Purchase - FHA 30 yrs Fixed

Lender
2026-02-18
(Current Day)
2026-02-11
(7 Days Ago)
2026-02-03
(15 Days Ago)
2026-01-19
(30 Days Ago)
2026-01-04
(45 Days Ago)
2025-12-20
(60 Days Ago)
2025-11-20
(90 Days Ago)
2025-08-22
(180 Days Ago)
5.49%
5.49%
5.50%
+1 bps
5.50%
+1 bps
5.62%
+13.4 bps
5.62%
+13.4 bps
5.75%
+26 bps
5.99%
+50 bps
5.13%
5.13%
5.38%
+25 bps
5.38%
+25 bps
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.38%
+25 bps
5.38%
+25 bps
5.25%
5.25%
5.63%
+37.5 bps
5.38%
+12.5 bps
5.38%
+12.5 bps
5.38%
5.50%
+12.5 bps
5.63%
+25 bps
5.50%
+12.5 bps
5.63%
+25 bps
5.75%
+37.5 bps
5.75%
+37.5 bps
6.13%
+75 bps
5.25%
5.38%
+12.5 bps
5.38%
+12.5 bps
5.38%
+12.5 bps
5.38%
+12.5 bps
5.38%
+12.5 bps
5.49%
+24 bps
5.63%
+37.5 bps
5.13%
5.25%
+12.5 bps
5.25%
+12.5 bps
5.25%
+12.5 bps
5.25%
+12.5 bps
5.00%
5.13%
+12.5 bps
5.13%
+12.5 bps
5.13%
+12.5 bps
5.38%
+37.5 bps
5.38%
+37.5 bps
5.25%
+25 bps
5.49%
5.49%
5.62%
+13.4 bps
5.50%
+1 bps
5.62%
+13.4 bps
5.62%
+13.4 bps
5.75%
+26 bps
5.13%
5.25%
+12.5 bps
5.25%
+12.5 bps
5.25%
+12.5 bps
5.25%
+12.5 bps
5.38%
+25 bps
5.38%
+25 bps

AMERICAN HERITAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As of February 18, 2026, the 15 Year FHA Fixed Purchase mortgage offers the most competitive rate at 5.125%, marking a notable decline of 37.5 basis points compared to one week ago and the past 30 days. This reduction in yield spreads lowers the cost of borrowing for buyers seeking shorter-term government-backed financing. Meanwhile, the 30 Year FHA Fixed Purchase rate remains steady at 5.49%, showing no change over the last week and a modest decrease of 1 basis point from 30 days prior. These stable longer-term rates provide predictable payment structures, beneficial for first-time buyers prioritizing budget certainty.
Members should consider fixed-rate options if they value stability and evaluate refinancing possibilities where rate reductions exceed associated costs to optimize long-term financial outcomes. For details, visit https://www.americanheritagecu.org/rates#mortgage.

AVADIAN CREDIT UNION

On February 18, 2026, the 30-Year FHA Fixed Purchase mortgage rate remains steady at 5.125%, unchanged from one week ago but down 25 basis points compared to 30 days prior. This modest decline in yield spreads indicates a slight easing in borrowing costs for first-time homebuyers relying on government-backed loans. The stable rate environment supports predictable monthly payments, which can benefit members prioritizing long-term payment certainty. Given this trend, members should consider fixed-rate options if they value stability or evaluate refinancing opportunities to capitalize on the recent reduction in rates and potentially lower their overall financing expenses. For details, visit https://www.avadiancu.com/Rates/Mortgage-Rates.

CREDIT UNION WEST CREDIT UNION

As of February 18, 2026, the 15-Year Fixed Purchase mortgage rate at CREDIT UNION WEST stands at a competitive 4.875%, marking a decrease of 12.5 basis points from one week ago and the same reduction compared to 30 days prior. This downward movement in yield spreads lowers the cost of borrowing for members seeking short-term fixed-rate home loans. First-time buyers may find improved affordability due to these tighter rates, while those evaluating their mortgage strategies should consider locking in current fixed rates to mitigate future market volatility. Veterans and refinance applicants should note that no updated government-backed or adjustable-rate products are available today. Members are encouraged to assess their financing options carefully and consider refinancing if potential savings surpass associated costs. For details, visit https://www.cuwest.org/borrowing/mortgages/purchasing-a-home.

ENT CREDIT UNION

On February 18, 2026, FHA 15-Year Fixed Purchase rates stand at 4.875%, down 12.5 basis points from last week and unchanged over the past month, representing the lowest rate available today. Meanwhile, the FHA 30-Year Fixed Purchase rate is at 5.375%, reflecting a similar weekly decline of 12.5 basis points and a monthly decrease of the same magnitude. These shifts indicate modest easing in borrowing costs for members seeking government-backed fixed-rate options, which can improve affordability for first-time buyers and those prioritizing payment stability. Given these trends, members should consider locking in fixed rates if they value predictability or evaluate refinancing opportunities where interest savings outweigh associated fees. For details, visit https://www.ent.com/rates/#:~:text=Mortgage%20purchase%20rates

GOLDENWEST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As of February 18, 2026, the 15 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage purchase rate remains steady at 4.99%, unchanged over the past week and month, representing a stable borrowing cost for buyers seeking shorter-term financing with government backing. Meanwhile, the 30 Year Fixed FHA Mortgage purchase rate has decreased by 12.5 basis points to 5.25% compared to last week and month, offering a modest yield spread advantage for borrowers prioritizing longer-term fixed payments.
First-time homebuyers may find the 15-year FHA option, with its consistent rate, suitable for faster equity buildup without increased rate risk. The reduced cost on the 30-year FHA fixed loan could improve affordability for buyers needing extended amortization periods.
Members should evaluate their mortgage horizon carefully; those valuing payment stability might consider fixed-rate options given current favorable spreads. For those weighing long-term costs, reviewing refinancing alternatives could be prudent if projected savings exceed associated fees.

MOUNTAIN AMERICA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As of February 18, 2026, 15-year FHA fixed purchase loans offer the most competitive rate at 4.625%, down 25 basis points from both one week and one month ago. This reduction lowers the cost of borrowing for buyers prioritizing shorter loan terms and stable payments. Meanwhile, the 30-year FHA fixed purchase rate stands at 5.125%, reflecting a more modest decline of 12.5 basis points over the past seven and thirty days, supporting longer-term affordability for first-time homebuyers.
Members considering financing options should evaluate how these lower yields affect their mortgage strategy; those valuing payment predictability may find fixed-rate FHA loans increasingly advantageous. Additionally, potential homebuyers could assess whether locking in current rates aligns with their financial goals.

PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As of February 18, 2026, the 30-year Fixed FHA Loan for home purchases is offered at a notable low rate of 5.00%, down 12.5 basis points from one week ago and also 12.5 basis points lower than 30 days prior. This reduction in yield spread slightly lowers the cost of borrowing, benefiting first-time buyers who rely on government-backed options like FHA loans. The steady decline suggests improved affordability for eligible borrowers seeking long-term rate stability.
Members evaluating mortgage strategies should consider fixed-rate options if they prioritize predictable payments over the loan term. Given the current trend, those with existing FHA purchase plans may find refinancing less urgent but should monitor rates closely to optimize their financing costs.

PEOPLE FIRST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

On February 18, 2026, the 15 Year FHA Fixed Purchase mortgage rate declined by 37.5 basis points from one week ago to 5.125%, marking a meaningful reduction in borrowing costs for qualified buyers. Compared to 30 days prior, this rate also fell by the same margin, reflecting a sustained easing in yield spreads for short-term fixed government-backed loans. Conversely, the 203k 30 Year FHA Fixed Purchase program held steady at 5.49%, showing no change over the past week and a modest improvement of 1 basis point versus 30 days ago.
First-time homebuyers may benefit most from the lower 15 Year FHA rates, while renovation-focused borrowers considering the 203k FHA should note stable long-term financing costs. Members prioritizing predictable payments might evaluate these fixed-rate options amid current market conditions.
Given these trends, consider reviewing your mortgage strategy; refinancing could be advantageous if potential savings exceed associated fees. For details, visit https://peoplefirst.com/rates/#:~:text=Fixed%2DRate%20Mortgages-,Fixed%2DRate%20Mortgages,-Term.

POTLATCH NO. 1 FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

As of February 18, 2026, 15-Year Fixed Purchase mortgage rates have decreased by 25 basis points from last week to a competitive 4.50%, now matching the yield from 30 days ago. This reduction lowers the cost of borrowing for members seeking shorter-term fixed-rate loans, benefiting those prioritizing faster equity build-up and lower overall interest payments. Meanwhile, the 30-Year Fixed Purchase rate stands at 5.125%, down 12.5 basis points week-over-week and month-over-month, indicating a modest decline in long-term borrowing costs that may enhance affordability for buyers aiming for stable, extended financing.
Members should consider these shifts when evaluating mortgage strategies; fixed-rate options remain attractive for stability amid fluctuating markets. For borrowers weighing refinancing, a careful cost-benefit analysis is advisable given recent rate movements.

Zillow National Average

As of February 18, 2026, mortgage rates show a slight decline for both 15-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo and 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo loans. The 15-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo is currently at 6.136%, down by 1 basis point from yesterday and 14 basis points over the past week. Meanwhile, the 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo stands at 6.151%, also down by 1 basis point day-over-day but only slightly lower than last week. Over the past month, the 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo has decreased by 18 basis points, indicating a trend toward lower borrowing costs for homeowners. Borrowers should consider these shifts when evaluating financing options, as even minor changes can impact overall loan expenses significantly.

Federal Reserve Economic Trends

Current inflation expectations, as indicated by the Breakeven Inflation Rates, suggest a stable outlook, with the 10-year rate at 2.260% and the 5-year rate at 2.390%. These rates influence mortgage rates and overall borrowing costs, impacting consumer decisions. The largest change in mortgage rates over the past week was observed in the Mortgage 30Yr Jumbo Average Rates, which dropped by 6.36 percentage points; this trend continued with declines of 6.34 points over the last 30 days and 6.42 points over the last 60 days, making it crucial for borrowers to monitor these developments closely. Currently, there are no active rates for standard mortgage products; thus, potential borrowers should stay informed about market shifts to capitalize on favorable conditions when they arise.

LendMesh

A mortgage should open doors, not close them. That’s why LendMesh was created—to make the home financing process straightforward, supportive, and free from unnecessary stress. We’ve listened to stories from first-time buyers, seasoned investors, and growing families, and we’ve woven those experiences into every tool and feature on our site. Here, you can compare rates from banks you know and credit unions you might not have discovered yet—all in a single, transparent view. Our resources are written by real financial advisors who care about your future. Curious to learn more? Dive into our Mortgage Loans page: https://www.lendmesh.com/loans/mortgage_loans and find out how easy homeownership can really be.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, keeping an eye on even minor rate shifts can save thousands over time. With many credit unions trimming their FHA and conventional fixed rates by up to 25 basis points this week, now might be the moment to act if you qualify for these programs. Remember that dropping from 5% to around 4.5% on a 15-year fixed FHA loan can reduce your monthly payments significantly and shorten your loan term by years. As inflation trends cool, lenders may continue adjusting rates modestly, so staying informed will help you choose wisely. Whether buying or refinancing, focus on loans with transparent terms and minimal points to maximize savings. Your next step should blend patience with readiness, monitor rates closely but be prepared to lock in when conditions align with your goals.