Introduction

On March 17, 2026, mortgage rates are showing subtle shifts that could influence your homebuying or refinancing plans. While many Credit Unions hold steady, a few have nudged their rates upward this week. Zillow’s jumbo loan rates ticked higher by around 12 to 15 basis points, reflecting broader market trends. The Federal Reserve’s inflation data suggests some pressure on longer-term borrowing costs, with the 30-year VA average creeping up by 7 basis points. If you’re eyeing the most affordable option today, Ent Credit Union’s 15-year VA fixed loan at 5.00% stands out as the lowest rate available for purchase loans. Here’s what you need to know before locking in a rate to ensure you get the best value for your investment.

New Purchase - VA 15 yrs Fixed

Lender
2026-03-17
(Current Day)
2026-03-10
(7 Days Ago)
2026-03-02
(15 Days Ago)
2026-02-15
(30 Days Ago)
2026-01-31
(45 Days Ago)
2026-01-16
(60 Days Ago)
2025-12-17
(90 Days Ago)
2025-09-18
(180 Days Ago)
5.25%
5.25%
5.00%
-25 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.00%
-25 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.13%
5.13%
5.13%
5.13%
5.13%
5.13%
5.13%
5.50%
+37.5 bps
5.13%
4.75%
-37.5 bps
4.88%
-25 bps
4.75%
-37.5 bps
4.88%
-25 bps
4.99%
-13.5 bps
4.99%
-13.5 bps
5.25%
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.00%
-25 bps
5.00%
-25 bps
5.00%
-25 bps
5.00%
-25 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.00%
-25 bps
5.00%
5.00%
4.88%
-12.5 bps
5.00%
5.00%
4.88%
-12.5 bps
5.13%
+12.5 bps
4.88%
-12.5 bps
5.25%
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.00%
-25 bps
5.13%
-12.5 bps
5.00%
4.88%
-12.5 bps
4.75%
-25 bps
4.75%
-25 bps
4.75%
-25 bps
4.75%
-25 bps
5.00%
4.75%
-25 bps
4.88%
4.88%
4.75%
-12.5 bps
4.63%
-25 bps
4.63%
-25 bps
4.50%
-37.5 bps
4.63%
-25 bps
4.75%
-12.5 bps
5.13%
5.00%
-12.5 bps
4.88%
-25 bps
4.88%
-25 bps
4.88%
-25 bps
4.88%
-25 bps
4.75%
-37.5 bps

New Purchase - VA 30 yrs Fixed

Lender
2026-03-17
(Current Day)
2026-03-10
(7 Days Ago)
2026-03-02
(15 Days Ago)
2026-02-15
(30 Days Ago)
2026-01-31
(45 Days Ago)
2026-01-16
(60 Days Ago)
2025-12-17
(90 Days Ago)
2025-09-18
(180 Days Ago)
5.38%
5.38%
5.38%
5.13%
-25 bps
5.38%
5.38%
5.38%
5.63%
+25 bps
5.75%
5.63%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-25 bps
5.50%
-25 bps
5.50%
-25 bps
5.50%
-25 bps
5.63%
-12.5 bps
5.63%
-12.5 bps
5.63%
5.63%
5.63%
5.63%
5.63%
5.63%
5.63%
6.00%
+37.5 bps
5.63%
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.38%
-25 bps
5.38%
-25 bps
5.38%
-25 bps
5.25%
-37.5 bps
5.38%
-25 bps
5.63%
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.38%
-25 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.63%
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.63%
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.50%
-12.5 bps
5.75%
+12.5 bps
5.63%
5.50%
5.25%
-25 bps
5.25%
-25 bps
5.25%
-25 bps
5.25%
-25 bps
5.25%
-25 bps
5.49%
-1 bps
5.25%
6.25%
+100 bps
6.13%
+87.5 bps
6.25%
+100 bps
5.25%
6.25%
+100 bps
6.38%
+112.5 bps
6.25%
+100 bps
5.38%
5.38%
5.25%
-12.5 bps
5.25%
-12.5 bps
5.25%
-12.5 bps
5.25%
-12.5 bps
5.25%
-12.5 bps
5.25%
-12.5 bps
5.75%
5.75%
5.50%
-25 bps
5.50%
-25 bps
5.50%
-25 bps
5.75%
5.75%

AVADIAN CREDIT UNION

As of March 17, 2026, the 30-Year VA Fixed Purchase mortgage rate remains steady at 5.375%, unchanged from one week ago but up by 25 basis points compared to 30 days prior. This incremental rise in yield spreads modestly increases the cost of borrowing for veterans and active-duty buyers utilizing VA loans. For those planning new home purchases, maintaining a fixed rate offers predictability amid recent market shifts.
Members should evaluate their mortgage strategies carefully; stable fixed-rate options continue to mitigate interest rate volatility risk. Veterans considering financing may find it prudent to assess current rates against their long-term affordability goals. Given the upward trend over the past month, consider refinancing only if potential savings exceed associated costs.

CAPITAL CREDIT UNION

As of March 17, 2026, Federal VA Loans for purchase show mixed movement. The 15-year fixed VA loan holds steady at 5.25%, maintaining the lowest rate available today; this stability supports veterans seeking shorter-term financing with predictable payments. Conversely, the 30-year fixed VA loan rose by 12.5 basis points to 5.75%, marking a notable increase over the past week and a cumulative rise of 25 basis points in the last 30 days. This uptick raises the cost of borrowing for long-term homebuyers and may influence affordability.
Members considering these products should evaluate their mortgage strategy carefully: those valuing payment stability might prioritize the 15-year fixed VA loan, while potential borrowers on the longer term should assess whether current rates justify locking in or delaying purchase decisions. For veterans exploring financing options, monitoring these trends is essential to optimize loan costs.

CREDIT UNION 1 CREDIT UNION

As of March 17, 2026, 15-year VA Loans and 30-year VA Loans purchase rates remain steady at 5.125% and 5.625%, respectively. There has been no change in yield spreads over the past week or month, reflecting stable borrowing costs for veterans seeking fixed-rate financing. These rates are notably lower than those seen six months ago, indicating a favorable environment for veterans evaluating home purchases. For first-time buyers or those prioritizing predictable payments, the 15-year VA fixed rate at 5.125% offers the lowest cost option today. Given the stability in rates, members should consider their long-term mortgage strategy carefully; for some, locking in a fixed rate may mitigate future market volatility. For details, visit https://www.cu1.org/rates#real-estate-rates.

CREDIT UNION WEST CREDIT UNION

As of March 17, 2026, mortgage rates for fixed-rate purchase loans at CREDIT UNION WEST have increased notably. The 15-year fixed purchase rate stands at 5.125% with 1.875 points, up 37.5 basis points compared to last week and the same increase over the past 30 days. This rise elevates the cost of borrowing for borrowers seeking shorter-term fixed options, potentially affecting first-time buyers aiming for quicker payoff schedules.
Similarly, the 30-year fixed purchase loan rate is at 5.625% with 1.75 points, reflecting a 37.5 basis point increase over seven days and a smaller yet significant 25 basis point rise over 30 days. This upward movement impacts long-term affordability, especially for those prioritizing payment stability over decades.
Members should carefully evaluate their mortgage strategy; consider fixed-rate options if you value payment predictability amid rising yields. For those contemplating purchases, locking in rates promptly may mitigate further cost increases. Refinancing considerations should weigh current rate trends against potential savings.

EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION

On March 17, 2026, VA 15-year Fixed Purchase mortgage rates increased to 5.25%, rising by 12.5 basis points compared to last week and up 25 basis points over the past month. Similarly, the VA 30-year Fixed Purchase rate moved higher to 5.625%, up 12.5 basis points week-over-week and 12.5 basis points since 30 days ago. These upward shifts indicate a gradual rise in borrowing costs for veterans pursuing home purchases. First-time buyers and veterans should carefully assess their budgets given these yield spreads, particularly when choosing between shorter or longer terms. Considering fixed-rate options may offer stability amid these incremental increases. Members evaluating purchase plans should monitor these trends closely to time their decisions effectively; consider refinancing only if projected savings outweigh associated costs. For details, visit https://www.ecu.com/personal-banking/home-loans/buy-a-home/#rates.

ENT CREDIT UNION

As of March 17, 2026, VA 15-Year Fixed Purchase mortgage rates remain stable at 5.00%, holding steady over the past week and month with no change. This rate represents the lowest available option today, reflecting consistent borrowing costs for veterans seeking shorter-term financing. Conversely, the VA 30-Year Fixed Purchase rate increased by 12.5 basis points to 5.625% compared to last week and month, indicating a modest rise in long-term yield spreads. Veterans considering longer amortization periods may face slightly higher monthly payments due to this uptick.
Members prioritizing predictable payments might evaluate fixed-rate options like the unchanged 15-year term for budget stability. Given these movements, first-time buyers and veteran borrowers should assess refinancing feasibility if current rates offer measurable savings over existing loans. Consider your mortgage strategy carefully in light of incremental cost shifts.

MOUNTAIN AMERICA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

On March 17, 2026, 15-year VA fixed purchase loans carry the lowest rate at 5.25%, marking a 12.5 basis point increase over the past week and a similar rise compared to 30 days ago. The 30-year VA fixed purchase rate stands at 5.50%, up by 25 basis points in the last seven and 30 days, reflecting a notable uptick in borrowing costs for veterans seeking longer-term financing. These upward movements indicate tighter yield spreads impacting VA loan pricing, which may affect monthly payments and overall affordability. Veterans considering home purchases should weigh these rate shifts carefully; those prioritizing payment stability might evaluate shorter terms like the 15-year option despite slightly higher monthly obligations. Given current trends, members are advised to analyze mortgage strategies thoroughly and consider refinancing only if projected savings surpass associated costs.

NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

As of March 17, 2026, VA 15 Year Fixed Purchase rates stand at 5.0% with 0.25 points, reflecting a modest increase of 12.5 basis points from last week and a 25 basis point rise over the past month. This uptick slightly raises borrowing costs for veterans seeking shorter-term financing but maintains competitive yields compared to recent history. Meanwhile, the VA 30 Year Fixed Purchase rate shows a significant decline to 5.25% with 0.75 points, down by a full percentage point from both one week and one month ago. This notable reduction improves affordability for long-term homebuyers and may prompt reevaluation of purchase timing or mortgage product choice.
Members should consider fixed-rate options if they prioritize payment stability; those eligible for VA loans may find advantageous terms amid these shifts. Evaluate your mortgage strategy carefully to align borrowing costs with financial goals, especially given recent volatility.

POTLATCH NO. 1 FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

On March 17, 2026, POTLATCH NO. 1 FINANCIAL reports stable mortgage rates for purchase loans in fixed categories. The 15-Year Fixed Purchase rate remains at 4.875%, unchanged from a week ago but up 25 basis points compared to 30 days prior. This increase in the shorter-term fixed rate raises the cost of borrowing slightly for buyers seeking faster payoff schedules. Meanwhile, the 30-Year Fixed Purchase rate holds steady at 5.375%, showing no change over the past week and a modest rise of 12.5 basis points versus one month ago. For first-time buyers or those prioritizing predictability, locking in a fixed rate may still offer budget stability despite recent upticks. Given these movements, members should evaluate whether refinancing aligns with their financial goals, especially if current rates improve relative to their existing loan terms. Consider fixed-rate options if you value payment consistency over time.

WHATCOM EDUCATIONAL CREDIT UNION

On March 17, 2026, VA 15-Year Fixed Purchase loans are priced at a notable 5.125%, up 12.5 basis points from last week and 25 basis points higher than 30 days ago, marking the lowest rate across today’s offerings. Meanwhile, the VA 30-Year Fixed Purchase rate holds steady at 5.75%, unchanged over the past seven days but increased by 25 basis points compared to one month prior. These shifts indicate a gradual rise in borrowing costs for veterans seeking fixed-rate mortgages. First-time buyers and veterans prioritizing payment stability may find the shorter-term VA 15-year option advantageous despite the recent uptick in rates. Given these trends, members should evaluate their mortgage strategy carefully; considering fixed-rate options may provide predictability amid rising yields, while assessing refinancing opportunities is prudent if potential savings outweigh associated costs. For details, visit https://www.wecu.com/homeloans/purchase/.

Zillow National Average

As of March 17, 2026, mortgage rates are trending upward. The 15-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo increased to 6.312%, up by 0.06% from yesterday and 0.15% over the past week. Meanwhile, the 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo also rose to 6.435%, reflecting a smaller daily increase of 0.04% but a more notable monthly rise of 0.27%. Borrowers should be aware that these rising rates may lead to higher costs of borrowing, making it essential to assess their financial strategies accordingly. Staying informed on these changes can aid in making timely decisions regarding mortgage options.

Federal Reserve Economic Trends

Current inflation expectations have a direct impact on mortgage rates, influencing the cost of borrowing. The Breakeven Inflation Rate 10Yr saw the most significant decrease, dropping by 2.36 points in just one day and 2.33 points over the past week, indicating lower long-term inflation expectations. In contrast, Mortgage 30Yr Average Rates fell by 6.09 points over the last 30 days, reflecting a favorable environment for homebuyers. Notably, the lowest mortgage rate recorded is for Mortgage 30Yr FHA Average Rates at 5.958%. As inflation expectations stabilize, borrowers may find advantageous conditions to secure lower interest rates; therefore, monitoring these trends is crucial for financial planning.

LendMesh

At LendMesh, we know that the best mortgage is the one that fits your life, not just your budget. Maybe you’re ready to upgrade for more space, or perhaps you’re downsizing to something simpler. Our platform brings together trusted names from the banking and credit union world, letting you compare rates, terms, and even lender philosophies. We see ourselves as your financial partner—here to guide, explain, and empower. If you’re looking for a new way to shop for home loans, or you just want to check if your current deal is the best one out there, our Mortgage Loans page is a great place to start: https://www.lendmesh.com/loans/mortgage_loans . At LendMesh, your goals are always at the heart of our advice.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, even small rate changes like the recent 10 to 12 basis point increases can add several dollars to your monthly mortgage payment and thousands over the life of a loan. For buyers and refinancers, it’s worth considering shorter-term fixed options like the 15-year VA loans at or near 5.00%, which combine lower rates with faster equity building. Homeowners should also watch inflation trends closely since they influence long-term borrowing costs. Staying informed about Credit Union offerings and national averages can help you time your lock-in wisely. Remember, a slight difference in rate today can mean big savings tomorrow, so weigh your options carefully and lean on trusted lenders offering competitive terms tailored to your financial goals.