Introduction
On August 18, 2026, mortgage rates show subtle shifts that could shape your homebuying or refinancing plans. For those scanning the market, the lowest purchase rate today is a 5.25% 15-year fixed loan from Potlatch No 1 Financial, offering a solid option for buyers seeking shorter terms. Meanwhile, Zillow’s jumbo loans remain steady, with the 15-year fixed jumbo at 6.094% inching down slightly over the past week. Federal Reserve data points to a gentle rise in inflation expectations, nudging some average mortgage rates up by a few basis points. Here’s what you need to know before locking in a rate, whether you’re buying your first home or considering a refinance, small rate changes can impact your monthly payments and overall borrowing cost.
At a glance
New Purchase - VA 15 yrs Fixed
| Lender | 2026-08-18 Current | 2026-08-11 7 Days Ago | 2026-08-03 15 Days Ago | 2026-07-19 30 Days Ago | 2026-07-04 45 Days Ago | 2026-06-19 60 Days Ago | 2026-05-20 90 Days Ago | 2026-02-19 180 Days Ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POTLATCH NO. 1 FINANCIAL CREDIT UNIONLOWEST | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.13% | 5.13% | 5.25% | 4.75% |
| NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 5.38% | 5.38% | 5.50% | 5.38% | 5.25% | 5.25% | 5.00% | 4.75% |
| ENT CREDIT UNION | 5.50%▼ 12 bps | 5.63% | 5.63% | 5.50% | 5.25% | 5.38% | 5.63% | 4.88% |
| SPACE COAST CREDIT UNION | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.63% | 5.25% | 5.38% | 5.63% | 5.13% |
| HANSCOM FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.75% | 5.88% | 5.88% | 5.63% | 5.13% |
Sorted by current rate, lowest first. Scroll sideways for rate history. ▼ means the current rate is lower than last week, ▲ higher.
New Purchase - VA 30 yrs Fixed
| Lender | 2026-08-18 Current | 2026-08-11 7 Days Ago | 2026-08-03 15 Days Ago | 2026-07-19 30 Days Ago | 2026-07-04 45 Days Ago | 2026-06-19 60 Days Ago | 2026-05-20 90 Days Ago | 2026-02-19 180 Days Ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. EAGLE FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONLOWEST | 5.63% | 5.63% | 5.63% | 5.63% | 5.63% | 5.63% | 5.63% | 5.63% |
| PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 5.75%▲ 13 bps | 5.63% | 5.75% | 5.63% | 5.38% | 5.50% | 5.75% | 5.00% |
| NASA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 5.88%▼ 12 bps | 6.00% | 6.00% | 5.88% | 5.75% | 5.88% | 6.00% | 5.38% |
| NUVISION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 5.88%▼ 12 bps | 6.00% | 6.00% | 5.75% | 5.63% | 5.75% | 5.88% | 5.38% |
| POTLATCH NO. 1 FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION | 5.88%▲ 13 bps | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.75% | 5.63% | 5.63% | 5.75% | 5.25% |
| ENT CREDIT UNION | 6.00%▼ 12 bps | 6.13% | 6.13% | 6.00% | 5.75% | 5.88% | 6.13% | 5.38% |
| SELCO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION | 6.13% | 6.13% | 6.13% | 6.13% | 6.13% | 6.13% | 6.13% | 6.13% |
| HANSCOM FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.38% | 6.25% | 6.25% | 6.38% | 5.63% |
| SPACE COAST CREDIT UNION | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.38% | 6.00% | 6.13% | 6.38% | 5.88% |
| NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION | 6.88% | 6.88% | 5.88% | 5.75% | 5.63% | 5.63% | 6.75% | 6.13% |
Sorted by current rate, lowest first. Scroll sideways for rate history. ▼ means the current rate is lower than last week, ▲ higher.
ENT CREDIT UNION
As of August 18, 2026, VA 15-Year Fixed Purchase loans hold the lowest rate at 5.5%, down by 12.5 basis points from one week ago and stable compared to one month prior. Similarly, the VA 30-Year Fixed Purchase rate decreased by 12.5 basis points over the last seven days, settling at 6.0%, with no change over 30 days. These declines in yield spreads slightly reduce the cost of borrowing for veterans seeking fixed-rate mortgage options. Members prioritizing predictable payments may find the 15-year term advantageous for faster equity buildup despite higher monthly costs. Conversely, the 30-year term remains suitable for those valuing lower monthly obligations. Given these movements, consider evaluating your mortgage strategy to determine if locking in current fixed rates aligns with your long-term financial goals.
For details, visit https://www.ent.com/rates/#:~:text=Mortgage%20purchase%20rates
HANSCOM FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
On August 18, 2026, HANSCOM reports stable mortgage rates for VA Fixed-Rate Purchase Loans. The 15-Year VA Fixed Purchase rate remains at 5.875%, unchanged from one week ago but up 12.5 basis points compared to 30 days prior. Similarly, the 30-Year VA Fixed Purchase rate holds steady at 6.5%, with no change over seven days and a 12.5 basis points increase relative to a month ago.
These yield spreads suggest a modest rise in borrowing costs over the past month, impacting veterans seeking long-term financing options. First-time buyers considering fixed-rate terms should note these rates remain historically moderate but reflect recent upward pressure.
Members valuing payment stability may find the unchanged weekly rates supportive for fixed-rate commitments, while those weighing refinancing should evaluate if potential savings offset current rate trends. Consider fixed-rate options if you prioritize predictable payments; meanwhile, assess your mortgage strategy in light of these incremental cost shifts.
For details, visit https://www.hfcu.org/rates/mortgage-rates.html.
NASA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
On August 18, 2026, the 30-Year Fixed Rate Purchase mortgage stands at 5.875%, reflecting a 12.5 basis point decrease from last week’s 6.0%, while holding steady compared to rates 30 days ago. This narrowing yield spread suggests a modest reduction in borrowing costs for homebuyers locking in long-term fixed rates. First-time buyers may benefit from this slight dip by securing predictable payments at a marginally lower cost, whereas homeowners considering refinancing should evaluate whether current rates justify transaction expenses given the unchanged month-over-month level. In a market with stable 30-day trends but recent weekly improvement, members prioritizing payment certainty should consider fixed-rate options to manage interest rate risk effectively. For details, visit https://www.nasafcu.com/personal/mortgages-equity/mortgages/mortgages-rates.
NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
As of August 18, 2026, Navy Federal Credit Union's VA 15 Year Fixed Purchase mortgage remains steady at 5.375%, showing no change over the past week or month. This stability supports veterans seeking predictable payments with relatively low borrowing costs. Conversely, the Military Choice 30 Year Fixed Purchase rate holds at 6.875%, reflecting a notable increase of 112.5 basis points compared to 30 days ago, which elevates long-term financing expenses for members opting for extended terms.
Members prioritizing payment certainty may benefit from the unchanged VA 15 Year fixed rate, while those considering longer terms should evaluate the higher yield spreads on the Military Choice 30 Year product carefully. Given these dynamics, borrowers might consider locking in rates promptly or exploring refinancing if potential savings exceed associated costs.
For details, visit https://www.navyfederal.org/loans-cards/mortgage/mortgage-rates.html.
NUVISION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
On August 18, 2026, the 30-Year VA Fixed Purchase mortgage rate stands at a competitive 5.875%, marking a decrease of 12.5 basis points from one week ago. This downward shift slightly reduces the cost of borrowing for veterans and eligible buyers seeking stable long-term financing. However, compared to 30 days prior, rates have increased by 12.5 basis points, reflecting recent market volatility and yield spread adjustments.
For veterans and first-time buyers utilizing VA loans, this modest weekly decline may improve affordability marginally; nevertheless, monitoring rate trends remains crucial as longer-term movements could impact monthly payments. Given the current environment, borrowers prioritizing payment stability should consider fixed-rate options while evaluating refinancing opportunities if projected savings surpass associated costs.
For details, visit https://nuvisionfederal.com/lending/mortgage/rates.
PENTAGON FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
On August 18, 2026, the 30-year Fixed VA Loan Purchase rate stands at 5.75% with 1.25 points, marking a 12.5 basis point increase over the past week and month. This uptick in yield spread modestly raises the cost of borrowing for veterans seeking to purchase homes through this government-backed program. For veteran homebuyers, these higher rates may slightly increase monthly payments and total interest costs compared to recent weeks. Given the steady upward trend from 5.0% six months ago, members should carefully assess affordability and budget impact when locking in rates.
Veterans prioritizing payment stability might consider locking fixed rates promptly to mitigate further increases. Evaluating refinancing options remains prudent if current rates offer meaningful savings over existing loans. For data-driven mortgage decisions, focus on how incremental basis point changes affect long-term financial commitments.
POTLATCH NO. 1 FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION
As of August 18, 2026, 15-Year Fixed Purchase mortgage rates remain steady at 5.25%, holding the lowest yield among available options with no change over the past week or month. In contrast, the 30-Year Fixed Purchase rate increased by 12.5 basis points, rising from 5.75% to 5.875% in seven days and reflecting a similar increase compared to 30 days ago. This upward movement in longer-term rates suggests a modest rise in borrowing costs for those seeking extended loan terms. Members prioritizing predictability may consider the stable 15-Year Fixed option to manage interest rate risk effectively. Conversely, prospective homebuyers weighing affordability against term length should factor in recent yield spreads when evaluating financing strategies. For members exploring refinancing, assessing whether potential savings outweigh closing costs remains essential given current rate trends. For details, visit https://www.p1fcu.org/personal/mortgage-rates.
SELCO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
As of August 18, 2026, the 30-Year VA Manufactured Home Purchase loan remains steady at a rate of 6.125%, with no change over the past 7 or 30 days. This stability in yield spreads indicates consistent borrowing costs for veterans seeking to finance manufactured homes not on rented land. For veteran members, this fixed rate provides predictable monthly payments without exposure to rate volatility. First-time buyers and those prioritizing long-term payment certainty may find this program’s unchanged rate advantageous amid broader market fluctuations. Given these steady rates, members should consider fixed-rate options if valuing payment stability and evaluate their mortgage strategy accordingly. For details, visit https://www.selco.org/loans/home-loans/purchase-a-home/.
SPACE COAST CREDIT UNION
On August 18, 2026, SPACE COAST reports stable mortgage rates for fixed-rate purchase loans. The 15-year fixed purchase rate holds steady at 5.75%, unchanged over the past week but up 12.5 basis points from 30 days ago, indicating a modest increase in borrowing costs for shorter-term fixed mortgages. Similarly, the 30-year fixed purchase rate remains at 6.50%, also unchanged weekly yet up 12.5 basis points month-over-month, reflecting a gradual upward trend in long-term fixed mortgage yields.
These consistent rates impact borrowers differently; first-time buyers and those seeking predictable payments may find value in locking in current fixed rates despite recent rises. Given the slight increases, members should evaluate their mortgage strategy carefully, particularly if considering long-term financing options or refinancing to mitigate future cost escalation.
For details, visit https://www.sccu.com/personal/consumer-rates#mortgage.
U.S. EAGLE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
As of August 18, 2026, the 30-Year Fixed Purchase Mortgage rate remains steady at 5.625%, unchanged over the past week and month. This stability in rates means borrowing costs for homebuyers are consistent, allowing buyers to plan financing with predictable yield spreads. For first-time purchasers prioritizing long-term payment certainty, the fixed-rate option continues to offer a reliable benchmark without recent fluctuations.
Given no movement in rates, members should focus on evaluating their mortgage strategies against current market conditions. Those considering buying can benefit from locking in today's stable fixed rates, while homeowners assessing refinancing should compare potential savings against closing costs carefully. Maintaining awareness of stable rates supports informed decisions about fixed-rate products that minimize exposure to interest volatility.
For details, visit https://www.useagle.org/rates/home-mortgage-rates.
Zillow National Average
As of August 18, 2026, mortgage rates have generally trended downwards. The 15-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo is now at 6.094%, reflecting a decrease of 0.13 basis points from yesterday and 0.25 basis points over the past month, indicating improved borrowing conditions for those considering this loan type. Conversely, the 30-Year Fixed Rate Jumbo remains stable at 6.525%, with only minor fluctuations observed in recent days. Borrowers should note these shifts in rates as they could affect their overall cost of borrowing; thus, evaluating options based on current market trends is advisable for making informed financial decisions.
Federal Reserve Economic Trends
Current inflation expectations are reflected in the Breakeven Inflation Rate, with the 10-year rate at 2.280% and the 5-year at 2.250%. These figures suggest moderate inflation forecasts, impacting mortgage rates as they signal borrowing costs. Notably, Mortgage 30Yr Average Rates have seen a significant decline of 6.55 points over the past 30 days, indicating more favorable conditions for borrowers. The lowest mortgage rate currently reported is for the 15-Year Average Rates, which remains at 0.000%, highlighting an unusual situation where no data is provided for this term. Borrowers should stay informed about these trends to make educated decisions regarding their financing options.
LendMesh
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Conclusion
As you weigh your next move, remember that even minor rate changes affect long-term affordability. The slight uptick in Fed-reported average rates, like the 30-year VA loan creeping up by 4 basis points, means acting with intention is key. If you qualify for a shorter term like Potlatch’s 5.25% 15-year fixed, it might save thousands in interest over time despite potentially higher monthly payments. For homeowners eyeing jumbo loans, Zillow’s small dip in the 15-year fixed jumbo rate could create an opening worth exploring. Stay informed about these incremental shifts; they offer clues about where borrowing costs are headed and help you decide when to lock in a rate that fits your financial goals best.