Mortgage Rates Near 3-Year Lows — And McKee Homes Is Offering 4.25% Fixed

Feb 17, 2026

Mortgage rates have dipped back down to near three-year lows, creating renewed opportunity for today’s homebuyers. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed rate is currently hovering around 6.09%, just above its 52-week low of 6.06%. Zillow reports national averages even slightly lower in some cases.
After years of elevated borrowing costs, this shift is welcome news for buyers who have been waiting for the right moment.
But at McKee Homes, we believe in doing more than waiting on the market — we create opportunity for our buyers.
Right now, we are offering a 4.25% fixed-rate promotion on select homes through a partnership with our in-house lender, Vision Lending Services. That is significantly below current national averages and could make a meaningful difference in your monthly payment and long-term affordability.

Why This Matters Right Now

Mortgage rates are influenced by the broader economy — employment data, inflation trends, and bond market activity all play a role. While rates have recently dipped, volatility remains. Just this week, bond markets reacted sharply to economic news before settling back down.
In short: rates are improving, but they may not stay this low for long.
Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist recently noted that strong economic growth, a solid labor market, and mortgage rates at three-year lows are already driving increased buyer activity. As affordability improves, more buyers are re-entering the market.
That means competition could increase quickly.

How Much Difference Does Rate Make?

Even a 1% difference in your mortgage rate can significantly impact your monthly payment and total interest paid over time.
Now consider the difference between today’s national average of around 6% and McKee Homes’ 4.25% fixed rate.
That gap could mean:
- Lower monthly payments
- Greater purchasing power
- Long-term interest savings
- Increased financial flexibility
For many buyers, this creates an opportunity that simply hasn’t existed in recent years.

Fixed vs. Adjustable: Why Stability Matters

A fixed-rate mortgage locks in your interest rate for the life of your loan. Your principal and interest payment remains predictable, providing long-term financial stability.
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) may offer lower introductory rates, but they adjust over time based on market conditions. In uncertain economic cycles, many buyers prefer the security of knowing exactly what their payment will be 5, 10, or 20 years from now.
That’s why a 4.25% fixed rate is so compelling — it combines today’s market improvement with long-term certainty.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy?

Timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible. What matters more is securing a home that fits your needs at a payment you’re comfortable with.
With mortgage rates at three-year lows and McKee Homes offering a below-market fixed rate, buyers have a rare window of opportunity.
If rates rise again, as they often do when economic growth remains strong, today’s opportunity could narrow quickly.

The McKee Homes Difference

At McKee Homes, we focus on more than building houses — we build thoughtfully designed homes in desirable communities throughout North Carolina. Our team is committed to helping buyers navigate the process confidently, whether it’s your first home or your next chapter.
Our 4.25% fixed-rate promotion is available on select homes for a limited time. Like the broader rate environment, it may not last.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign that conditions are improving, this could be it.

Ready to Learn More?

Explore our available homes, tour one of our communities, or connect with our team to see how much you could save with our 4.25% fixed-rate offer.
Mortgage rates may be at three-year lows, but at McKee Homes, we’re going even lower. Make sure to check out this rate while supply lasts on select Quick Move In homes!

Payment scenarios are examples and are not intended as a pre-approval or guarantee of services. McKee Homes reserves the right to change or discontinue the program without notice. See McKee Homes website for full terms and conditions.

What Does 4.25% vs. 6% Really Mean for Your Payment?
Even what seems like a small difference in interest rate can dramatically affect your monthly payment and total cost over time.
Here’s a simplified example:
- Home Price: $350,000
- Loan Amount: $315,000 (10% down)
- 30-Year Fixed Mortgage
At 6.00%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be approximately:
$1,889 per month
At 4.25%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be approximately:
$1,550 per month
That’s a difference of about $339 per month.

Over the life of the loan, that could mean:
- More than $120,000 in potential interest savings
- Increased monthly flexibility in your household budget
- Greater purchasing power today

This example does not include taxes, insurance, or HOA dues, but it clearly shows how impactful rate differences can be.
A lower fixed rate is not just a small advantage — it can reshape the financial picture of homeownership.

Mortgage Rates Near 3-Year Lows — And McKee Homes Is Offering 4.25% Fixed

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