Updated August 21, 2026 with Freddie Mac's August 20 survey and HAR's July market report.
Houston's 30-year fixed sits at 6.65%. A year ago it was 6.58%. Seven basis points of movement in twelve months — effectively nothing.
The rate isn't the story this summer. Inventory is. Houston just posted a record 40,750 active listings, and that's where your leverage is.
From Freddie Mac's survey, released August 20, 2026:
| Loan Type | Now | Last Week | Year Ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed | 6.65% | 6.67% | 6.58% |
| 15-Year Fixed | 5.95% | 5.96% | 5.69% |
The 30-year has now eased three weeks in a row — 6.69% on August 6, 6.67% on August 13, 6.65% now. Small steps, but all in the same direction. The 15-year is still the mover — 26 basis points above last August, which narrows the spread and changes the math on a shorter term.
Houston pricing runs under the national survey. Our posted Houston 30-year fixed purchase rate is 6.125% as of August 13. Where you land comes down to your credit score, your down payment, your loan type — conventional, FHA, VA, or jumbo — and whether you buy points.
Houston in July 2026, per HAR:
Prices stopped climbing. More homes are on the market than Houston has ever had. Sellers negotiate now — on price, on closing costs, and increasingly on rate buydowns.
That last one matters most. A seller credit put toward discount points cuts your rate for the life of the loan. Three years ago that ask got you laughed out of the deal. Today it's routine.
Waiting for cheaper money has been a losing bet for twelve straight months. The inventory advantage is available today. Run the real payment first, though — in Texas, taxes and insurance do more damage than the rate does. Here's the average mortgage payment in Houston.
At 6.65%, a rate-and-term refi only pencils out if you're above roughly 7.2%. Below that, the play is tapping equity, not chasing rate.
Two basis points a week is not a trend worth timing. If the payment works today, lock it and stop refreshing rate trackers.
A national average is a starting point, not an offer. The only rate that counts is the one you qualify for. We're Houston-based, and we'll tell you straight where you stand — contact our team.
Rates cited from Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey released August 20, 2026, and Houston Association of Realtors data for July 2026. Mortgage rates change daily and vary by borrower. Figures shown are national averages, not an offer, commitment, or guarantee of any rate or term. Your actual rate depends on your credit profile, loan amount, down payment, property type, and other factors.