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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBankrate’s October 7 national rate table displayed a 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate of 7.52% and an APR of 7.58%. A second Bankrate table on the same page, timestamped 6:30 a.m., showed 7.56% and 7.63% APR. These are published rate-table figures, not a guaranteed offer—and the available figures do not establish that rates fell from the previous day.
Mortgage rates today: October 7 figures
| Measure | Rate | What it represents |
|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed, Bankrate national table | 7.52% interest; 7.58% APR | Bankrate’s national table displayed for October 7, 2026. Source |
| 30-year fixed, Bankrate table timestamped 6:30 a.m. | 7.56% interest; 7.63% APR | A separate October 7 table snapshot on Bankrate’s page. Source |
| 30-year fixed, Freddie Mac weekly average | 7.28% | U.S. weekly average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Source |
| 15-year fixed, Freddie Mac weekly average | 6.60% | U.S. weekly average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Source |
The Bankrate and Freddie Mac figures use different sources, methods, and reporting periods. They should not be treated as competing quotes for the same borrower.
Did mortgage rates fall on October 7?
The available data does not verify a daily decline. Bankrate’s October 7 page shows more than one table snapshot, and the figures above do not provide a comparable national Bankrate observation for the preceding day. Freddie Mac’s weekly 30-year average moved in the opposite direction over its latest measured interval: it rose from 7.03% for the week ending September 24 to 7.28% for the week ending October 1, an increase of 0.25 percentage point. That weekly change does not establish what happened to a daily rate on October 7.
Why published mortgage rates differ
Weekly survey versus daily snapshot
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) is weekly. Its described sample draws on rates from thousands of mortgage applications submitted by lenders nationwide through Loan Product Advisor. It covers first-lien, prime conventional conforming home-purchase loans at 80% loan-to-value. The 7.28% figure is an average for that defined sample and publication week, not a universal same-day rate. Freddie Mac explains its survey methodology.
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Daily rate publishers may use different update times, geographic coverage, products, and calculation methods. Bankrate separates national averages, its weekly Bankrate Monitor index, and advertised top offers; NerdWallet’s October 7 Kentucky page attributed its state-level rate data to Zillow. Bankrate’s rate page and NerdWallet’s Kentucky rate page illustrate why a rate needs its provider and context.
Interest rate versus APR
The interest rate is the rate used to calculate interest on the loan balance. APR expresses borrowing costs more broadly by incorporating certain loan costs, so it is often higher than the interest rate. The Bankrate table’s 7.52% interest rate and 7.58% APR are distinct measures, not alternative ways to state one number.
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National average versus personal offer
A published average is useful for context, but it cannot predict a household’s exact quote. A lender’s offer depends on the loan and borrower details, as well as the rate-lock terms and fees. Compare personalized Loan Estimates rather than assuming an average—or an advertised top offer—is available to you.
How to compare mortgage offers fairly
Put offers side by side only after matching the details that affect their price and terms:
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- Loan product: Compare the same term and type, such as 30-year fixed with 30-year fixed, rather than mixing it with a 15-year fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage.
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For a state-specific example, NerdWallet’s October 7 page listed a 7.52% APR for a 30-year fixed mortgage in Kentucky, sourced to Zillow. The page described that figure as unchanged from the previous day and 32 basis points above one week earlier. It is a Kentucky-specific provider measure, not Freddie Mac’s national weekly survey or a rate available to every Kentucky borrower. See NerdWallet’s Kentucky rate page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Freddie Mac said about the weekly benchmark
In Freddie Mac’s October 1, 2026 release, chief economist Sam Khater said, “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.28% this week.” The statement refers to that week’s survey result, not a daily October 7 quote. Freddie Mac’s PMMS page.
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- SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE: Keys clearly labeled in residential mortgage finance terms like Loan Amt, Int, Term, Pmt; this industry-standard calculator is super easy to use on all realty financing matters from finding a loan that works for your client to considering trust deeds investments, or finding remaining balances or balloon payments and more
- CONFIDENTLY AND EASILY SOLVE: Clients' financial questions whether they're buyers, sellers, investors or renters. Increase your perceived professionalism as a new agent, experienced broker or seasoned loan officer. Close more home sales and impress your clients with fast, accurate answers to all their real estate finance questions from PITI Payments to IRR, NPV and Cashflows
- DEDICATED BUYER QUALIFYING KEYS: Enter client's income, debt and expenses to pre-qualify them to only show properties they can afford. Include tax, insurance and mortgage insurance then compare loan options and payment solutions to give your client choices before they make an offer to buy
- FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT LOAN: For your client at the press of a button for jumbo, conventional, FHA/VA, or even 80:10:10 or 80:15:5 combo loans; check to see if ARMs or bi-weekly loans, quarterly payments or if interest-only payments are the answer; giving your client more choices; easily perform what if loan or TVM calculations find loan amount, term, interest or PITI or PI payments
- BECOME AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE: To your clients by reducing their confusion and uncertainty; ensuring they are able to make a purchase offer; knowing they can afford the down payment; and determining which is the right loan for them. Date-math for listings and contracts too. Comes with a protective slide cover, quick reference guide, pocket user's guide, and long-life battery
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