If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “right time” to buy or sell a home in Chattanooga — that moment may have just arrived. As of February 16, 2026, mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest levels in more than three years, and the Lawrence Team Homes is here to help you make sense of what that means for your next move.
What the Numbers Say
According to the latest national data released today:
• 30-year fixed mortgage rate: 5.85% (Zillow national average)
• 15-year fixed mortgage rate: 5.36%
• One year ago, the 30-year rate was 6.87%.
• Freddie Mac confirms rates are at their lowest weekly average since early 2023.
To put that in real dollars: on a $300,000 home, the difference between a 6.87% rate and today’s 5.85% rate amounts to roughly $180 less per month in your mortgage payment. That’s real money back in your pocket every single month.
What This Means for Chattanooga Buyers
Lower rates mean greater purchasing power. The home that may have been slightly out of reach six months ago could now fit comfortably within your budget. Here’s why now is a compelling time to get serious about buying:
• Your monthly payment on the same home is significantly lower than it was a year ago.
• The spring buying season is heating up — Freddie Mac reports purchase applications are already rising year-over-year.
• Waiting may cost you. As more buyers come off the sidelines, competition for homes will increase — potentially pushing prices up.
• The Fed’s next meeting isn’t until March — the current window of stability is an opportunity.
What This Means for Chattanooga Sellers
Lower mortgage rates don’t just benefit buyers — they’re great news for sellers, too. When buyers can afford more, your home becomes accessible to a wider, more motivated pool of qualified prospects. Spring is historically the strongest season for home sales, and with rates falling ahead of schedule, we’re seeing strong early momentum in the Chattanooga market.
If you’ve been considering listing your home, the conditions are increasingly favorable. Buyer demand is growing, and homes priced right are moving quickly.
Don’t Try to Time the Market — Build a Relationship Instead
At Lawrence Team Homes, we believe the best real estate decisions aren’t made by watching interest rates tick up and down on a screen — they’re made through honest conversations, local expertise, and a team that genuinely knows the Chattanooga community.
Rate drops like this one create real opportunities. But every family’s situation is different. The right move for your neighbor may not be the right move for you. That’s why we take the time to understand your goals — not just your budget — and guide you with the kind of care and transparency that builds lasting relationships, not just transactions.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family looking for more space, or a homeowner ready to sell and start the next chapter — the Lawrence Team Homes is here for you. Let’s have a real conversation about what these rate changes mean for your specific situation.
📞 Call or text us today: (423) 451-8881
We’re strengthening the Chattanooga community one conversation, one transaction, one relationship at a time.
