Mortgage rates below 6%: Financing options that make buying a new home more affordable
Posted on Feb 25, 2026 by dreeshomes
Posted on Feb 25, 2026 by dreeshomes
For homebuyers, the housing market is the most attractive it has been since 2022, as mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest level in years. Drees Homes, and our in-house lender First Equity Mortgage, makes it easy to secure a new home loan that fits your unique lifestyle. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.99% on Monday, CNBC reported. This time last year, the rate was 6.89%. And for a limited time, qualified Drees homebuyers can get a rate even lower with our new home financing promotion.
Additionally, Drees homeowners can lock in their interest rate, protecting it from market changes, using the Drees Freeze benefit. This allows homebuyers to lock their rate for up to 270 days while their home is being built. And if rates drop before closing, homebuyers may qualify for a lower rate.
When you build with Drees Homes and finance with Drees’ in-house lender, First Equity Mortgage, you can utilize your Drees incentives to reduce your rate even further in most Drees cities on select market homes and build-to-order homes. Use our mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment with these low interest rates. Financing your dream Drees home is simple with First Equity Mortgage (FEM). With more than 40 years of lending experience, FEM understands the nuances of new construction financing.
“At FEM, we offer a wide array of loan products, all with very competitive rates and costs,” said Vice President Nick Kennard. “Our loan officers are ready to discuss your home financing needs and present options to best fit your situation. Whether buying your first home or your forever home, we’re here to assist every step of the way.”
First Equity Mortgage offers the following types of loans:
First Equity makes applying for your new home loan fast and easy. Once you submit your application, you'll hear back from a loan officer before the end of the next business day. Here are the four steps you can expect when you apply for a new home loan with FEM:
FEM’s easy online application process takes less than 15 minutes. You can even choose to upload any required documents or allow our new asset verification process to collect your information directly from your financial institutions in a secure, simple and accurate process.
Your loan officer will call you to review and confirm the online loan information you provided. They will take the time to understand your specific needs to be able to recommend the best new home financing options for you.
During loan processing, FEM reviews your financial documents and credit history to make the best lending decision possible. Your loan officer will notify you of your loan approval and work with you to prepare for closing.
After you discuss your final closing figures with your loan officer, Drees and First Equity will work together with you to coordinate a firm closing date and time.
To see which new home financing incentives are being offered in your desired city, visit our website and select your location.