Mortgage rates finally moved in the right direction. Freddie Mac’s weekly survey showed the average 30‑year fixed rate at 6.06% for the week ending January 15, 2026—down from 6.16% the week before and 7.04% a year earlier. That’s the lowest benchmark reading since 2022.
What 6.06% changes (and what it doesn’t)
A drop from the low‑7% range to just above 6% can take real pressure off a monthly payment, but it doesn’t fix affordability by itself—especially once you add taxes and insurance.
Example (principal and interest only):
| Loan Amount | Rate | Approx. Monthly P&I |
| $350,000 | 7.04% | $2,338 |
| $350,000 | 6.06% | $2,112 |
That’s about $226 per month in this example. Helpful—but if you’re still borrowing a large amount, the payment can still feel heavy.
Why many payments still feel high
- Home prices are still elevated in many markets, so loan sizes remain large.
- Property taxes and homeowners insurance have been rising in many areas.
- Putting less than 20% down can add PMI on top of the payment.
A practical strategy: upgrade first, refinance later
If you already own a home—or you’re buying now and plan to stay put—one practical way to improve the math is to raise the home’s value with smart upgrades, then refinance (or remove PMI) when the timing and numbers work.
This approach is usually about:
- Making the home easier to appraise and easier to sell.
- Improving loan‑to‑value over time (sometimes helping with PMI removal).
- Setting up a refinance that lowers the long‑term monthly burden when rates cooperate.
0% APR for upgrades: start with Zero Interest Mastery (“Zero Mastery”)
Zero Interest Mastery is a consulting company that helps business owners access 0% business credit. On their site, they promote $100,000–$250,000 of 0% business funding. They’re not the bank and they don’t issue the credit—their role is helping you approach the right banks and issuers and line up the applications in a way that supports higher limits.
What 0% APR actually means
A 0% APR offer is an introductory period where you pay no interest on purchases (and sometimes on balance transfers) for a set number of months. It can work well for a renovation or move‑in project if you have a clear payoff plan. The catch is simple: once the promo ends, interest can jump, and some offers carry fees (especially balance transfers).
Why business cards matter if you plan to refinance
If you put a big renovation balance on a personal 0% card, that balance shows up on your personal credit report. High utilization can drag down your score right when you’re trying to qualify for the best mortgage pricing.
That’s why many people prefer using business credit cards for the 0% portion. With many major issuers, business card balances usually don’t report to the personal credit bureaus unless the account becomes delinquent. In plain English: you can carry a temporary balance without it showing up as a big utilization spike on your personal reports.
Important exception: Capital One is known for reporting most business card activity to personal credit bureaus, including most Spark cards. So if you’re trying to keep your personal score clean for a mortgage, Capital One business cards are often the ones to avoid for this strategy.
Two practical caveats: you can still see a hard inquiry when you apply, and not every issuer’s reporting policy is identical—always confirm before you apply.
Upgrades that tend to help value
Not every renovation pays back the same way. If your goal is a stronger appraisal and cleaner refinance story later, focus on updates that are easy to see and easy to document.
- Cosmetic refresh: paint, flooring, lighting, fixtures, hardware.
- Kitchen and bath refresh: counters, fixtures, updated appliances, clean finishes.
- Curb appeal: basic landscaping, exterior touch‑ups, entry improvements.
- Fixing problems: roof issues, water damage, electrical or plumbing repairs.
Keep receipts and take before‑and‑after photos. Documentation helps when an appraiser reviews the home.
Simple rules to keep this clean
- Know your budget, your timeline, and your monthly payoff amount before you charge anything.
- Avoid deferred‑interest promos unless you fully understand the terms and the exact payoff deadline.
- If a refinance is coming soon, don’t open new accounts at the last minute. Give yourself runway.
- Don’t use credit cards as down payment funds—ask your loan officer before making any move that affects cash‑to‑close.
Bottom line
6.06% is progress, and it can cut payments compared with last year. But in a still‑high‑rate environment, the biggest wins usually come from lowering the loan balance over time and positioning yourself for a better refinance later.
Using 0% APR to fund value‑focused upgrades can make sense—especially when it’s structured through business cards that don’t report balances to your personal credit. If you’re exploring higher‑limit 0% business funding, Zero Mastery is one place people look because they focus on that business‑card approach and aim for larger totals. Just keep the plan disciplined and the payoff realistic.
FAQs
Is 6.06% the rate I will get?
No. It’s a benchmark average. Your rate depends on your credit, down payment or equity, points, loan type, and lender pricing that day.
Should I refinance just because rates dipped?
Not automatically. Compare the payment savings to closing costs and how long you plan to keep the loan.
Will 0% APR hurt my mortgage chances?
It can if the balance reports on your personal credit and spikes utilization. That’s why business cards that don’t report balances are often the cleaner tool.
Do business credit cards always stay off personal credit reports?
Often, but not always. Many major issuers don’t report ongoing balances to personal bureaus unless delinquent. Some issuers do report—Capital One is the big exception.
Why avoid Capital One Spark cards for this?
Capital One is known for reporting most business card activity to personal credit bureaus, including most Spark cards, which can affect your personal score and utilization.
What upgrades are most likely to help appraisal value?
Clean, visible improvements and fixing real problems—paint, flooring, kitchen/bath refreshes, curb appeal, and major repairs that remove red flags.
How do I avoid getting burned at the end of a 0% period?
Divide the balance by the number of promo months, set autopay, and track the end date. If you can’t pay it off in time, don’t finance the full project on 0%.
What is Zero Mastery, exactly?
They describe themselves as a consulting firm that helps business owners pursue 0% business credit and higher limits through bank and issuer applications. They are not the lender, and approvals depend on the banks and your profile.
Disclosure
This article is for general information and does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Credit and mortgage rules vary by lender and borrower. Review terms carefully and confirm anything mortgage‑related with your loan officer.
