These are today's mortgage and refinance rates. Mortgage rates are down thanks to lower inflation and market fears of an economic slowdown.

Rates on 30-year new purchase mortgages dropped for a sixth day Thursday, ticking down 1 basis point to an average of 6.59%. In the past six days, the flagship rate has shed 24 points. The current average of 6.59% establishes a new low point for this year.

28/36 rule: Housing expenses (including mortgage payments, utilities, HOA fees and homeowners insurance) should be no more than 28% of your gross income and no more than 36% on debts overall. 30% rule: Keep monthly mortgage payments and other housing costs to no more than 30% of your take-home pay.

The rate on a 30-year fixed refinance decreased to 6.7% today, according to the Mortgage Research Center. For 15-year fixed refinance mortgages, the average rate is 5.66%, and for 20-year mortgages, the average is 6.

Mortgage rates fell for the sixth week in a row, offering some financial relief to prospective home buyers. The 30-year mortgage rate averaged 6.76% as of Feb. 27, the lowest rate in over two months,

The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond continues to inch lower and that’s having the effect of pulling down mortgage rates. The bond’s yield has fallen fro