Mortgage rates in the United States plummeted to new record-lows last week, according to Virginia-based mortgage-finance company, Freddie Mac. The new record-low for the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is now 3.49%, that’s 4 basis points below the previous lowest rate, 3.53%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate deal, which is quite popular among refinancers, currently stands at 2.80%, which is down from the 2.83% rate that it carried two weeks ago.

This week should be an interesting one as plenty of important domestic economic reports are scheduled to be released. As for the Eurozone, it’s still uncertain what kind of consequences the debt crisis will have in Greece and Spain, but the European Central Bank’s president announced last week, that they will do everything in order to protect the euro.

Regarding U.S. mortgage activity, applications filed for home purchase and refinancing were up 0.9% in the week ended July 20. Mainly applications for home refinancing were driving the increase, as refinance activity inched up 1.8% in the said period. Loan requests for home purchases took the opposite direction, as they fell 2.8%.

Today’s mortgage rates still hold their promise, as several top lenders are offering exceptional value across their different mortgage loan packages. Among major U.S. lenders, Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) offers the benchmark 30-year fixed refinance loan at a rate of 3.875% and an APR sum of 4.051%. Potential borrowers, who are more comfortable with conditions that come with the 15-year fixed counterpart, can expect a starting rate in the form of 2.875% plus an APR variable of 3.182%.

Other refinancing options include the 30-year FHA-insured mortgage loan, which demands 3.500% in interest and bears an APR figure of 4.551% as of Monday.

The 5-year ARM package can also be an option for some borrowers, with the aforementioned loan being advertised at a rate of 2.375% and an APR sum of 3.115%.

Mortgage rates at Capital One (NYSE:COF) retained their strength in the beginning of the week, as this lender offers several options for home refinancing at attractive rates. Today’s best refinancing opportunities include the 30-year FRM which opens at 3.875% and bears a competitive APR of 3.967%. The shorter, 15-year fixed alternative has an asking rate of 3.125% and features an annual percentage rate of 3.269%.

Those who rather want to take advantage of Capital One’s 5-year ARM, can do so, if they meet credit requirements and are willing to pay 2.500% in interest and 2.585% by way of APR.

Chase (NYSE:JPM) is also offering a number of mortgage loan options and since rates are still clinging close to record-lows, many might be tempted to take action. Speaking of fixed rate loans, the standard 30-year FRM can be locked in for as low as 3.875% plus an APR of 3.957%. The 15-year version of this fixed rate deal is coming out at 3.000% and has an APR variable of 3.144%.

If we head over to adjustable rate loans, then we will come across the 7/1 ARM which has a daily low of 2.750% and an APR sum of 3.132%. On the other hand, Chase’s 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage is up for grabs at a rate of 2.500% and an annual percentage rate of 3.118% as of Monday.