09/21/2026
Happy Monday! Here’s your quick mortgage market update.
Mortgage rates moved higher last week and are currently hovering just above 7%.
The Federal Reserve also raised its short-term interest rate last week, so I want to explain how those two things are connected.
The Fed does not directly control mortgage rates. But Fed rates and mortgage rates often move in the same general direction because they’re reacting to many of the same economic forces, especially inflation and the strength of the economy.
Last week’s Fed increase was widely expected, so much of that was already priced into the market. What got more attention was the Fed signaling that additional rate hikes may be needed as the economy remains strong and inflation continues to be a concern.
That’s keeping some upward pressure on mortgage rates for now.
So if you’re thinking about buying a home, I wouldn’t build your plan around an assumption that rates are about to drop. Instead, let’s look at your payment, your budget, and the options that make sense in today’s market.
Give me a call, and let’s run the numbers.