05/08/2026
Mortgage rates are one of the most talked-about topics right now, so here’s a quick look at how they've changed over the past 50 years:
A few key takeaways:
• In the early 1980s, rates climbed above 16%
• The lowest rates on record were around 3% in 2020–2021
• The long-term historical average sits closer to 7–8%
While today’s rates may feel high compared to the last few years, they're actually much more in line with historical norms than many people realize.
Homes have been bought and sold at 13%, 10%, 8%, and 6%, because the reality is, people don't move because of rates.
They move because life changes.
If you're thinking about making a move this year, I'm always happy to talk it through with you.