Homestead Mortgage

05/14/2026

Average Mortgage Rates:
Kevin Warsh is the new Fed Chair, and rumors of more oil give hope, but inflation is still weighing on the markets. Average rates have been rising steadily.

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.36% Biased to Rise
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.71% Biased to Rise
*Note includes 20% down and discount points
Rates Warsh Away
We have entered another market of uncertainty where each day has seen swings of growth or shrinking. There are some legitimate signals of lower rates on the horizon, but the elephant named “Inflation” keeps the market down. While rates are stuck in uncertainty, any news, positive or negative, can tip the scales either direction.

Market Positives
• Kevin Warsh is officially confirmed as the new Federal Reserve Chairman. He is a fan of cutting rates ASAP once inflation slows.
• IEA is optimistic that oil will once again flow through the Strait of Hormuz come this June
• Xi Jinping and Trump met and agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons, and oil needs to flow ASAP. China used to buy as much as 95% of their oil from Iran. They are hurting and want an end to this conflict ASAP.

Market Negatives
• Inflation has reached its highest level in 3 years, now sitting at 3.8% YoY, up from 3.3% YoY. This is largely driven by the cost of energy.
• Iran still has not agreed to terms for any kind of end to the war.
• Conflict is still up in the air as skirmishes continue and oil is not flowing as freely as expected.


https://youtu.be/duuzyGwyyWI

• Xi Jinping and Trump met and agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons, and oil needs to flow ASAP. China used to buy as much as 95% of its oil from Iran. They are hurting and want an end to this conflict ASAP.

Average Mortgage Rates:Kevin Warsh is the new Fed Chair, and rumors of more oil give hope, but inflation is still weighing on the markets. Average rates have...

04/29/2026

Average Mortgage Rates:
The Federal Reserve meets, and inflation data gives the market a pessimistic future.

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.23% Rising
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.58% Rising
*Note includes 20% down and discount points
Oil Inflation Catches Rates

Unfortunately, the day has finally come where the effects of the Iran war have finally caught up with our inflation data. The Federal Reserve is meeting both today, April 29th and tomorrow. In this meeting, it is expected that they will reveal year over year inflation to rise from 2.8% all the way to 3.4 maybe even 3.5%. As we mentioned at the beginning of the conflict in March, it would take a few months’ time before the far-reaching arms of energy prices would affect the rest of the economy. That day has come and with it the mortgage-backed securities market has taken a 40 point plunge in one day.

The current 30-year fixed rate mortgage is 6.23% but is expected to rise drastically. There does not seem to be any immediate relief on the horizon, unless we have a drastic reduction in the cost of oil. For the near and foreseeable future, this means that we will see a rise in mortgage interest rates. In fact, it seems we have gotten very lucky with the Federal Reserve not raising interest rates on this meeting. However, the expectation is if that inflation continues, we will see the federal funds rate increase.

We are at the beginning trend of a rising inflation market. Any buyers who are interested in the housing market or currently in it need to take advantage before they rise much higher.
Realtors it's time to call your shoppers and let them know the time is now.


https://youtu.be/nAHC1j-afo8

Realtors, it's time to call your shoppers and let them know the time is now.

Oil Inflation Catches Rates

03/24/2026

Average Mortgage Rates:
With Inflation begging to sink its teeth into the economy, rates rise in haste.

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.22% Quick Rise
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.54% Rising
*Note includes 20% down and discount points

Rates in a Bear Market
There are less than 12 hours remaining in Donald Trump's ultimatum towards Iran.
"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”
Assuming Negotiations continue to go well this deadline might be extended, but we are still left with two potential directions on mortgage interest rates.
Up - rates can continue upward if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened safely, as it will drive inflation. Additionally, if inflation continues to rise, the Federal Reserve might be forced to raise interest rates.
Down - If the Strait is open safely, that will drive down the price of oil and temper inflation. This will ultimately bring us back to a similar environment to that of less than a month ago.
Currently, mortgage rates have taken a pause in their escalation until we hear further news on the Iran conflict. For now, we can expect the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage to sit at 6.3% to 6.4% in the next couple of days.

https://youtu.be/VLwaGpypB7U

Currently, mortgage rates have taken a pause in their escalation until we hear further news on the Iran conflict. For now, we can expect the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage to sit at 6.3% to 6.4% in the next couple days.

Average Mortgage Rates:With Inflation begging to sink its teeth into the economy, rates rise in haste.*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.22% Quick Rise*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5...

03/03/2026

Average Mortgage Rates:
For a short time, rates dipped below 6% on a 30 yr FRM, but with conflict in Iran, that is no more.

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 5.98% Rising
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.44% Rising
*Note includes 20% down and discount points

Rates Slip on Oil
Just after dipping below 6% the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is expected to rise. The conflict in Iran is the main driver behind this.
Since Iran supplies 20% of the world's oil, and they control the direct shipping passage dubbed the “Strait of Hormuz”, it is widely expected that the price of oil is set to skyrocket.
Just in 2 days of the Straight’s closure, there has been a near 50% rise from $57.26/barrel up to $76.49/barrel. This pricing increase will bleed over into the rest of the world’s economy causing inflation to rise. This future rise in inflation is why the mortgage markets have responded negatively in the past 2 days. It is expected that we will have a departure from these lower interest rates and a recovery to mortgage interest rates will only come depending on how long the conflict lasts and if oil supply can recover. Keep in mind that Venezuela, another major oil supplier, has had a regime change that impacted the world’s oil as well.

What does this mean? Waiting will now be a net negative for buyers and those wanting to Refi. Once the cost of oil spreads to the rest of the economy, we do expect rates to move upwards.

Average Mortgage Rates:For a short time, rates dipped below 6% on a 30 yr FRM, but with conflict in Iran, that is no more. *Conv - 30Yr FRM – 5.98% Rising*C...

02/24/2026

Average Mortgage Rates:
Rates are at their lowest since Sept, 2022.

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.01% Slight Decline
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.35% Slight Decline
*Note includes 20% down and discount points

Rates Down Appreciation Up
It seems that mortgage rates have gained some momentum in the downward direction hitting new lows we have not had since September 2022.
Borrowers have been entering the market in steady fashion and quietly so has home appreciation. This is not a new phenomenon, but as predicted when rates fall, prices will rise.
There are three factors that mean your buyers need to get shopping now!

1. Lower Rates – More buyers enter the field as affordability increases. Time to start pulling them off the fence.
2. Appreciation Rising – When rates are low and demand is high; buyers will offer more. We will begin to see a shift to a sellers’ market soon.
3. Lower inventory – compared to Pre-Covid inventory, there are 6% less listings than before. This will increase demand as there is just less out there!

A big question to answer is; “Will rates go lower?” Rather than give my opinion, I will give you this breakdown of rate predictions for the next quarter from several major Real Estate players.

Fannie Mae 6.00%
NAR 6.00%
Bright MLS 6.13%
Zillow 6.13%
Wells Fargo 6.20%
NAHB 6.20%
Realtor.c o m 6.30%
Redfin 6.30%
MBA 6.40%
MBS highway 5.60%

Average 6.18%

Average Mortgage Rates:Rates are at their lowest since Sept, 2022. *Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.01% Slight Decline*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.35% Slight Decline*Note includ...

01/27/2026

Average Mortgage Rates:
Fed Meeting this Tuesday and Wednesday but expected to keep rates the same.

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.09% Slight Decline
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.44% Slight Decline
*Note includes 20% down and discount points

The Fed’s Nothing Burger

Today, January 27, 2026, and tomorrow are when the Federal Reserve is set to meet and provide a decision on the Federal Funds Rate. It currently sits at 3.5% - 3.75% and is widely expected to remain put.
This does not come as a shock since this has been Jerome Powell’s talking point since the end of 2025. Since late September 2025 through today, Mortgage interest rates have been in a very stable and shallow decline.
This action demonstrates a stability in the overall mortgage market and signals that this may be the interest rate environment for the foreseeable future. Yes, it is expected that rates will drop especially if inflation can continue below 1% Month over month.
As for now, an interesting trend has picked up in recent weeks. More buyers are beginning to invest more in discount points. When the general market sentiment was lower rates in the near future, discount points almost seemed moot. Why invest extra money upfront when you would Refi shortly after? Now, it seems more reasonable to make the investment if this is where interest rates will live. With this, the average 30 yr FRM has declined to 6.09% and many buyers are buying down into the 5% range.

The Fed’s Nothing BurgerToday, January 27, 2026, and tomorrow are when the Federal Reserve is set to meet and provide a decision on the Federal Funds Rate. I...

12/30/2025

Average Mortgage Rates:
Jerome Powell’s remarks at the last Fed Meeting indicate that rates will likely remain for the first part of 2026.

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.18% Stagnant
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.50% Stagnant
*Note includes 20% down and discount points
Rates Cruise into the New Year

Another year is nearly in the books, but the drama has subsided. Mortgage interest rates have been relatively flat over the last three months.
Even with three rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, mortgage interest rates have hovered around 6.2% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
In addition, daily activity in the mortgage-backed securities market has also calmed. Daily swings are no longer as drastic, and predictability has entered the marketplace.
The biggest influencers of mortgage interest rates will be inflation, jobs, potential of recession, supply and demand, and lender competition.
For now, the Federal Reserve will not necessarily dictate the direction of mortgage interest rates as they are taking a wait-and-see approach for the early part of 2026.
It seems that in the more immediate time frame, high fives and low sixes will be where interest rates live.

Average Mortgage Rates:Jerome Powell’s remarks at the last Fed Meeting indicate that rates will likely remain for the first part of 2026.*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6...

12/16/2025

Average Mortgage Rates:
Bonds and Mortgage-Backed Securities slow down intraday changes showing a settling market. Rates will likely remain here the remainder of 2025.

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.22% Stagnant
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.54% Rising
*Note includes 20% down and discount points

Merry Christmas! Where are Rates?

As we finalize 2025, we sit on the tail end of three interest rate cuts. While markets and average mortgage rates sit at 6.22% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, this has been the status quo for approximately 3 months.
Now that there are no more interest rate cuts scheduled for this year, we expect static leading into 2026. The next fed meeting is late January, and there's about a 50/50 expectation of additional rate cuts.
So, where do we stand and what do we expect interest rates to do? More than likely there will be little to no change in the remainder of 2025 and the first part of 2026. Unless there are significant changes in inflation or job numbers the economy will need to run its current course.

What does this mean for your buyers? The time to shop is now while seasonal price reductions are in force and interest rates remain steady. We do expect further rate reductions in 2026, but the big question is when.
Buy when houses are cheaper; refinance when rates are better.

Merry Christmas! Where are the Rates?As we finalize 2025, we sit on the tail end of three interest rate cuts. While markets and average mortgage rates sit at...

12/09/2025

Average Mortgage Rates:
The Federal Reserve meets 12/10 and are expected to cut rates. Yet, mortgage rates will rise!

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.19% Slight Rise
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.44% Slight Rise
*Note includes 20% down and discount points
Housing Market Today; Fed Meets Tomorrow
Yes, we are one day before the Federal Reserve has its final meeting of 2025. In this meeting it is expected that we will receive a 25-basis point cut to the federal funds rate.
This will be the 6th rate cut within the last two-year period, for a total reduction of 1.5%. If you have read or watched our market updates, we are about to beat a dead horse again.
With this rate cut we expect a small bump up in mortgage rates. This is common when lenders over hedge their bets on the month leading up to a Federal Reserve rate cut.

The current 30-year fixed rate mortgage is about 6.19% if you were to put 20% down and some discount points. This is very close to the one year low.
Between seasonal price reductions and lowering rates, buyer activity seems to be maintaining a steady pace even in this winter season.
This could be a moment in history where seasonal changes, lowering interest rates, and price reductions might attract buyers looking for a deal of a lifetime.

11/18/2025

Average Mortgage Rates:
The Federal Reserve is in conflict as jobs are faltering, but inflation is around 3%. Will they cut in December?

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.24% Slight Rise
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.49% Slight Decline
*Note includes 20% down and discount points
Portable Mortgages: Friend or Foe?

Last week we covered the rumored 50-year Mortgage and what a nightmare that could be for total interest paid and that it really did not benefit the monthly payment in any significant manner.
This time, we talk about the fabled Portable Mortgage. There is some real excitement around this concept. In short, if you have a mortgage on your existing property, you would be able to take that loan with you to a new property!
There could be different ways to implement this that would diminish concerns, but as of now, there is nothing actionable and nothing on the current horizon. han a Twitter/X post.

Pros
1. Total payments would be lower for those who bought/refi during 2019-2020
2. Total listings and sales would increase as more homeowners would be encouraged to sell if they can keep their lower rates

Cons
1. Prices will rise for housing. When mortgages were cheaper, people were more encouraged to offer above asking.
2. First time buyers will not have any opportunity to leverage as current homeowners.

There could be different ways to implement this that would diminish concerns, but as on now, there is nothing actionable and nothing on the current horizon.


https://youtu.be/XSJr0-O-u84

1. Total payments would be lower for those who bought/refinanced during 2019-2020t could be in terms of total interest paid, as it really did not benefit the monthly payment in any significant manner.take that loan with you to a new property!

11/18/2025

Average Mortgage Rates:
The Federal Reserve is in conflict as jobs are faltering, but inflation is around 3%. Will they cut in December?

*Conv - 30Yr FRM – 6.24% Slight Rise
*Conv – 15Yr FRM – 5.49% Slight Deline
*Note includes 20% down and discount points
Portable Mortgages: Friend or Foe?

Last week we covered the rumored 50-year Mortgage and what a nightmare that could be for total interest paid and that it really did not benefit the monthly payment in any significant manner.
This time, we talk about the fabled Portable Mortgage. There is some real excitement around this concept. In short, if you have a mortgage on your existing property, you would be able to take that loan with you to a new property!
There could be different ways to implement this that would diminish concerns, but as of now, there is nothing actionable and nothing on the current horizon. han a Twitter/X post.

Pros
1. Total payments would be lower for those who bought/refi during 2019-2020
2. Total listings and sales would increase as more homeowners would be encouraged to sell if they can keep their lower rates

Cons
1. Prices will rise for housing. When mortgages were cheaper, people were more encouraged to offer above asking.
2. First time buyers will not have any opportunity to leverage as current homeowners.

There could be different ways to implement this that would diminish concerns, but as on now, there is nothing actionable and nothing on the current horizon.


https://youtu.be/XSJr0-O-u84

1. Total payments would be lower for those who bought/refinanced during 2019-2020t could be in terms of total interest paid, as it really did not benefit the monthly payment in any significant manner.take that loan with you to a new property!

Portable Mortgages: Friend or Foe?Last week, we covered the rumored 50-year Mortgage and what a nightmare that could be for total interest paid and that it r...