09/17/2026
Let’s talk about yesterday’s rate hike — and what it ACTUALLY means if you’re buying a home. 🏡
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 0.25%.
But here’s the part I want homebuyers to understand:
The Fed does NOT directly set mortgage rates.
A .25% Fed hike does not automatically mean your mortgage rate just increased .25%.
Mortgage rates are driven much more heavily by the bond market, inflation, economic data and — most importantly — what the market believes is coming next.
Yesterday’s increase was largely expected and had already been priced into the market. What matters now is the message behind it: inflation is still running higher than the Fed wants, and they are willing to keep fighting it.
So what does that mean for someone wanting to buy a house?
It means I would NOT automatically put your homeownership plans on hold waiting for rates to come back down.
We don’t know exactly where rates will be 30, 60 or 90 days from now. If the right house comes along and the payment works within your budget, let’s look at the numbers.
We can explore seller concessions, temporary or permanent rate buydowns, lender credits when available, and different loan programs to determine what makes the most financial sense for YOU.
And remember: if rates eventually improve enough to make refinancing worthwhile, refinancing may be an option. But you can’t go back and buy the house you loved after someone else bought it.
The headline is “THE FED RAISED RATES.”
The conversation homebuyers actually need is:
“What does today’s mortgage market mean for MY payment, MY cash to close and MY financial goals?”
That’s the conversation I’m here to have with you.
📲 Staci Curb | LeaderOne Home Loans
254-383-3813
stacicurb.com
