mortgage News & Analysis
5 articles
Market Mood
Home Sales Forecast Cut to 4% Amid High Mortgage Rates
The National Association of Realtors reports a revised forecast for existing home sales in 2026, now expected to increase by only 4%, down from a previous estimate of 14%. This reduction is attributed to anticipated mortgage rates remaining above 6.5% in the coming months. Home sales fell to a nine-month low, indicating reduced activity in the market. The previous forecast was based on an average mortgage rate of 6%, highlighting significant shifts in market conditions that may affect buyers and sellers.
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Mortgage Rates Drop: 30-Year Fixed Rate Average at 6.15%
Mortgage interest rates have decreased, with the average 30-year fixed rate now at 6.15%, down seven basis points from last weekend. The 15-year fixed rate has fallen to 5.64%. Additional rates include the 20-year fixed at 5.97% and 5/1 ARM at 6.44%. These changes are relevant for potential homebuyers and can influence housing market dynamics significantly.
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Mortgage Rates Fall with Iran Cease-fire, Home Sales Improve
Limited data available — the article discusses a potential increase in confidence for the spring home-buying season following a cease-fire in Iran. However, it does not provide concrete numbers, percentages, or official statements related to mortgage rates or home sales. Therefore, no specific market impact or key figures are mentioned regarding these events. The lack of verifiable data leads to an uncertain market outlook.
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Couple Hides $30,000 Debt, Dave Ramsey Advises Against Refinancing
A woman discovered her husband was concealing $30,000 in credit card debt while she was an authorized user. Financial advisor Dave Ramsey opposed the idea of consolidating this debt into a cash-out mortgage refinance, stating this method secures unsecured debt against their home. The federal funds rate stands at 3.75%, down from 4.5% in September 2025, making mortgages still relatively high. Ramsey emphasized that without addressing underlying spending issues, refinancing could lead to repeated debt cycles within a few years.
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Mortgage Rates Hit 6.44% in March 2026 Amid Rising Inflation
As of March 25, the average 30-year mortgage rate reached 6.44%, the highest since mid-2025, driven by rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in Iran. Economists expect rates to remain above 6% for the rest of 2026, complicating the spring homebuying season. The Mortgage Bankers Association projects rates will not fall significantly, while Fannie Mae anticipates a decrease to 5.7% by year-end. The median national home price was recorded at $398,000 in February, indicating ongoing volatility in housing markets during this period.
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