How Does the Iran War Affect Mortgage Rates?

The U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began February 28, 2026, have already caused significant volatility in mortgage rates, reversing what had been welcomed progress in housing affordability. After falling below 6% for the first time since 2022—a key psychological threshold for homebuyers—the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed back to 6.11% by March 12, according… Read More »

How Bond Rates Affect Mortgage Rates

The relationship between bond rates and mortgage rates is a critical topic for understanding housing market dynamics. Bond rates, particularly those of U.S. Treasury securities, serve as a benchmark for various interest rates, including those for mortgages. This article explores how changes in bond rates influence mortgage rates, the mechanisms behind this relationship, and the… Read More »

What Will Tariffs Do to Mortgage Rates?

In the volatile economic landscape of 2025, tariffs have emerged as a pivotal policy tool under the Trump administration, sparking intense debate about their ripple effects across various sectors. As of September 11, 2025, with recent tariff implementations on imports from key trading partners like China and Mexico, questions abound regarding their influence on everyday… Read More »