Expert poll: Mortgage rate trend predictions for October 29 - November 4, 2026

Les Parker, CMB

Managing Director, Transformational Mortgage Solutions , Jacksonville , FL

Mortgage rates will go lower. A solid U.S. dollar, a diligent [Federal Reserve] and increased certainty about the future of oil flows from Russia and the Middle East [support] lower rates.

Ken Johnson

Walker Family Chair of Real Estate, University of Mississippi

The likelihood that mortgage rates will decline next week is considerable. The recent panic in the bond market is subsiding with the 10-year Treasury settling around 5.0%. Additionally, the Fed held rates steady at its latest meeting, reducing the chances of an additional shock to the market. Finally, assuming a normal jobs report, all of these things should come together, resulting in a slight decline in long-term mortgage rates next week.

Dr. Anthony O. Kellum

President & CEO, Kellum Mortgage , Roseville , MI

I expect mortgage interest rates to hold relatively steady this week. Although we have seen some modest improvement recently, persistent inflation and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s next moves will likely keep the market cautious. I believe lenders will take a wait-and-see approach as investors evaluate the Fed’s latest decision and comments about the direction of the economy.

Sean P. Salter, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Finance and Dale Carnegie Trainer, Middle Tennessee State University , Murfreesboro , TN

Rates seem to be settling in a stable range as markets digest developments in the overall rate environment. I expect mortgage rates to be stable over the next week.

Dick Lepre

Senior Loan Officer, Realfinity , Alamo , CA

Flat fundamentals indicate that we are likely to see flat mortgage rates this week. Rates are still being kept high by the Fed.

Melissa Cohn

Regional Vice President, William Raveis Mortgage

The bond market expected the Federal Reserve to leave interest rates unchanged at today’s meeting, but [it] anticipates one or two rate increases in the coming months, possibly beginning in December. We can hope that the markets remain stable and last week’s rate improvements hold. Where mortgage rates go next will largely depend on oil prices and the war in Iran.

James Sahnger

Mortgage Planner, C2 Financial Corporation , Palm Beach Gardens , FL

The Fed concluded its meeting this week and left the federal funds rate unchanged, which was expected. In the press conference that followed, Chair Warsh indicated that he and the committee are committed to making policy on multiple factors and are not tied to any single data point, so more like tasting the soup and not just the salt. Rates over the last week have been stable, with the 10-year hovering in the 5.00-5.12% range. Look for more of the same over the next week.

Nicole Rueth

Senior Vice President, CrossCountry Mortgage , Englewood , CO

The Fed held rates steady today at 3.75%-4% in a 10 to 2 vote, with two preferring a hike, keeping December tightening on the table. The statement upgraded its economic assessment from solid to strong, citing robust capital investment and productivity growth, which gives the Fed every reason to stay restrictive longer. With inflation still above target, oil still elevated and two hawks already voting for more, rates are not going lower on their own anytime soon.

Denise McManus

Certified Luxury Home Agent, APEX RESIDENTIAL Real Estate/Xpert Home Lending

The Fed hit pause, not reverse. After September’s quarter-point hike, the first increase in three years, the Fed held at 3.75%-4% Wednesday. Two voting members wanted to raise rates again. That tells you exactly where this committee’s head is. Mortgage rates don’t take orders from the Fed anyway. They follow the 10-year Treasury, which edged up to about 5.03% after the announcement. The 30-year fixed is sitting around 7.3%, just off a three-year high of 7.4% earlier this month. My prediction for next week is flat to a little higher. Markets now give a December hike better than 80/20 odds, and the 10-year is parked above 5%. Next week also brings the midterms on Tuesday and the October jobs report on Friday. A strong jobs number pushes rates up. A weak one buys a breather, not a rally. I don’t see the 30-year breaking below 7% next week.

Robert J. Smith

Chief Economist, GetWYZ Mortgage

Expect mortgage rates to be rangebound and relatively unchanged over the next week.