Expert poll: Mortgage rate trend predictions for April 23 - 29, 2026

Nicole Rueth

Senior Vice President, CrossCountry Mortgage , Greenwood Village , CO

Mortgage rates will likely move slightly higher this week, as the Iran conflict continues to simmer. With Brent Crude pushing back above $100, following Iran's seizure of two container ships, oil volatility is keeping upward pressure on the 10-year Treasury. Until there is a definitive resolution, whether a full ceasefire or a significant escalation, the bond market is moving in inches, and rates will continue trading in a narrow — but slightly elevated — range.

Ken Johnson

Walker Family Chair of Real Estate, University of Mississippi

Recent tightening in the spread — [the] difference between 30-year rates and 10-year Treasury yields — indicates that lenders are pricing in lower volatility, allowing mortgage rates to soften even if Treasury yields remain flat. Unless an unexpected geopolitical event triggers a "flight to safety" in bonds, expect 30-year mortgage rates to trend downward next week.

Richard Martin

Director of Home Lending, Curinos

I see rates ending the week lower based on commentary from [the] new Fed [chair’s] confirmation testimony and [the] market's reaction to more rate cuts.

Mark Hamrick

Washington Bureau Chief, Senior Economic Analyst for Bankrate

I look for little change in mortgage rates over the next week.

Dr. Anthony O. Kellum

President & CEO, Kellum Mortgage , Roseville , MI

I expect mortgage interest rates to hold relatively steady this week with a slight possibility of dipping. Recent economic data has not delivered any major surprises, which typically keeps volatility in check. While inflation appears to be easing gradually, it is not yet at a pace that would prompt the Federal Reserve to make any sudden policy shifts. Consequently, the broader bond market has remained fairly stable. That said, there is a subtle downward pressure building. As investors gain confidence that the Federal Reserve is nearing the end of its tightening cycle, long-term yields tend to nudge lower. Even small shifts in market expectations can translate into minor improvements in mortgage pricing.

Denise McManus

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

Mortgage rates are holding steady for now, but upward pressure is building as inflation and global tensions keep bond yields elevated. Until the [Federal Reserve] shifts tone, expect rates to remain sticky with a slight upward bias. Anyone waiting for a big move down may be waiting longer than expected.

Sean P. Salter, Ph.D.

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

Over the next week, I expect mortgage rates to remain mostly unchanged, with a possible slight upward movement driven primarily by the level and volatility of the 10-year Treasury. Ongoing inflation concerns and relatively strong economic data continue to keep pressure on long-term rates, even in the absence of a major new change catalyst. Some day-to-day movement is likely, but I believe that a meaningful decline in mortgage rates over the next week is unlikely.