Expert poll: Mortgage rate trend predictions for September 24 - 30, 2026

Nicole Rueth

Senior Vice President, CrossCountry Mortgage , Englewood , CO

The Fed raised rates unanimously last week, and the market is already pricing in better than a 50% chance of two more hikes by December, a dramatic shift from where we started the year. This morning's S&P [Purchasing Managers’ Index] data came in at the highest levels in years for both services and manufacturing, sending the 10-year Treasury above 5% and reinforcing what the Atlanta Fed's 5.1% [Gross Domestic Product] estimate is already telling us: This economy is not slowing enough to give the Fed a reason to stop. Rates are staying higher for longer, and any buyer waiting for relief needs a new plan.

Ken Johnson

Walker Family Chair of Real Estate, University of Mississippi

The future does not look too bright for long-term mortgage rates. International uncertainty combines with rising debt levels and inflation worries to drive up the yield on 10-year Treasury yields and the riskiness of holding residential mortgages. Thus, we should expect mortgage rates to once again rise.

Sean P. Salter, Ph.D.

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

Mortgage rates have recently moved to around 7% or slightly higher, as persistent inflation and higher Treasury yields continue to put upward pressure on borrowing costs. With economic growth remaining relatively strong and the Federal Reserve signaling that additional tightening may be necessary, I expect mortgage rates to trend modestly higher over the next week, although there could be some short-term volatility.

Elizabeth Rose

Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, Texas Mortgage Plan , Dallas , TX

I anticipate mortgage rates to move higher over the next week. Inflation is incredibly stubborn, and the continued uncertainty in the Middle East drags on.

James Sahnger

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

Since Aug. 25, the 10-Year Treasury has increased nearly 50 basis points, or half a percent, to 5.12%. The conflict with Iran, and more importantly the price of oil, is the culprit. One has to look back all the way to June 2007 for rates to be at this level. Until some sort of meaningful resolution is reached, it's hard to see rates easing from here.

Les Parker, CMB

Managing Director, Transformational Mortgage Solutions , Jacksonville , FL

Mortgage rates will go lower. Every day, the U.S. inflicts pain on the Iranian terrorist regime, alternative oil transportation infrastructure develops, reducing vulnerability to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacks. One example is the reopening of the East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia. With hostilities meaning less, rate increases are limited.

Dick Lepre

Senior Loan Officer, Realfinity , Alamo , CA

Rates should stay flat this week. The Fed is trying to contain inflation by keeping the overnight rate high.