This Market Update is written by our Capital Market specialists each week to bring you insight into what's happening in the market and how it may affect mortgage rates and real estate trends.
Market Commentary:
During the week of September 18–24, 2026, mortgage rates and 10-Year Treasury yields experienced upward pressure, with the benchmark 30-year fixed rate climbing to 7.12%–7.14% and daily tracking touching 7.26%. This surge stems largely from broader macroeconomic conditions, including persistent core inflation near 3.4%, recent monetary tightening by the Federal Reserve, elevated government bond issuance, and rising global energy costs pushing oil toward $100 per barrel. As borrowing costs rose, overall mortgage application activity dropped 1.5% week-over-week, reflecting a ~10% decline in consumer purchasing power since the start of the year and an ongoing "lock-in effect" among existing homeowners.
To navigate this high-rate environment leverage strategic financing and market dynamics to keep transactions moving forward. Focus on structural alternatives such as Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs), 15-year fixed loans, and temporary seller-funded rate buy-downs to reduce initial monthly payments, while recommending HELOCs or second liens for clients seeking cash-out options without forfeiting their low primary rates. Reframe current conditions by helping buyers capitalize on reduced competition to negotiate price adjustments, seller credits, or specialized down payment assistance programs, cautioning clients that waiting for future rate drops risks renewed bidding wars and rising home prices.
FedWatch:Target rate (in bps) possibilities, according to the CME Group (as of 09/24/2026– 12:00 PM EST):
Affordability is So Stretched That More Homebuilder Sales Now Rely on FHA Loans
Bedrooms in New Single-Family Homes in 2025
Why Didn't We Get a Housing Bubble? -A Wealth of Common Sense:
News You Can Use:
· Berkshire buys $212 million of tumbling housing stock - TheStreet
· Market sees next Fed hike in October, following Barr comments, hot inflation
· More middle-income families are struggling to pay rent in the U.S., new research shows : NPR
· Down Payments Surge as Homebuyers Seek Shield From Rising Mortgage Rates
· Rate-Hike Shock? Here’s How Buyers Can Budget for It
*Communication is intended for Industry Professionals only and not intended for Consumer Distribution
Interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are based on current market conditions as of 09/24/2026, are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice and may be subject to pricing add-ons related to property type, loan amount, loan-to-value, credit score and other variables. Estimated closing costs used in the APR calculation are assumed to be paid by the borrower at closing. If the closing costs are financed, the loan, APR and payment amounts will be higher. Contact us for details. Additional loan programs may be available. Accuracy is not guaranteed, and all products may not be available in all borrower's geographical areas and are based on their individual situation. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Actual interest rate, APR, and payment may vary based on the specific terms of the loan selected, verification of information, your credit history, the location and type of property, and other factors as determined by HomeServices Lending, LLC. Not available in all states. Rate is as of 09/24/2026 and is subject to change at any time without notice. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and other views contained in this document are those of Freddie Mac’s economists and other researchers, do not necessarily represent the views of Freddie Mac or its management, and should not be construed as indicating Freddie Mac’s business prospects or expected results. Although the authors attempt to provide reliable, useful information, they do not guarantee that the information or other content in this document is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. All content is subject to change without notice. All content is provided on an “as is” basis, with no warranties of any kind whatsoever. Information from this document may be used with proper attribution.
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