10/14/2026
Inflation Is Heating Up Again. What Does That Mean for Mortgage Rates?
Just when it looked like we might start seeing some relief with interest rates, September’s inflation report gave us a reason to pump the brakes.
Inflation rose 0.6% in September, bringing the annual rate to 3.7%. Higher gas and energy prices were a big part of that increase.
So, what does this mean if you’re thinking about buying a home or refinancing?
The Federal Reserve has been working to get inflation back down to its 2% target. With inflation moving in the wrong direction, the possibility of another Fed rate hike is back in the conversation.
And that’s not great news for mortgage rates.
While mortgage rates don’t move directly with the Fed’s rate, higher inflation can push mortgage rates up or make it harder for them to come down.
Here’s my takeaway: I wouldn’t expect mortgage rates to drop significantly anytime soon unless we start seeing inflation cool off.
For anyone considering buying a home, waiting for the perfect interest rate could mean waiting longer than expected. The better approach is to look at what makes financial sense for you today, while keeping an eye on where rates may be headed.
The housing market is constantly changing, and understanding what’s driving those changes can help you make better decisions.