Don ODell Mortgage Originator

05/30/2026

Reports of progress to end the conflict in the Middle East continued to be the primary influence for mortgage markets, while the economic data caused little reaction. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week lower.

05/17/2026

Higher Inflation = higher rates

Rising oil prices were negative for mortgage markets this week, and the latest inflation reports reflected the impact of higher energy prices. As a result, mortgage rates climbed to their highest levels of the year.

To reduce short-term volatility and get a better sense of the underlying inflation trend, investors look at core CPI, which excludes food and energy. In April, Core CPI was 2.8% higher than a year ago, up from 2.6% last month and the highest level since September 2025. Shelter (housing) costs were up 3.3% on an annual basis and continue to be a primary reason why bringing inflation down to the 2% target of the Fed remains challenging.

A different inflation report released this week, which measures wholesale costs for producers, also reflected the rise in energy prices. The April Producer Price Index (PPI) rose a shocking 1.4% from March, far above the consensus forecast for an increase of 0.5% and the largest monthly gain since March 2022. PPI was 6.0% higher than a year ago, up sharply from an annual rate of 4.0% the prior month and the highest level since December 2022. Its impact was relatively minor, however, as investors tend to place a lot more weight each month on the Consumer Price Index report, which better reflects overall inflation levels in the economy.

Looking ahead, attention will remain fixed on the conflict in the Middle East. Investors also will monitor comments from Fed officials about future monetary policy. The detailed minutes from the April 29 Fed meeting will come out on Wednesday. It will be a light week for economic data. Housing Starts will come out on Thursday.

05/06/2026

4.83 star review received on Experience.com for Don O'Dell by Randolph N - Don was clear concise and met my individual needs well.

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05/02/2026

Headlines about the conflict in the Middle East continued to cause volatility for mortgage markets this week....sound familiar?

04/28/2026

Home values in the U.S. saw a modest increase from January to February, up 0.3% before seasonal adjustments and 0.1% after. Compared to this time last year, prices are now 0.7% higher overall.

04/25/2026

04/17/2026

Good news overseas leading to lower oil prices and lower rates! Plus, I've got an amazing new product for highly qualified buyers. Contact me for more info.

04/10/2026

Easing oil prices have helped mortgage rates come down some and spur activity in the real estate market. DM me and I'll help you get started.

04/04/2026

Average rates drifted down a touch from last week.

03/27/2026

Average 30yr fixed rates have been at or near the highest levels in 7-8 months over the past 4 days. Yesterday easily took them to slightly higher levels as global financial markets lost ground. The move lines up symmetrically with lower stock prices and higher oil prices.

Until there's meaningful and lasting de-escalation of the Iran war, the safest bet is for more volatility for interest rates.