05/18/2026
Mortgage rates moved higher last week and may continue to feel pressure this week.
The main drivers are rising oil and energy costs, inflation concerns, and continued uncertainty in the Middle East. When inflation concerns rise, mortgage rates often rise with them.
For buyers and homeowners, this is not the time to make decisions based on headlines alone. It is the time to run real numbers.
A higher rate does not always mean buying is off the table. Sometimes the right strategy includes seller credits, temporary buydowns, adjusting the loan structure, or simply understanding what payment range actually works for your budget.
If you are thinking about buying or refinancing, let’s look at your options before you decide what is or is not possible.