Mortgage Rates in the News: Trending Stories of the Week
Trending July 13-July 21, 2025
This week's mortgage rate headlines revealed a tale of modest increases and continued uncertainty in the housing market. After five consecutive weeks of declines earlier in the summer, rates have begun climbing again, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging between 6.67% and 6.80% across different surveys. Here are the most significant mortgage rate stories from top financial publications this week.
1. Mortgage Rates Rise for a Second Week, Sending 30-Year to 6.75%
Bloomberg
Published: July 17, 2025
Summary: Mortgage rates in the U.S. climbed for a second straight week, with the average for 30-year, fixed loans reaching 6.75%, up from 6.72% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. This marks the second consecutive week of increases after five weeks of declines earlier in the summer. The rise comes as Treasury yields have been influenced by renewed concerns over tariffs and economic policy uncertainty. Despite the uptick, rates remain below the 7% threshold that many economists view as a psychological barrier for homebuyers. The housing market continues to show signs of stress, with buyers becoming increasingly sensitive to rate volatility. Economic indicators suggest that while rates may not plummet, they're likely to remain range-bound in the near term as markets digest ongoing policy developments and inflation data.
2. Weekly Mortgage Demand Plummets 10%, as Rates and Economic Concerns Rise
CNBC
Published: July 16, 2025
Summary: Total mortgage application volume dropped 10% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index, as renewed concerns over tariffs and the economy drove Treasury yields higher. The decline was broad-based, with purchase applications falling 12% and refinance applications dropping 7%. The average contract rate for 30-year mortgages increased to 6.82% from 6.77%, contributing to the slowdown in activity. This represents the slowest pace of purchase applications since May, highlighting how sensitive buyers remain to even modest rate increases. The report suggests that economic uncertainty, particularly regarding trade policy, is having a tangible impact on housing market participation. Industry experts note that this volatility could continue as markets process various economic and policy developments throughout the summer.
3. They Bought a House Expecting Mortgage Rates to Fall. They're Still Waiting
CNN
Published: July 17, 2025
Summary: Many Americans who bought homes since 2022 might have expected lower rates and a chance to refinance by now, but so far, relief hasn't come, with average mortgage rates hovering above 6% for nearly three years. This article profiles homeowners like Joe Dalesandro, who purchased with a 6.99% rate expecting to refinance soon but found himself stuck with elevated payments. This situation affects millions of Americans who locked in rates above 6% during the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate-hiking cycle. The persistent high rates have created financial strain for many homeowners, particularly retirees and those on fixed incomes. Combined with inflation affecting home repair costs, the total cost of homeownership has exceeded many buyers' expectations. President Trump's recent tariff policies threaten to kick up inflation again, potentially keeping rates elevated longer than anticipated.
4. Mortgage and Refinance Interest Rates Today, July 20, 2025: Economists Expect Rates to Stay High
Yahoo Finance
Published: July 20, 2025
Summary: According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's July forecast, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is set to decrease to 6.7% by the end of the year and 6.6% halfway through 2026, so there is no expectation that mortgage interest rates will plummet in the near future. The report emphasizes that borrowers should prioritize buying when it makes financial sense rather than waiting for dramatic rate drops. Current national averages show 30-year rates at 6.72% and 15-year rates at 5.97%. The MBA's conservative forecast reflects ongoing economic uncertainties and persistent inflationary pressures. While 2024 showed strong economic growth, 2025 presents new challenges that are keeping rates elevated. The analysis suggests that homebuyers and those considering refinancing should focus on their immediate financial needs rather than attempting to time the market for better rates.
5. Current Mortgage Rates Report for July 15, 2025
Fortune
Published: July 15, 2025
Summary: The average interest rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate conforming mortgage loan in the U.S. is 6.717%, according to data available from mortgage data company Optimal Blue, up approximately 2 basis points from the prior day's report. Fortune's analysis indicates that rates have been frustratingly stuck near 7% for an extended period, with many observers having hoped for more significant declines when the Federal Reserve began cutting rates last September. The report notes that by January 2025, the average rate exceeded 7% for the first time since May 2024, according to Freddie Mac statistics. This represents a dramatic increase from the record low of 2.65% observed in January 2021 during the pandemic response. Experts agree that absent another major crisis, rates in the 2% to 3% range are unlikely to return in our lifetimes, though rates around 6% remain possible if inflation is successfully controlled.
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6. Today's Mortgage Rates July 15, 2025: 30-Year Rates Up to 6.8%
Newsweek
Published: July 15, 2025
Summary: The benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage now stands at 6.80% after rising 6 basis points since last week, with the current rates marking a sizable increase since hitting 7.80% in early October 2023. The Federal Reserve's recent forecast suggests potential rate cuts in 2024 could provide hope for more affordable homes as the housing market continues to thaw. The 15-year fixed mortgage rate currently stands at 6.00%, up 9 basis points from the previous week. For government-backed loans, 30-year fixed FHA mortgages average 6.74%, compared to 6.69% the week prior. The report emphasizes that while rates have risen, they remain well below the peaks reached in late 2023. Economic indicators suggest that the Fed's policy decisions will continue to be a major driver of mortgage rate movements throughout the remainder of 2025.
7. Homebuyers Finally Responded, After Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Level in Three Months
CNBC
Published: July 9, 2025
Summary: Homebuyer demand is being fueled by increasing housing inventory and moderating home-price growth, with the average loan size on a purchase application, at $432,600, at its lowest since January 2025. This represented a significant response to the temporary decline in rates, demonstrating that buyers remain sensitive to rate changes. However, the response was relatively modest compared to historical norms, suggesting that other factors beyond rates are influencing buyer behavior. Consumer sentiment remains unsteady, and cancellation rates on contracts have been high for both new and existing homes. While purchase mortgage demand historically trends closely with actual home sales, unusual factors in today's market are creating disconnects. The report notes that pending sales, which represent signed contracts, have not been rising in line with mortgage demand, indicating continued market uncertainty.
8. The 'Lock-In Effect' Is Making It Harder to Buy a Home—Even If Mortgage Rates Fall
CNBC
Published: July 16, 2025
Summary: A growing number of homeowners say no rate would make them sell, making it even harder for buyers to find homes, with 54% of U.S. homeowners saying they wouldn't feel comfortable selling at any mortgage rate in 2025. This represents a 12 percentage point increase from last year, highlighting the strengthening of the "lock-in effect." The reluctance stems from homeowners' unwillingness to give up historically low rates they secured during the pandemic for significantly higher ones available today. Only 3% of homeowners say they would feel comfortable selling if rates are 6% or higher, according to Bankrate survey data. This dynamic is keeping inventory artificially low and maintaining pressure on home prices. The situation is particularly pronounced among those with existing rates below 3%, with 41% saying they wouldn't consider buying again at any rate. This creates a vicious cycle that perpetuates housing market challenges.
9. Nearly One-Third of Major U.S. Housing Markets Now See Falling Home Prices
CNBC
Published: July 14, 2025
Summary: Nearly one-third of the largest 100 markets are now showing annual price declines of at least a full percentage point from recent highs, with annual home price growth in June at just 1.3%. The slowdown is attributed to high mortgage rates, rising supply, and falling demand all joining forces to cool the housing market. Single-family home prices were up just 1.6%, while condominium prices actually declined 1.4% nationally. Inventory has been rising steadily, up 29% in June compared to the same month last year. The combination of elevated mortgage rates and increased supply is finally providing some relief from the rapid price appreciation that characterized the pandemic era. However, this cooling may make potential sellers reluctant to list their homes, creating new market dynamics. Regional variations are significant, with the Northeast and Midwest still seeing gains while the South and West are experiencing softening conditions.
10. Will Mortgage Rates Continue Falling This July?
CBS News
Published: July 7, 2025
Summary: The recent mortgage rate decline came amid slightly waning concerns over economic policies, which caused stock market uncertainty earlier this year, but the decline also came as the Federal Reserve continued to keep its federal funds rate frozen. The analysis explores the disconnect between Fed policy and mortgage rates, noting that the Fed's benchmark rate hasn't changed since December 2024, remaining in the 4.25% to 4.50% range. Mortgage rates are more closely tied to the 10-year Treasury yield, which is influenced by various factors including economic growth expectations and inflation concerns. The piece suggests that while predicting rate direction is difficult, recent declines may have been part of a temporary correction rather than the beginning of a sustained downward trend. Market uncertainty about Federal Reserve policy timing and economic conditions continues to create volatility in mortgage rates.
11. 2025 Mortgage Rate Forecast: When Will Rates Go Down?
U.S. News
Published: July 8, 2025
Summary: The forecast for mortgage rates is clouded by policy uncertainty, but the general consensus is that the 30-year fixed rate will stay between 6.5% and 7%, according to a U.S. News analysis of economists' mortgage rate projections. Mortgage rates are expected to decline slightly in 2025 as the U.S. economy slows, though rate volatility will continue due to variables like tariffs, tax cuts, and other aspects of President Trump's economic agenda. The analysis notes that while some industry groups expect rates to fall, others anticipate they will remain relatively stable. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's acknowledgment that "forecasting is very difficult" underscores the uncertainty surrounding rate predictions. The report suggests that rates will stay relatively high as long as the economy continues outpacing expectations, while an economic downturn could send rates lower. However, economists don't anticipate a return to the 3% or 4% range in the foreseeable future, with most projections keeping rates in the mid-6% range throughout 2025.
Key Takeaways from This Week:
- Mortgage rates reversed their summer decline, rising for two consecutive weeks
- The 30-year fixed rate averaged between 6.67% and 6.80% depending on the survey
- Economic uncertainty, particularly around tariffs and trade policy, contributed to rate volatility
- The "lock-in effect" is intensifying, with more homeowners reluctant to sell
- Nearly one-third of major housing markets are now seeing price declines
- Experts expect rates to remain between 6.5% and 7% for the foreseeable future
This week's mortgage rate news underscores the complex interplay between economic policy, market sentiment, and housing affordability. While rates remain well below their 2023 peaks, they continue to pose challenges for both buyers and the broader housing market recovery.
These articles were curated with assistance from AI.
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