Why did mortgage rates just go up?
The Fed’s Sept. 17 rate cut was expected, but new unemployment numbers were not, causing volatility this week. Still, affordability could improve by year end.
September 18, 2025
Dave Gallagher
Director, News Reporting
Dave's journalism career spans 24 years covering business, the economy and real estate in Northwest Washington. He's also a numbers nerd, examining data to spot emerging trends in industries. Having started his career as a sports writer, he's a lifelong baseball and soccer fan and recently discovered pickleball. He grew up in Yosemite National Park and earned his journalism degree at Humboldt State University in northern California.
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- Mortgage rates approach 6% as Fed makes first rate cut this yearThe anticipated 25-basis-point cut may not push mortgage rates down further, but refi and purchase applications are way up, a positive sign for the fall market.September 17, 2025
- Builders see hope for the future as mortgage rates fallBuilder confidence remained low in September, according to the NAHB — but many are optimistic that declining mortgage rates will bring buyers back.September 16, 2025
- How Zillow sees its relationship with agents and brokersRealizing it was “inextricably linked to the entire industry,” the portal began investing in tools for all agents, not just paying customers, said COO Jun Choo.September 16, 2025
- Will a rate cut by the Fed jumpstart home sales?The weak job market may initially temper homebuyer demand, but eventually, falling rates should help “revive sales activity.”September 15, 2025
- Zillow begins pulling photos involved in copyright lawsuitCoStar sued Zillow in July for allegedly using over 46,000 CoStar-owned images on its website, and says the portal is now trying "to hide its wrongdoing."Updated September 5, 2025
- Mortgage rates continue 7-week decline ahead of key jobs reportA year ago, surprising jobs data sent rates soaring. This year’s Sept. 4 report could also be pivotal, potentially resulting in volatility heading into fall.September 4, 2025
- Homeowner households drop for the first time since 2016Meanwhile, renter households have jumped, Redfin reported, citing affordability and other issues. But lower home prices could “be the headline” in a few months.September 3, 2025
- ‘Housing emergency’ action could bring relief to builders, buyersDetails are scarce, but if the White House follows through on a potential emergency declaration, it could boost U.S. housing supply and improve affordability.Updated September 3, 2025
- Investors snapping up nearly 1 in 3 homes, report findsSmaller investors are seizing the opportunity as economic pressures make it tough for many buyers to afford a home, according to a recent Cotality report.September 2, 2025
- Why are mortgage rates so hard to predict?It’s possible mortgage rates — which have recently hovered under 6.6% — will drop to 6%, one economist noted, but it could take a couple of years to get there.August 30, 2025
- Offerpad enters meme stock territory as shares surgeThe iBuyer’s shares jumped over 85% on Aug. 28 — just a few weeks after Opendoor avoided delisting with some help from activist investors.Updated August 29, 2025
- Buyers give mixed signals as 'gridlocked' market persistsPending home sales remain sluggish, but mortgage applications — and home touring activity — have ticked up as 30-year rates hold at 10-month lows.August 28, 2025
- Why buyers shouldn’t count on a future refi to save moneyWhile many borrowers take on a mortgage in the hope of refinancing when rates drop, a new report warns against counting on a refi as a financial lifeline.August 27, 2025
- Buyers are turning away from new homes — unless they’re cheapNew home sales were down 8.2% in July compared to a year ago despite an uptick in builder incentives. But those priced under $300k are selling the fastest.August 25, 2025
- Mortgage rates fall, real estate stocks jump after Fed speechFederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested that the board is ready to start cutting rates, which could mean a boost for home sales and construction.August 22, 2025
- Is the housing market slowly getting back on track?In what could be promising signs for the fall market, existing home sales increased 2% in July and mortgage rates are holding steady at 10-month lows.August 21, 2025
- New listings hold the key to market momentumActive listings are up year-over-year, but sales remain slow. Why? Because fresh inventory — not overall supply — spurs buyer activity, a new analysis finds.August 20, 2025
- Battle over mandatory NAR membership heads to appeals courtNAR was on a winning streak in July as three lawsuits naming the association as a defendant were dismissed. All of those dismissals are now being challenged.August 19, 2025
- Construction ticks up, but builders are still glumSingle-family housing permits, starts and completions all rose in July, but the industry continues to face strong headwinds, led by softening demand.August 19, 2025
