John Hartnett

Borrowers saw little relief lately as inflation jumped, rate-cut hopes moved further out, and market volatility added pressure against lower mortgage rates.
As of April 14, 2026, avg. 30-yr purchase mortgages stood near 6%, while avg. 15-yr purchase loans were in the mid-5% range.
Despite recent setbacks, current mortgage rates remained slightly below comparable points in spring 2025 and 2024, offering some borrowers a marginal affordability improvement.
The article stressed these figures were averages from one source, and borrowers shopping online could find rates up to 1 point lower.
Refinance averages were higher: 30-yr refis sat in the mid-6% range, while 15-yr refinance rates were in the high-5% range.
For refinancing, borrowers were urged to weigh closing costs against monthly savings and also consider 20-yr terms for a lower-rate, shorter-loan balance.
Bottom line: rates were not as low as hoped or earlier in the year, but they still could work for many budgets.

Current Mortgage Rates Still Slightly Lower

After early-2026 declines, 30-yr mortgage rates reversed higher in recent weeks, moving from ~5.75% in Late-Q1 to low-6% by April 15.
With avg. home prices above $400K, even a quarter-point rate move can add tens of thousands in interest over a loan's life.
Experts generally expected 2026 to end with 30-yr mortgage rates near the current low-6% range, though they stressed forecasts remained highly uncertain.
The main driver was geopolitical uncertainty. Experts said oil prices can shape inflation expectations, Treasury yields, and ultimately mortgage rates.
Volatility kept lenders cautious. Experts described rapid swings, with borrowers sometimes receiving one quote early in the week and another just days later.
Rates could have fallen if conflicts eased, oil stabilized, and inflation stayed controlled. Higher energy prices, hotter inflation, and a hawkish Fed could lift them.
For borrowers worried about increases, experts suggested prequalification, a 30-to-90-day rate lock, str