Mortgage Rate Predictions for 2026: What Washington Homebuyers & Homeowners Should Know

Mortgage Rate Forecast for 2026Mortgage rates continue to be one of the most talked-about topics for homebuyers and homeowners across Washington State. Whether you’re hoping to buy your first home, move up, or refinance, it’s natural to wonder: where are mortgage rates headed in 2026?

While no forecast is guaranteed, several respected housing and mortgage organizations regularly publish outlooks that can help set realistic expectations. Below is a Washington-focused look at what groups like the Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Zillow are projecting — and what it could mean for buyers and homeowners here in the Pacific Northwest. [Read more…]

Fannie Mae’s Upbeat Mortgage Rate Forecast with Rates in the 5s!

Fannie Mae recently released their monthly forecast for housing. May’s forecast predicts 30 year fixed conforming mortgage rates with rates entering the 5% range in the second quarter of 2026.

While hearing that the 30-year fixed rate might hit the 5% range next year is music to many ears, there are some things I would keep in mind. For starters, the rates are NOT guaranteed – it’s just a forecast… although I’d rather see a forecast with mortgage interest rates trending lower instead of rates pushing higher. 😉 [Read more…]

Predicting Mortgage Rates is like forecasting Weather

Trying to predict mortgage rates is very similar to forecasting our weather in our beautiful Pacific Northwest. There are economic indicators with data that result in mortgage rates going down or raising higher just as there are weather patterns and pressure systems that typically indicate sunnier days or a storm approaching. Sometimes the reports that are being relied on can conflict with each other making it more difficult to make an accurate prediction. [Read more…]