2026 Mortgage Rates: Why Conventional Wisdom About Trends Is Wrong

Mortgage Rates in 2026 | Where Are Rates Going & What Should Buyers Do? Welcome to 2026! In this episode of Mortgage Matters in Minutes, Brent Rasmussen—owner of Mortgage Specialists—breaks down the biggest question on everyone’s mind: where are mortgage rates headed in 2026? While no one has a crystal ball, understanding what actually drives mortgage rates can help buyers and homeowners make smarter decisions—without chasing headlines or trying to perfectly time the market. 📊 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Where mortgage rates stand today (low 6% range as of January 2026) Why the Fed Funds Rate does NOT directly control mortgage rates How inflation, employment, and the 10-Year Treasury influence rates Why Freddie Mac PMMS is one of the best neutral rate trackers What volatility means for borrowers in 2026 Realistic expectations: why 3% rates are unlikely to return Whether refinancing in 2026 may make sense Why rates are only one piece of the homeownership puzzle Mortgage rates may continue to drift lower—but affordability, housing supply, and long-term planning matter just as much as the rate itself. If 2026 is your year to buy, refinance, or right-size, understanding the facts beats trying to time the market. 🔗 Helpful Resources ☑️ Apply for a mortgage: https://mtg-specialists.com/online-application/ ☑️ Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/mortgage-specialists-omaha ☑️ Call: 402-991-5153 ☑️ Blog: https://mtg-specialists.com/blog/ ☑️ Reviews: https://tinyurl.com/55zft5ef 📱 Follow Mortgage Specialists 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/mortgagespecialists 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/mortgagespecialistsomaha 🐦 Twitter/X: twitter.com/MTGSpecialists Timestamps for MMM 197: 2026 Mortgage Rates: Why Conventional Wisdom About Trends Is Wrong 0:00 - Intro 2:01 - Average Mortgage Rates 3:28 - Getting the Best Mortgage Rates in 2026 4:50 - How to Track Mortgage Rates 6:10 - Mortgage Rate Predictions 6:54 - Is it a Good Time to Buy a House? 7:54 - Conclusion 8:30 - Outro Licensing info: Brent Rasmussen, NMLS 5918 at Mortgage Specialists, LLC NMLS 2424 For licensing, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org Address: 8420 W Dodge Road #113, Omaha, NE 68114 Equal Housing Lender Website: mtg-specialists.com Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions may apply, contact Mortgage Specialists, LLC for current rates and for more information. All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice or instruction. Mortgage Specialists, LLC does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by Mortgage Specialists, LLC. Mortgage Specialists, LLC and its affiliates and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort (including negligence) or other tortious action. Mortgage Specialists, LLC is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Nebraska. It has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Agriculture, or any other government agency. Mortgage Matters in Minutes Episode 197: 2026 Mortgage Rates: Why Conventional Wisdom About Trends Is Wrong