What makes mortgage rates rise or fall? If you're buying or selling, these five economic updates help explain what is happening in the housing market.
CPI inflation report: how inflation influences mortgage rates.
Monthly jobs report: what employment and wage growth say about the economy.
Federal Reserve meetings: why Fed decisions and forecasts matter.
Freddie Mac mortgage rate survey: where national rates are trending. This week's figure is the one in the ribbon at the top of every page on this site, at 7.24% for the week of October 29, 2026.
Consumer sentiment survey: how people feel about their finances and the economy.
Mortgage rates react to economic expectations, but home prices and buyer demand also depend on local conditions. If you want to know what this week's numbers mean for buying or selling in Orange County, reach out — Katherine is happy to help.
Disclaimer: General educational information, not financial or mortgage advice. Mortgage rates vary by lender, borrower, and market conditions; economic reports do not guarantee future rate movements or home price changes. Rate shown: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, updated weekly.