What really affects mortgage rates? Let's break it down.

The Fed is only half the story. Bond markets, MBS spreads, and your own credit file all pull the levers. A plain-language guide.

This article is part of our Insights library — plain-spoken guidance from licensed loan officers who work files every day. We publish updates here as markets, rates, and borrower questions shift.

Have a question about your situation? A licensed officer can walk through options with you — no hard credit pull required to start a conversation.