
The week was relatively light following the release of the prior inflation data and the FOMC rate decision. The Federal Reserve decided to keep its overnight borrowing rate unchanged and has indicated no plans to make changes in the near term.
Many members of the Federal Reserve Board continue to watch economic conditions closely, as inflation remains elevated across many sectors and could warrant further policy action if price pressures persist.
FOMC Rate Decision
The Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to keep its benchmark overnight borrowing rate anchored in a range of 3.5%-3.75%. The federal funds rate has held there since the central bank lowered rates by three-quarters of a percentage point in the latter part of 2025.
Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
- 15-Year FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.04%, bringing the current rate to 5.81%.
- 30-Year FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.05%, bringing the current rate to 6.47%.
MND Rate Index
- 30-Year FHA rates saw an increase of 0.03%, with current rate at 6.15%.
- 30-Year VA rates saw an increase of 0.03%, with current rate at 6.17%.
Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 226,000 compared to the expected claims of 225,000. The previous week landed at 230,000.
What’s Ahead
PCE Index inflation data, personal income and spending, and consumer sentiment are headlining next week’s release data.
Finding a home you love is exciting, but it is important to look beyond attractive finishes and well-staged rooms. Some issues are easy to identify, while others can be hidden beneath fresh paint or cosmetic upgrades. Learning how to spot potential red flags before making an offer can help buyers avoid unexpected expenses and future headaches.
Touring homes is one of the most exciting parts of the buying process. It is your opportunity to see properties in person, compare options, and determine which homes may be the best fit for your needs. While many buyers focus on features they can see, asking the right questions during a showing can provide valuable information that may not be immediately obvious.
When buyers tour a home, they often focus on square footage, finishes, and upgrades. While those factors are important, the layout of a home can have an even greater impact on how comfortable and functional the property feels once you move in. A well-designed floor plan can improve daily living, while a poor layout can create frustrations that become more noticeable over time.
Every buyer starts their home search with a vision of the perfect property. It may be a stunning kitchen, a large backyard, or a home that looks exactly like the ones saved on social media. While it is important to know what features excite you, it is equally important to make sure those features align with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Sometimes the home that feels like a dream at first glance may not actually be the best fit for your future.