Expert poll: Mortgage rate trend predictions for September 3 - 9, 2026
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Rate-watchers polled by Bankrate expect rates to increase in the coming week.
While 83% of experts think rates will go up, only 17% think rates will remain unchanged.
The average 30-year fixed rate was 6.76% as of September 2, according to Bankrate’s national survey of large lenders.
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Explore mortgage ratesRate Trend Index
Experts predict where mortgage rates are headed
Week of September 3 - 9, 2026
Experts say rates will...
| Go up | 83% |
|---|---|
| Stay the same | 17% |
| Go down | 0% |
Rates could still find moments of relief on any peace headline. Yet, until there is a verified and lasting resolution, the path of least resistance with any resurgence remains higher.Nicole Rueth, Senior Vice President, CrossCountry Mortgage, Englewood, CO
83% say rates will go up
Denise McManus
Certified Luxury Home Agent, APEX RESIDENTIAL Real Estate/Xpert Home Lending
Forget the [Federal Reserve] this week. Mortgage rates are taking their cues from oil tankers, not central bankers. Renewed fighting in Iran pushed oil prices and the 10-year Treasury yield higher, and mortgage rates followed, hitting their highest level in about a year, with the 30-year fixed around 6.7%. Freddie Mac's weekly average sits at 6.66%, but daily rates are jumpier. Two dates matter: Friday's jobs report and next week's [Consumer Price Index] print on Sept. 10. A soft jobs number gives bonds room to ease. A hot one, and 7% stops being a headline and starts being your rate sheet. My take: Rates will inch up slightly.
Nicole Rueth
Senior Vice President, CrossCountry Mortgage , Englewood , CO
Mortgage rates jumped to 6.89% this week, the highest level since June 2025, after new Iranian airstrikes and U.S. retaliatory strikes around the Strait of Hormuz sent Brent crude back above $95 and pushed the 10-year Treasury to its highest closing level since January 2025. This has been a common pattern throughout the Iran war, higher oil implies higher inflation, which implies higher yields and higher mortgage rates, and with both sides escalating overnight, there is no clear catalyst for oil to pull back in a sustained way. Rates could still find moments of relief on any peace headline. Yet, until there is a verified and lasting resolution, the path of least resistance with any resurgence remains higher.
Dick Lepre
Senior Loan Officer, Realfinity , Alamo , CA
Troubles in the Middle East and worldwide government deficits are increasing demand for borrowing. This is not just for this week, but longer-lasting.
Ken Johnson
Walker Family Chair of Real Estate, University of Mississippi
On Aug. 31, the spread — a risk estimate for holding mortgages as an investor — jumped four basis points after holding steady for three weeks. The yield on 10-year Treasurys moved up as well. Both the economy and holding mortgages by investors are getting riskier. Consequently, we should see an upward tick in mortgage rates next week, putting rates with a 7-handle in sight.
0% say rates will go down
17% say unchanged–
Dr. Anthony O. Kellum
President & CEO, Kellum Mortgage , Roseville , MI
I expect mortgage interest rates to remain relatively unchanged and hold within their current range over the coming week. The market continues to balance signs of cooling inflation with a gradually slowing labor market, creating an environment where neither upward nor downward pressure appears strong enough to significantly move rates. Investors are still looking for greater clarity on the direction of the economy and future Federal Reserve policy. Unless we see an unexpected shift in the economic data, I believe the market will favor caution over volatility.