With the Federal Reserve's July meeting on the horizon, many prospective homebuyers and homeowners are wondering what it could mean for mortgage rates. After years of relatively high borrowing costs, even the slightest dip could open doors for those hoping to buy or refinance. But the path forward is far from clear.

Investors, not the Fed, control the interest rates that matter most to businesses and consumers. They might demand higher returns if the central bank’s independence comes into question.

Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers warned that President Donald Trump’s bid to assert control over the Federal Reserve and drive down interest rates could trigger a surge in inflation expectations that pushes up long-term borrowing costs.

With June's inflation reading coming in hotter than the month prior, the Fed is under renewed pressure to maintain its current target range for the federal funds rate. Analysts now see little chance of a rate cut in the near term. That means HELOC borrowers are unlikely to see significant rate drops anytime soon.

Homeownership is often seen as a cornerstone of the American Dream. But for some who bought in recent years, it’s become a costly source of stress.

Despite the efforts of state and federal authorities, homelessness keeps getting worse, especially in the West and the Northeast.

Mortgage rates on July 17, 2025, hold steady as 30-year fixed sits at 6.625%. Here’s what today’s numbers mean for buyers and refinancers.

High summer’s heat may be making home equity rates sleepy. The average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) was unchanged at 8.27 percent for the fifth straight week, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. The average rate on the $30,000 home equity loan barely stirred, moving two basis points up to 8.28 percent.