What’s Really Going On With Interest Rates (And Why It Matters If You’re Buying or Selling a Home)

If you’ve been reading headlines about interest rates, the Fed, or housing prices lately—and felt confused—you’re not alone. So in this week’s Real Estate Recess episode, I brought in some expert voices to help clear things up.

I was on location at United Wholesale Mortgage headquarters in Michigan, joined by Riley Anderson from Freestone Mortgage and Andrew Bartley from UWM, to break down what’s really happening in the market right now and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.

📊 The Real Market Scoop

Here’s the quick version: the last 30 days have been wild. Tariff talks, economic shifts, and surprising data (like pending home sales jumping over 6% when only 1% was expected) have investors guessing—and mortgage rates have been riding the wave.

The good news? Mortgage rates are showing signs of softening. That means opportunity, especially if you’ve been holding off in hopes of better timing.

💡 But What About the Fed Rate?

One of the biggest misconceptions we see: when the Fed lowers their rate, that doesn’t directly lower mortgage rates.

Mortgage interest rates are driven by mortgage-backed securities (bonds), not by the Fed rate—which actually impacts things like credit cards and short-term loans. That’s why seeing a flashy “Fed cuts rates!” headline doesn’t always translate to a lower home loan rate the next day.

🧠 Why a Good Lender Really Matters Right Now

Riley and Andrew also explained why working with an independent mortgage broker can make a real financial difference:

• Access to more loan products and lenders

• Potential for appraisal waivers (quicker closes)

• Average cost savings of up to $11,000

• Faster appraisal turnaround times—sometimes in 24–48 hours

Those things matter a lot when you’re trying to win in a competitive market, especially if you’re up against cash offers.

💬 My Takeaway

If you’re thinking about making a move, talk to a real expert—on both the mortgage and real estate sides. In this market, timing and strategy make all the difference. Check out the entire podcast episode on my YouTube Channel here.

And as always, I’m here to help you sort fact from fiction, and find the best possible outcome for your situation. You can reach me anytime right here or on Instagram @JenSchurter.