If you’re reading headlines about inflation or [mortgage rates](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/04/26/the-three-factors-affecting-home-affordability-today/), you may see something about the recent decision from the _Federal Reserve_ (the Fed). But what does it mean for you, the housing market, and your plans to [buy a home](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/05/01/why-buying-a-home-makes-more-sense-than-renting-today/)? Here’s what you need to know. #### Inflation and the Housing Market While the Fed’s working hard to lower inflation, the latest [data](https://www.bea.gov/data/personal-consumption-expenditures-price-index) shows that, while the number has improved some, the inflation rate is still higher than the target (2%). That played a role in the Fed's decision to raise the Federal Funds Rate last week. As _Bankrate_ [explains](https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-fed-rate-hike-affects-housing/): ###### _“__Keeping its inflation-fighting streak alive, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the 10th time in 10 meetings_ _. . . The hikes aimed to cool an economy that was on fire after rebounding from the coronavirus recession of 2020.”_ While the Fed’s actions don’t directly dictate what happens with mortgage rates, their decisions do have an impact and contributed to the intentional cooldown in the housing market last year. #### How This Impacts You During times of high inflation, your everyday expenses go up. That means you’ve likely felt the pinch at the gas pump and in the grocery store. By raising the Federal Funds Rate, the Fed is actively trying to lower inflation. If the Fed is successful, it could also ultimately lead to [lower mortgage rates](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/05/02/a-recession-doesnt-equal-a-housing-crisis-2/) and better homebuying [affordability](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/04/28/ways-to-overcome-affordability-challenges-in-todays-housing-market-infographic/) for you. That’s because when inflation is high, mortgage rates tend to be high. But, as inflation cools, experts say mortgage rates will likely fall. #### Where Experts Think Mortgage Rates and Inflation Will Go from Here Moving forward, both inflation and mortgage rates will continue to impact the housing market. And as Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the _National Association of Realtors_ (NAR), [says](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/05/03/will-mortgage-rates-rise-with-fed-rate-hike/70174099007/): ###### _“__Mortgage rates are likely to descend lower later in the year_ _as the consumer price inflation calms down . . .”_ Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the _Mortgage Bankers Association_ (MBA), [explains](https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-fed-rate-hike-affects-housing/): ###### _“We continue to_ _expect that mortgage rates will drift down over the course of the year_ _as the economy slows . . .”_ While there’s no way to say with certainty where mortgage rates will go from here, the experts think mortgage rates will trend down this year if inflation comes down too. To stay informed on the latest insights, connect with a trusted real estate advisor. They keep their pulse on what’s happening today and help you understand what the experts are projecting and how it could impact your homeownership plans. ### Bottom Line Don’t let headlines about the latest decision from the Fed confuse you. Where mortgage rates go from here depends on what happens with inflation. If inflation cools, mortgage rates should tick down as a result. Let’s connect so you have expert insights on housing market changes and what they mean for you. * * *
