Mortgage rates could move even higher — dealing a fresh blow to home buyers

“Mortgage rates in the United States nudged higher as a widening sell‑off in the bond market pushed yields up, adding pressure on prospective homebuyers already grappling with elevated price levels. The incremental rise, while modest, signals that rates could keep climbing if bond yields remain volatile, potentially dampening housing demand and slowing price appreciation. Expert Analysis: Continued bond‑market turbulence could force the Federal Reserve to keep policy rates elevated, which would keep mortgage rates above historic lows and strain affordability for first‑time buyers. A sustained upward trend may also delay new‑home construction as developers reassess financing costs.”