by Brian Ziemer | Sep 26, 2026 | Refinancing & Rates
Quick answer: On September 16, 2026, the Fed raised its target rate a quarter point to 3.75% to 4.00%, its first increase since July 2023. Prime rose to 7.00%, so HELOCs and credit cards tied to Prime get more expensive, while fixed mortgage rates, which follow the...
by Brian Ziemer | Aug 25, 2026 | Refinancing & Rates
Quick answer: When the Fed holds its rate steady, Prime-based rates such as HELOCs and most credit cards generally do not change. Fixed mortgage rates can still move, because they follow the 10-Year Treasury yield rather than the Fed’s short-term rate. Savings and CD...
by Brian Ziemer | Mar 5, 2026 | Refinancing & Rates
Quick answer: Refinancing a $250,000 balance from 27 years remaining at 7% to a 20-year loan at 6% raises the monthly payment from about $1,720 to about $1,791, but cuts total interest from about $307,000 to about $180,000. That is roughly $127,000 in interest savings...
by Brian Ziemer | Jan 17, 2026 | Refinancing & Rates
Quick answer: Mortgage rates move mainly with the bond market, especially the 10-Year Treasury yield, which responds to inflation, economic growth, Fed policy and global events. Demand for mortgage-backed securities also matters. Your own rate depends on your credit...
by Brian Ziemer | Jan 1, 2026 | Refinancing & Rates
Quick answer: The Fed does not set mortgage rates. It sets a short-term rate that moves Prime, HELOCs and credit cards quickly, while 30-year fixed mortgage rates follow longer-term yields such as the 10-Year Treasury. Fed decisions and signals can influence those...
by Brian Ziemer | Dec 16, 2025 | Refinancing & Rates
Quick answer: A Fed rate cut does not guarantee lower mortgage rates. The Fed controls a short-term rate, while 30-year mortgage rates follow longer-term yields such as the 10-Year Treasury. After 1.75 points of Fed cuts since September 2024, the 30-year rate was...
