March inflation moved higher, driven largely by energy price spikes. Plus, updated home price forecasts highlight how homeownership can build wealth.

The US/Iran war continues, but the stock and bond markets are increasingly behaving as if it’s already over, with the S&P 500 stock market index now above its pre-war levels and average 30-yr mortgage rates slowly returning to the low 6% range.

The MBS Highway National Housing Index fell 5 points in April 2026, dropping from 47 in March to 42. While national price direction remained relatively steady, buyer activity declined sharply, likely reflecting the recent rise in mortgage rates.

Even amid market uncertainty, buying a home now can boost long-term wealth: home prices are projected to rise about 4.4% over the next year, and purchasing early – by age 30 – can lead to a 22.5% higher net worth by age 50.

A home appraisal is a key step in the buying or refinancing process. Here’s what it means for you and how to prepare.

MBS Highway is excited to announce our new Strike Rate tool, which was designed to help our subscribers capture more refinance opportunities that are sitting right in their pipeline – immediately as they become available.