The Fed left rates unchanged, while inflation climbed on higher gas prices. National home values rose for a seventh straight month, and new construction showed mixed signals.

Oil prices, inflation fears, and mortgage rates are likely to remain elevated until the US/Iran conflict ends. But even today, mortgage rates are nearly a half a percentage point lower than they were at the same time last year, and many markets are significantly more buyer-friendly.

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.

A surprising gap in perception is causing many people to overlook one of homeownership’s most powerful wealth-building advantages: leverage.

When buying a home, it’s important to plan for key costs like closing fees, monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance - expenses that, when managed wisely, support homeownership as a powerful path to building long-term wealth.

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.