Expert poll: Mortgage rate trend predictions for Feb. 20 - 26, 2025

Written by

February 19, 2025

Experts say rates will...

Go up	17%
Stay the same	50%
Go down	33%

Percentages might not equal 100 due to rounding.

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Rates are likely to stay rangebound this week, says the majority of rate watchers polled by Bankrate.

Of those polled, 50 percent of respondents predict rates will remain rangebound, 33 percent expect rates to drop and 17 percent say rates will rise.

The average 30-year fixed rate was 7.00 percent as of Feb. 19, according to Bankrate’s national survey of large lenders, down slightly from 7.03 the previous week.

Estimate your monthly mortgage payment based on current rates using this calculator.

Rate Trend Index

Experts predict where mortgage rates are headed

Week of Feb. 20 - 26, 2025

Experts say rates will...

Go up	17%
Stay the same	50%
Go down	33%

Percentages might not equal 100 due to rounding.

With mixed signals from labor markets and inflation reports showing gradual easing, I don’t anticipate a major shift in rates in the immediate term.
— Anthony O. Kellum, Kellum Mortgage

17% say rates will go up

Ken Johnson

Walker Family Chair of Real Estate, University of Mississippi

Although long-term mortgage rates have been falling steadily for the last month, a slight burp up in bond yields earlier this week, most likely from geopolitical uncertainty, should lead to a slight increase in mortgage rates. Thus, next week, we should see an increase in rates. However, lacking any major events in Ukraine or the Middle East, such as a resumption of hostilities, mortgage rates should continue their downward trend soon.

Joel Naroff

President and Chief Economist, Naroff Economic Advisors , Holland , PA

Up — There is lots of room for rates to rise as investors appear to still be dreaming that the trade war that is breaking out is temporary and will have little impact on inflation.

33% say rates will go down

Greg McBride, CFA

Chief Financial Analyst, Bankrate , North Palm Beach , FL

In the absence of new inflation data, the Fed speeches over the next week might be the most relevant to long-term rates.

Denise McManus

Global Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Voelkers & Senior Lender, Xpert Home Lending, Engel & Voelkers

Mortgage rates are expected to remain close to 7 percent (6.875 as a national average) in the week ahead, with some slight downward movement. However, inflation and economic uncertainty could hinder any further decreases. Remember, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has been around 7 percent since the 1970s. Knowing this, we are right on par with a 50-year average. Prediction: Slight decreases in the week ahead.

Les Parker, CMB

Managing Director, Transformational Mortgage Solutions , Jacksonville , FL

Mortgage rates will go down. Here’s a parody of “Till I Collapse,” Eminem's 2002 hit. “'Till I collapse, who’s spillin' these raps long as rates feel 'em.” The weakening pillars of the higher rates and mixed trends along the yield curve strengthened the bulls. So, do not be surprised to see rates fall as Oil prices fall.

Robert J. Smith

Chief Economist, GetWYZ Mortgage

I expect rates to drift lower over the next week given this morning’s weak retail sales data and the absence of impactful economic data over the next week.

50% say unchanged–

Michael Becker

Branch Manager, Sierra Pacific Mortgage , White Marsh , MD

With a lack of economic data to move bond markets over the next week, I think there will be little movement in bond yields. Mortgage rates will be flat in the coming week.

Melissa Cohn

Regional Vice President, William Raveis Mortgage

Mortgage rates are stable this week as there is little market-moving data to drive bond yields either up or down. Next week is data packed, including the PCE report on Friday, which is the Fed’s preferred inflation index.

Dr. Anthony O. Kellum

President & CEO, Kellum Mortgage , Roseville , MI

I believe interest rates will remain unchanged in the coming week. While there are ongoing discussions about inflation and the Federal Reserve’s next moves, the current economic data suggests a period of stability. With mixed signals from labor markets and inflation reports showing gradual easing, I don’t anticipate a major shift in rates in the immediate term.