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What a Fed rate hike could mean for mortgage rates (and what borrowers need to do now)

Planning to buy a home soon? The Fed's next move could change the mortgage rate outlook for borrowers.

Mortgage rates have been on the rise recently, with the average 30-year fixed rate currently at 7.43% after climbing from 6.43% earlier this year. This may not seem like a large increase, but it can significantly impact monthly payments, especially on large loans. The Federal Reserve is expected to meet this week to discuss potential additional hikes, given persistent inflation.

While the Fed doesn't directly set mortgage rates, they influence borrowing costs through the federal funds rate and bond yields. If the Fed raises rates, it could lead to higher mortgage rates, though this is not guaranteed. Borrowers should shop around for lenders, consider rate locks, assess the overall payment, strengthen their financial profile, and avoid rushing into a home purchase solely based on mortgage rate concerns.

The bottom line is that while a Fed rate hike could potentially affect mortgage rates, borrowers should focus on factors they can control and make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.

Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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