https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/us-mortgage-rates-brush-7-weighing-on-buyers-sellers-and-further-straining-a-bleak-housing-marketContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/us-mortgage-rates-brush-7-weighing-on-buyers-sellers-and-further-straining-a-bleak-housing-markethttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/us-mortgage-rates-brush-7-weighing-on-buyers-sellers-and-further-straining-a-bleak-housing-market#u76133Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:10:09 +0000United States mortgage rates have climbed to 6.97 percent, marking the highest level in more than a year and the fourth consecutive week of increases. The surging interest rates are heavily weighing on both buyers and sellers, resulting in a bleak and stagnant housing market. Mortgage demand from homebuyers has dropped 19 percent compared to a year ago as the abrupt rate surge creates fresh hurdles for everyday consumers trying to achieve homeownership.Why it mattersThe rising borrowing costs continue to squeeze an already constrained real estate market across the nation, affecting regional hu