Mortgage Rate Forecast Update (April 2026): Fannie Mae Revises Higher, MBA Holds Steady

Mortgage Rate Forecasts Revised Higher for 2026.

The latest April 2026 housing forecasts from Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association provide updated expectations for mortgage rates through the remainder of the year.

While both institutions project rates to remain in a similar range, their latest updates reflect different adjustments to prior expectations.

Summary of April 2026 mortgage rate forecasts.

April 2026 mortgage rate forecasts show continued expectations for rates in the low-to-mid 6% range, with Fannie Mae revising higher while MBA maintains a steady outlook.

Current Rate Snapshot.

• 6.23% — Freddie Mac weekly average (April 23)

• 6.35% — MBA weekly average (April 22)

This places current mortgage rates within the same general range projected for the coming quarters.

April 2026 Mortgage Rate Forecast Overview.

Fannie Mae Forecast (April Update).

• Q2 — 6.3%

• Q3 — 6.2%

• Q4 — 6.1%

Prior (March): 5.9% → 5.8% → 5.7%

Update: Fannie Mae revised its forecast higher across all remaining quarters of 2026.

Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

• Q2 — 6.3%

• Q3 — 6.3%

• Q4 — 6.2%

Prior (March): No change

The MBA maintained its prior forecast, reflecting a more stable outlook relative to earlier projections.

What This Means.

Forecasts for 2026 mortgage rates remain in the low 6% range.

Recent revisions reflect changing economic conditions, while overall expectations continue to indicate a relatively stable rate environment.

Bottom Line.

Despite differing adjustments, both forecasts remain closely aligned in the low-to-mid 6% range, reinforcing a relatively consistent outlook for mortgage rates through the remainder of 2026.

For additional Northern Virginia and Fairfax County market analysis, visit: BellaCasaPartners.com/marketnews.

Who you work with matters.