Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Mortgage Rates Are Above 6 Percent For The First Time Since 2008 As the Fed attempts to tame rampant inflation, mortgage rates hit new highs.

By Madeline Garfinkle

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

For the first time since 2008, mortgage rates surpassed six percent this week, as the Fed continues its efforts to bring down inflation.

The rate is nearly double what it was nine months ago, according to data by Freddie Mac.

The spike in mortgage rates comes after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported less than promising news regarding the consumer price index. The CPI for housing rose 0.7% in August and showed an increase of 6.2% annually — the largest increase since 1990.

"Mortgage rates at or above 6 percent is likely the new reality and prices will have to adjust," said Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist with Bright MLS, told The Washington Post. "Relatively strong demand and still-low inventory will continue to support stable or growing prices in most markets, but gone are the days of seeing offers tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over asking price. In some places, particularly high-cost markets and places where prices have grown fastest over the past two years, we could see year-over-year price declines."

Related: How Entrepreneur Millionaires Prepare for a Recession, According to a Former Wall Street Trader

As mortgage rates have steadily increased since June, the housing market has cooled from its astronomical highs. In July, home sales fell for the sixth consecutive month. With the new rate, the market is likely to continue declining.

"Mortgage rates have gone up four weeks in a row because of investors' concerns about inflation," said Holden Lewis, home and mortgage expert at NerdWallet, per The Washington Post. "Their worries are warranted, as we learned this week that inflation ran hotter than expected in August, as reflected in the consumer price index. That news boosted mortgage rates higher — a phenomenon that will be reflected in next week's rates."

Related: The Real-Estate Game Is Changing Fast. Are You Ready to Win?

Madeline Garfinkle

News Writer

Madeline Garfinkle is a News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate from Syracuse University, and received an MFA from Columbia University. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

'Creators Left So Much Money on the Table': Kickstarter's CEO Reveals the Story Behind the Company's Biggest Changes in 15 Years

In an interview with Entrepreneur, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor explains the decision-making behind the changes, how he approaches leading Kickstarter, and his advice for future CEOs.

Career

Is Consumer Services a Good Career Path for 2024? Here's the Verdict

Consumer services is a broad field with a variety of benefits and drawbacks. Here's what you should consider before choosing it as a career path.

Business Ideas

87 Service Business Ideas to Start Today

Get started in this growing industry, with options that range from IT consulting to childcare.

Business Models

How to Become an AI-Centric Business (and Why It's Crucial for Long-Term Success)

Learn the essential steps to integrate AI at the core of your operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.