The article explains that economists and real estate experts largely expect mortgage rates to remain relatively high and somewhat volatile through April, with only gradual declines possible later in 2026 rather than any sharp drop. Most forecasts place rates in the mid-6% range in the near term, with a potential dip into the high-5% range if inflation continues to ease, though uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy and economic data keeps predictions fluid. Jen Poniatowski, senior vice president of mortgage growth and market development at Key Mortgage Services, emphasizes that inflation will be the key driver, stating that “inflation progress needs to hold” and that “any upside surprise in inflation tends to push mortgage pricing higher, quickly,” while suggesting rates could fluctuate between the mid-5% and mid-6% range. Overall, experts advise that buyers shouldn’t try to time the market based on rate forecasts, since conditions can shift quickly and unpredictably.