Are Interest Rates Expected to Rise Over the Next Year?

Dan May • May 10, 2021

Are Interest Rates Expected to Rise Over the Next Year?

A bunch of colorful sticky notes in the shape of speech bubbles on a blue surface.


So far this year, mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%, encouraging many hopeful homebuyers to enter the housing market. However, there’s a good chance rates will increase later this year and going into 2022, ultimately making it more expensive to borrow money for a home loan. Here’s a look at what several experts have to say.


Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, realtor.com:


Our long-term view for mortgage rates in 2021 is higher. As the economic outlook strengthens, thanks to progress against coronavirus and vaccines plus a dose of stimulus from the government, this pushes up expectations for economic growth . . . .”

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR):


In 2021, I think rates will be similar or modestly higher . . . mortgage rates will continue to be historically favorable.”

Freddie Mac:


We forecast that mortgage rates will continue to rise through the end of next year. We estimate the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will average 3.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021, rising to 3.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

Below are the most recent mortgage rate forecasts from four top authorities – Freddie MacFannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and NAR:




A table showing mortgage rate projections for each quarter



Bottom Line


If you’re planning to buy a home, purchasing before mortgage interest rates rise may help you save significantly over the life of your home loan.



santa_monica_street
By Dan May June 25, 2026
Los Angeles neighborhood highlighting homeownership and property values in 2026
By Dan May May 28, 2026
West LA Real Estate Update: Castle Heights Area Home Sold
By Dan May May 8, 2026
Well-Priced Homes Are Still Selling Quickly in Today’s Market
Lake_Balboa_Home
By Dan May April 28, 2026
Lake Balboa Fixer-ADU Opportunity 6555 De Celis Listed at $599,000
By Dan May April 24, 2026
West LA Real Estate Update: Castle Heights Area Home in Escrow
By Dan May April 9, 2026
 Is Spring 2026 a Good Time to Sell a Home on LA’s Westside?
alt=
By Dan May March 9, 2026
Castle Heights remains one of the smaller but consistently active residential markets on Los Angeles’ Westside. Located between Beverlywood and Culver City , the neighborhood attracts buyers looking for a central location with convenient access to employment centers, dining, and entertainment throughout the Westside. 
By Dan May February 12, 2026
Westside Sellers: Why Early Planning Matters More Than Early Listing For homeowners considering a sale this year, February is less about listing immediately—and more about strategic positioning . Sellers who start planning early often benefit from a clear pricing and marketing road map—learn more about our Seller services on the Westside . On the Westside of Los Angeles, homes that perform best in spring are rarely last-minute decisions. They’re the result of thoughtful planning that begins weeks—or even months—earlier.
By Dan May January 22, 2026
What Beverlywood Home Sales Show Over Time Each January, I step back and look at what actually happened in our local real estate market — not forecasts or headlines, but real, closed sales. Over more than a decade of reviewing this data, one pattern has stood out: the number of homes sold each year remains relatively consistent, while prices steadily rise. This January snapshot looks first at Beverlywood as a whole, then drills down into three key sub-markets where I have long-standing experience and market share: Beverlywood HOA, Castle Heights, and Reynier Village. All data referenced in the final version of this report are based on single-family home sales reported in the Combined LA/Westside MLS, using consistent boundaries year over year.
More Posts