
The U.S. housing market is facing a seismic shock. Mortgage rates skyrocket to levels not seen in over two decades.
The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages has surged by 15 basis points (bps). The rates reached a staggering 7.31% for the week ending Aug. 18. This marks the highest rate since December 2000, according to data released by the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA).