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.

Editor's Pick

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

'Masculine Energy Is Good': Mark Zuckerberg Tells Joe Rogan He Thinks Companies Need More Aggression

On the most recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said corporate culture has become "neutered."

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

5 Risk-Taking Lessons From Founders Who Bet Big and Won

Discover the bold moves and strategic risks that catapulted these entrepreneurs to success. Learn how their fearless decisions can inspire your own path to growth.