How Mortgage Rates Work and What Moves Them

By David Parks · eXp Realty · The Apollo Group · 2 min read

The Short Answer

Mortgage rates are influenced by bond markets, inflation, economic growth, and investor demand for mortgage-backed securities. Your personal rate also depends on your credit, down payment, and loan type.

How Mortgage Rates Work and What Moves Them
Illustration by David Parks

What drives market rates

Mortgage rates tend to follow the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury. When investors expect higher inflation or stronger growth, yields and mortgage rates often rise. When they expect slower growth, rates often fall.

What determines your rate

Quick Poll

What do you most want to understand about the market?

Why rates change daily

Lenders adjust rates based on market conditions, sometimes more than once a day. That is why a rate lock matters when you have a contract.

What to do

Don’t try to time the market perfectly. Instead, shop with several lenders, compare the Loan Estimate forms, and consider what monthly payment fits your budget. You can refinance later if rates fall and it makes financial sense.

Key Takeaways
  • What drives market rates: Mortgage rates tend to follow the yield on the 10-year U.S.
  • What determines your rate: Credit score and credit history.
  • Why rates change daily: Lenders adjust rates based on market conditions, sometimes more than once a day.
  • What to do: Don’t try to time the market perfectly.

This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial or inspection advice. Every home and situation is different, so confirm details with a licensed inspector, lender, attorney or tax professional.

David Parks
About David Parks

David is a Greater Denver real estate advisor with eXp Realty and The Apollo Group (Colorado broker license FA100103211). He has closed more than $55 million in volume, earned eXp Icon status in 2025, and holds a 5.0 rating on Zillow from 27 verified reviews.

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