What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 5th, 2026

While the Core PCE Index came in at 3.0%, below the expected 3.3%, overall inflation remains well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. With inflation still running above the Federal Reserve’s target, there remains room for rates to stay elevated or potentially increase over the next several rate decisions if the Fed remains focused on restraining inflation. The JOLTS job openings report has also revealed a larger-than-expected gap. Job growth across the board has been slowing, with growth concentrated in only a handful of sectors. The nonfarm payroll figures have also come in well below expectations, while the unemployment rate…
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Why Buyers Should Look at Where the Thermostat Is Located

The thermostat is one of those household features buyers can walk past several times without giving it much thought. If the temperature feels comfortable during the showing, there may seem to be little reason to investigate further. But where a thermostat is located can influence what it senses about the temperature inside the home. Find It Before You LeaveDuring your tour, locate the thermostat rather than simply checking the temperature displayed on it.Is it in a central hallway? Near the kitchen? Close to an exterior door? Is sunlight hitting the wall where it is mounted? The thermostat responds to conditions…
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Why Buyers Should Try Walking From Every Bedroom to the Bathroom at Night

Buyers usually tour homes with the lights on, doors open, and every room ready to be seen. That makes sense for a showing, but it does not necessarily reveal how the layout will function when the house is dark and everyone is asleep. One surprisingly useful way to evaluate a floor plan is to imagine walking from each bedroom to a bathroom in the middle of the night. Count the Turns and ObstaclesStart with the bedrooms.Is the bathroom directly across the hall, or does reaching it require navigating stairs, corners, or several doorways? Would someone need to cross an open…
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