In September 2025, St. Louis homebuyers continue to face a challenging market as mortgage rates remain elevated. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stands at 6.22%, reflecting a 0.09% increase since last reported. The 15-year fixed mortgage also edged up to 5.75%. While some may have expected relief after the Federal Reserve’s latest move, that hasn’t materialized—at least not yet.
Yesterday, the Federal Reserve announced its first rate cut of the year, lowering the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 4.00% to 4.25%. This marked a shift in policy as the Fed responded to slowing job growth and a cooling economy. However, unlike some past rate cuts, mortgage rates have not dropped in tandem.
This disconnect is due to a few key reasons. Mortgage rates are primarily influenced by longer-term Treasury yields and the pricing of mortgage-backed securities (MBS), not just the Fed’s short-term rate. Inflation remains higher than the Fed’s target, and concerns over future price growth are keeping long-term yields elevated. In addition, the Fed has continued reducing its balance sheet, including MBS holdings, which has made the mortgage market more volatile and less liquid.
In plain terms, even though the Fed is trying to ease overall borrowing costs, the market isn’t fully cooperating—at least not yet. So, while the rate cut may have helped prevent mortgage rates from going even higher, it’s not delivering the kind of relief buyers might expect.
For St. Louis-area buyers, this means affordability is still under pressure. Higher rates translate to higher monthly payments, and that may cause some buyers to delay their plans. Sellers may also notice more hesitancy from buyers. While the Fed’s action is a step toward lower rates, the mortgage market is marching to its own beat right now.
To better understand these trends and historical rate changes, prospective buyers and sellers can refer to the chart button below for detailed historical data. This information is provided by
MORE, REALTORS®, a trusted source for real estate insights in the St. Louis area. Staying informed and working with an experienced real estate professional is key in a market like this.
Current Mortgage Rates*
| Loan Type | Current Rate | Change From Prior Day |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Yr. Fixed | 6.22% | +0.09% |
| 15 Yr. Fixed | 5.75% | +0.04% |
| 30 Yr. FHA | 5.95% | +0.04% |
| 30 Yr. Jumbo | 6.14% | -0.01% |
| 7/6 SOFR ARM | 5.65% | +0.00% |
| 30 Yr. VA | 5.98% | +0.06% |
*Rates shown are national averages from Mortgage News Daily’s Rate Index and are updated as of September 18, 2025. Individual rates may vary based on factors including loan amount, down payment, credit score, property type, occupancy status, and market conditions. Contact a licensed mortgage professional for personalized rate quotes.
