Money Rapid rise in mortgage rates startles homebuyers, who blame inflation fears January 22, 2022Susan Tompor, Detroit Free PressComments Off on Rapid rise in mortgage rates startles homebuyers, who blame inflation fears The average 30-year rate was 3.08% in November but shot up to 3.54% by mid-January. The speed is a bit startling, but so was the spike in inflation.