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The average 30-year fixed mortgage rates has risen to 6.22% this week, according to Freddie Mac. This is a 0.11% incline from last week and the third consecutive week of increases. Three weeks ago, the 30-year rate had dropped below 6% to 5.98%.The 15-year fixed rate is also up for a second week in a row. It now sits at 5.54%, which is a 0.04% increase since last week.A significant chunk of my mortgage-reporting career has focused on mortgage rates, so I can’t say I’m surprised that rates have climbed again this week. Numerous economic factors impact mortgage rates, but one seems to be king in the current environment: the conflict in the Middle East.Iran war continues to affect mortgage ratesGeopolitical unrest affects the U.S. economy in various way — one being that it pushes up mortgage rates.“Right now, the story in the markets is still being driven almost entirely by what’s happening in the Middle East and the impact it’s having through elevated and volatile oil prices,” said Jeff DerGurahian, chief investment officer and head economist for loanDepot.Related: How Fed meeting impacts mortgage rates, housing marketAmerica and Israel first attacked Iran on Feb. 28. The longer the Middle East conflict drags on, the more significant its effect on mortgage interest rates could be. Considering Israel claimed to have killed Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, on Wednesday, March 18, as CNBC reported, it doesn’t look like the turmoil is winding down.High oil prices typically lead to high mortgage rates. Prices for Brent crude, the main benchmark for oil prices internationally, have skyrocketed since Feb. 28. Brent crude closed at $72.50 on the day before Israel and America attacked Iran, and today, it opened at $103.66, per Business Insider.Consider adjustable-rate mortgages insteadRegardless of what mortgage rates are doing, it’s always a good idea to shop for different types of home loans with a few mortgage lenders to compare your options. And as rates rise during the Middle East conflict, you may want to ask lenders about getting an adjustable-rate mortgage (often called an ARM) instead of a fixed-rate mortgage.With a FRM, your interest rate is locked in for your entire term length, unless you refinance into a new rate. An ARM keeps your rate the same for a predetermined amount of time, then fluctuates at regular intervals. For example, a 5/1 ARM would lock in your interest rate for five years, then it would increase or decrease every one year. With a 7/6 ARM, your rate would be stagnant for seven years, then change every six months. Lenders also typically offer lower mortgage rates during ARMs’ introductory years than they do for FRMs.On March 19, I compared mortgage rates among lenders for a ZIP code in Sacramento, Calif., which is the top metro area where Americans are moving, according to Redfin. The results supported the idea that ARM rates are lower right now.At Better Mortgage, the advertised 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.75%, while 7/6 and 5/6 ARMs charged 5.5%. Chase Home Lending’s rate on a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo loan was 5.875%, and its rate on a 7/6 jumbo ARM was 5.490%.(These advertised rates assume the homebuyer will pay for discount points, which lowers the rate but costs money on closing day.)More on mortgages and mortgage rates:How Fed meeting impacts mortgage rates, housing marketRedfin reveals why now is the right time to refinance a mortgageFannie Mae predicts shifts in housing market, mortgage ratesARMs are worth considering if you think mortgage rates could decrease later — but there’s always the risk that market rates could actually be higher when your introductory-rate period ends, and your monthly mortgage payment would go up. So, ARMs are a particularly worthwhile option for those who plan to move before their intro-rate period ends. This way, you don’t risk taking on a higher rate later.Adjustable rates do come with some risk, but they aren’t as volatile as 20 years ago.”It’s also worth noting that today’s ARMs are different from the pre-2008 ARMs you may remember — they’re more tightly regulated and include adjustment caps, which provide you with clearer guardrails around how much your rate, and payment, can increase over time,” said loanDepot branch manager Baret Kechian.Long-term fixed mortgage rates are still downThree consecutive weeks of rate increases may feel dismal, but I have good news for homebuyers: Long-term mortgage fixed rates have actually decreased. So, you could still be in a relatively good spot to buy a house or refinance into a lower rate.Year-over-year mortgage rates have decreased. The 30-year fixed rate is 0.45% lower than this week last year, and the 15-year rate is down 0.29%.Mortgage rates are also below their 52-week averages. The average 30-year rate is down 0.21% from its 52-week average, and the 15-year rate is 0.12% lower.Today’s mortgage rates are actually lower than Freddie Mac’s historical average. Since Freddie Mac started tracking 30-year fixed mortgage rates in 1971, the average is 7.69%. The current rate is 1.47% lower than the historical average.
Source: Freddie Mac
Related: Fannie Mae predicts shifts in mortgage rates, housing market

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TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealProperly utilizing your outdoor space expands the usable square footage of your home. Instead of a wasted yard or a sparse deck that goes untouched throughout this season, you can transform this area into an outdoor oasis to enjoy year-round. All you need to start this process is the right patio furniture, and Walmart is making it more affordable than ever.Right now, the retailer is offering one of its top-rated two-seat gliders at a nice discount. The Gymax Outdoor Patio Swing Glider is on sale at Walmart for just $130. We suggest taking advantage of this deal now because it will quickly become a go-to seating option wherever you place it, whether it’s on the front porch or back deck — just in time for the start of the spring season.Gymax Outdoor Patio Swing Glider, $130 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?The quality and comfort of this patio furniture stand apart from the competition. Constructed with heavy-duty solid steel, this glider is extremely durable, with a weight capacity of 400 pounds. A rust-proof and waterproof treatment adds further longevity to the sturdy frame. Additionally, it’s wrapped with a premium material that is breathable, water-resistant, sun-resistant, and quick-drying, so it can withstand exposure to rainy days and bright sunlight.When comparing a traditional rocking chair or porch swing with a glider, we believe that the glider reigns supreme, especially as seating for two. It provides the same gentle and soothing rocking motion, but in a smoother, more uniform, and more peaceful motion. Since this selection comfortably fits two people, with a seat measuring 46 inches long by 18 inches wide, multiple people can enjoy the relaxing seating while taking in the outdoor scenery. Related: Walmart is selling a $179 patio swing glider for only $98 in 7 colors — just in time for springTo provide ultimate comfort, the glider’s strong woven fabric cradles the body. It also has a curved, ergonomic back that supports the spine, while two armrests provide a spot to rest your arms. One shopper called the piece “a new favorite place” to relax outside. While highlighting that the “glider is very solid, comfortable, and easy to assemble,” they also noted that the impressive quality “looks like it will last for years.”Details to know Dimensions: This patio glider measures 48.5 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 34 inches high. Materials: Made of steel and breathable woven fabric.Is assembly required?: Yes.Currently, the patio furniture has an average customer rating of 4.6 out of five stars, and many reviewers comment on the ease of assembly, quality of the product, and comfort of the loveseat.While assembly is required for this glider, many shoppers noted that the process is straightforward. This includes one reviewer who said it’s “simple to put together,” while adding that the final product is “nice and comfortable to swing in.” Shop more dealsCostway Patio Glider Outdoor Rocking Bench, $85 (was $149) at WalmartOutsunny 2-Person Outdoor Glider Bench, $110 at WalmartZimtown Outdoor Swing Glider Chair, $90 (was $175) at WalmartAt just $130, there are few deals as good as this one at Walmart on the Gymax Outdoor Patio Swing Glider. However, we don’t know how long this under-$150 price will last, so don’t let time run out. Add this top-rated glider to your cart before the savings end.

You can’t escape news about artificial intelligence in today’s world, as rapid technology advancements have everyone discussing how AI is reshaping life as we know it. Unfortunately, the IRS has a harsh warning about the potential impact of AI on the nation’s tax system and on individual taxpayers. And it’s a warning everyone needs to be aware of.The IRS addresses AI risks for the first timeFor the first time in history, the IRS addressed AI on its Dirty Dozen warning list, which was released at the beginning of March. The Dirty Dozen list is described by the IRS as a “list of tax scams for 2026 that threaten the tax and financial information of taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals.” More Personal Finance:Suze Orman’s 5 best pieces of financial adviceDave Ramsey shares key insight on mortgage ratesJean Chatzky makes key statement as Social Security change loomsThe IRS releases the Dirty Dozen to warn taxpayers about scams they need to be vigilant about. “For more than two decades, the IRS has used the Dirty Dozen list to flag emerging scams that taxpayers should watch out for,” IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano explained.However, the list has a notable new entry this year. The number two scam highlighted in the report is AI-enabled IRS impersonation via phone calls. Why AI poses a unique threat to the IRS and taxpayersThe IRS highlighted multiple ways in which AI could pose a serious threat to taxpayers, including that artificial intelligence could be used to impersonate the IRS through:RobocallersVoice mimicrySpoofed caller ID“Phone scams continue to evolve, including calls that use computer-generated tactics and spoofed caller ID to appear legitimate,” the warning read. 

AI-enabled robocalls are one method scammers use to defraud taxpayers.Shutterstock

Tax-scam experts warn that AI is number-one culpritIn light of the new IRS alert on AI-enabled scams, experts weighed in on how the technology can be used not just to impersonate the IRS via phone calls, but also to defraud taxpayers and the tax collection agency in multiple ways. Nina Tross, the liaison for tax advocacy at the National Society of Tax Professionals, stated in an interview that “AI is definitely the number one culprit” for perpetrating tax scams, CFO Dive reported.Related: IRS issues stern warning for taxpayers claiming 2 popular creditsBad actors also use AI to gather information from taxpayers and corporations, Tross said.This information can then be used to file “highly detailed” fraudulent tax forms that result in improper payments to scammers and serious long-term financial consequences for those whose information was stolen.Do this to protect yourself from tax fraudSo, what can you do to avoid getting sucked into an AI-enabled scam that puts your tax information at risk?The IRS provides a reminder and some suggestions on the Dirty Dozen List write-up, where it explains the threat of AI scams.“The IRS reminds taxpayers that it generally contacts taxpayers by mail first and does not leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest. Taxpayers should not rely on AI-generated responses to complex tax questions, and they should verify any calculations or information provided by artificial intelligence.”If you receive a phone call purported to be from the IRS, the best thing to do is hang up. You can call the IRS back yourself later if you want to, by looking up the telephone number for the agency on its official website.If anyone you don’t know calls you to ask about your confidential tax information, you should also hang up. Especially over the phone, no one except a trusted accountant or tax professional you hire and contact yourself should be given any information they could use to steal your identity.It’s always better to err on the side of caution and assume these unsolicited calls are a scam until proven otherwise.Related: New IRS rule could lead to big problems getting tax refund checks

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