If you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have come down significantly since the end of October and are currently under 7%, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below):
This recent trend is great news for buyers. As a recent article from Bankrate says:
“The rate cool-off somewhat eases the housing affordability squeeze.”
And according to Edward Seiler, AVP of Housing Economics and Executive Director of the Research Institute for Housing America at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA):
“MBA expects that affordability conditions will continue to improve as mortgage rates decline . . .”
Here’s a bit more context on how this could help with your plans to buy a home.
Understanding the connection between mortgage rates and your monthly home payment is crucial for your plans to become a homeowner. The chart below illustrates how your ability to afford a home changes when mortgage rates shift. Imagine your budget allows for a monthly payment between $2,400 and $2,500. The green part in the chart shows payments in that range or lower (see chart below):
As you can see, even small changes in rates can affect your budget and the loan amount you can afford.
When you're looking to buy a home, it's important to get guidance from a local real estate agent and a trusted lender. They can help you explore different mortgage options, understand what makes mortgage rates go up or down, and how those changes impact you.
By looking at the numbers and the latest data together, then adjusting your strategy based on today's rates, you'll be better prepared and ready to buy a home.
If you’re looking to buy a home, you should know the recent downward trend in mortgage rates is good news for your move. Let’s connect and plan your next steps.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve… Read more
The housing market is in a transition in the second half of 2024. Here are four reasons why this may be a buyers chance to jump back into the market.
Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with … Read more
Setting the right price from the start is key. While it might be tempting to try shooting high with your price, that can slow down the selling process big time.
One of the best pieces of news for both buyers and sellers is that mortgage rates are expected to come down a bit.
Historically, Presidential elections have only had a small, temporary impact on the housing market. Here’s the latest on exactly what’s happened to home sales, prices,… Read more
Everyone should have the chance to pursue their dream of homeownership.
To start, create a detailed budget that tracks the money you’ve got coming in and the money going out.
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.