December 12, 2024
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage decreased for the third consecutive week. The combination of mortgage rate declines, firm consumer income growth and a bullish stock market have increased homebuyer demand in recent weeks. While the outlook for the housing market is improving, the improvement is limited given that homebuyers continue to face stiff affordability headwinds.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
December 5, 2024
This week, mortgage rates decreased to their lowest level in over a month. Despite just a modest drop in rates, consumers clearly have responded as purchase demand has noticeably improved. The responsiveness of prospective homebuyers to even small changes in rates illustrates that affordability headwinds persist.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
November 27, 2024
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage moved down this week, but not by much. Rates have been relatively flat over the last few weeks as the market waits for more clarity on specific economic policies. Potential homebuyers are also waiting on the sidelines, causing demand to be lackluster. Despite the low sales activity, inventory has only modestly improved and remains dramatically undersupplied.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
November 21, 2024
Mortgage rates ticked back up this week, continuing to approach 7 percent. Heading into the holidays, purchase demand remains in the doldrums. While for-sale inventory is increasing modestly, the elevated interest rate environment has caused new construction to soften.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
November 14, 2024
After a six-week climb, rates have leveled off, but overall affordability continues to be an issue for potential homebuyers. Freddie Mac’s latest research shows that mortgage payments compared to rents on the same homes are elevated relative to most of the last three decades.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
November 7, 2024
Mortgage rates continued to inch up this week, reaching 6.79 percent. It is clear purchase demand is very sensitive to mortgage rates in the current market environment. As soon as rates began to rise in early October, purchase applications fell and over the last month have declined 10 percent.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
October 31, 2024
Increasing for the fifth consecutive week, mortgage rates reached their highest level since the beginning of August. With several potential inflection points happening over the next week, including the jobs report, the 2024 election, and the Federal Reserve interest rate decision, we can expect mortgage rates to remain volatile. Although uncertainty will remain, it does appear mortgage rates are cresting, and are not expected to reach the highs seen earlier this year.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
October 24, 2024
The continued strength in the economy drove mortgage rates higher once again this week. Over the last few years, there has been a tension between downbeat economic narrative and incoming economic data stronger than that narrative. This has led to higher-than-normal volatility in mortgage rates, despite a strengthening economy.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
October 17, 2024
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased for the third consecutive week, moving closer to 6.5%. In general, higher rates reflect the strength in the economy that is supportive of the housing market. But notably, as compared to a year ago, rates are more than one percentage point lower and potential homebuyers can stand to benefit, especially by shopping around for the best quote as rates can vary widely between mortgage lenders.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
October 10, 2024
Following the release of a stronger-than-expected September jobs report, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage saw the largest one-week increase since April. However, the rise in rates is largely due to shifts in expectations and not the underlying economy, which has been strong for most of the year. Although higher rates make affordability more challenging, it shows the economic strength that should continue to support the recovery of the housing market.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.