September 21, 2023
Mortgage rates continue to linger above seven percent as the Federal Reserve paused their interest rate hikes. Given these high rates, housing demand is cooling off and now homebuilders are feeling the effect. Builder sentiment declined for the first time in several months and construction levels have dipped to a three-year low, which could have an impact on the already low housing supply.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
September 14, 2023
Mortgage rates inched back up this week and remain anchored north of seven percent. The reacceleration of inflation and strength in the economy is keeping mortgage rates elevated. However, potential homebuyers can still benefit during these times of high mortgage rates by shopping around for the best rate quote. Freddie Mac research suggests homebuyers can potentially save $600-$1,200 annually by applying for mortgages from multiple lenders.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
September 7, 2023
For the fourth consecutive week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hovered above seven percent. The economy remains buoyant, which is encouraging for consumers. Though while inflation has decelerated, firmer economic data have put upward pressure on mortgage rates which, in the face of affordability challenges, are straining potential homebuyers.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
August 31, 2023
Mortgage rates leveled off this week but remain elevated. Despite continued high rates, low inventory is keeping house prices steady. Recent volatility makes it difficult to forecast where rates will go next, but it might be easier to gauge as the Federal Reserve determines their next steps regarding interest rate hikes in September.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
August 24, 2023
This week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reached its highest level since 2001 and indications of ongoing economic strength will likely continue to keep upward pressure on rates in the short-term. As rates remain high and supply of unsold homes woefully low, incoming data shows that existing homes sales continue to fall. However, there are slightly more new homes available, and sales of these new homes continue to rise, helping provide modest relief to the unyielding housing inventory predicament.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
August 17, 2023
The economy continues to do better than expected and the 10-year Treasury yield has moved up, causing mortgage rates to climb. The last time the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage exceeded seven percent was last November. Demand has been impacted by affordability headwinds, but low inventory remains the root cause of stalling home sales.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
August 10, 2023
For the third straight week, mortgage rates continued creeping up and are now just shy of seven percent. There is no doubt continued high rates will prolong affordability challenges longer than expected, particularly with home prices on the rise again. However, upward pressure on rates is the product of a resilient economy with low unemployment and strong wage growth, which historically has kept purchase demand solid.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
August 3, 2023
The combination of upbeat economic data and the U.S. government credit rating downgrade caused mortgage rates to rise this week. Despite higher rates and lower purchase demand, home prices have increased due to very low unsold inventory.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
July 20, 2023
As inflation slows, mortgage rates decreased this week. Still, the ongoing shortage of previously owned homes for sale has been a detriment to homebuyers looking to take advantage of declining rates. On the other hand, homebuilders have an edge in today’s market, and incoming data shows that homebuilder sentiment continues to rise.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
July 13, 2023
Mortgage rates increased to their highest level since November 2022, the last time rates broke seven percent. Incoming data suggest that inflation is softening, falling to its lowest annual rate in more than two years. However, increases in housing costs, which account for a large share of inflation, remain stubbornly high, mainly due to low inventory relative to demand.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.