You won’t find anyone who’s going to argue that mortgage rates have had a big impact on housing affordability over the past couple of years. But there is hope on the horizon. Rates have actually started to come down. And, recently they hit the lowest point we’ve seen in 2024, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below):And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that may leave you wondering: how much lower are they going to go? Here’s some information that can help you know what to expect.Expert Projections for … [Read more...]
Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths
Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? That’s especially true if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in today’s housing market. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.If you partner with a real estate agent, they can clear up some common misconceptions and reassure you by backing them up with research-driven facts. Here are just a few misconceptions they can help … [Read more...]
How Mortgage Rate Changes Impact Your Homebuying Power
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably got mortgage rates on your mind. That’s because you’ve likely heard that mortgage rates impact how much you can afford in your monthly mortgage payment, and you want to factor that into your planning. Here’s what you need to know.What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates?Mortgage rates have been trending down recently. While that’s good news for your homebuying plans, it’s important to know that rates can be unpredictable because they’re affected by many … [Read more...]
3 Reasons To Move in Today’s Shifting Market
Some HighlightsThe housing market is in a transition. And that gives you 3 key opportunities going into the fall.There are more homes actively for sale. Builders are motivated to sell, so a newly built home may be more achievable than you think. And mortgage rates have come down from their recent peak.If you’re ready and able to buy, you may find the housing market this fall a bit easier to navigate. Connect with an agent to get started. … [Read more...]
Is Affordability Starting To Improve?
Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it's getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:“Housing affordability is improving ever so modestly, but it is moving in the right direction.”Here’s a look at the latest data on the three biggest factors affecting home affordability: mortgage rates, home … [Read more...]
Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High
Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you’re someone who’s looking to make a move, you’ve probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish.Mortgage Rates Trend Down in Recent WeeksThere’s big news for mortgage rates. After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the Federal Reserve’s recent … [Read more...]
How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates
As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.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 (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control the Federal Funds Rate.The relationship between the two is why people have been watching closely to see when the Fed might lower the Federal … [Read more...]
How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market?
Some HighlightsAre you wondering if the upcoming election will have an impact on the housing market? Here’s what history tells us you need to know if you’re considering a move.Data shows home sales slow in November but quickly bounce back and rise the following year. Prices usually keep climbing. And mortgage rates typically come down slightly.Presidential elections have only a small and temporary impact on the housing market. If you have questions, connect with a real estate agent. … [Read more...]
Real Estate Still Holds the Title of Best Long-Term Investment
With all the headlines circulating about home prices and mortgage rates, you may be asking yourself if it still makes sense to buy a home right now, or if it’s better to keep renting. Here’s some information that could help put your mind at ease by showing that investing in a home is still a powerful decision.According to the experts at Gallup, real estate has been crowned the top long-term investment for a whopping 12 years in a row. It has consistently beat out other investment types like gold, stocks, and bonds. … [Read more...]
Housing Market Forecast for the 2nd Half of 2024 [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some HighlightsWondering what the second half of the year holds for the housing market? Here’s what expert forecasts say. Home prices are expected to climb moderately. Mortgage rates are forecast to come down slightly. And, home sales are projected to hold steady.If you have questions about what to expect for the rest of the year, connect with a local agent to have a conversation about what it means for you and your plans. … [Read more...]
