Mortgage rates are currently at a 22-year high, which is impacting an already squeezed housing market due to high prices. According to a report by Freddie Mac on August 24th, home buyers are facing an average rate of 7.23 percent on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the most popular type of home loan in the United States. This is the highest rate since June 2001.
The increase in mortgage rates has cooled the demand for homes, resulting in a sharp decline in sales of existing homes compared to last year. Additionally, sellers who locked in low rates during the pandemic are hesitant to put their homes on the market because they fear they won’t be able to find a comparable rate when they become buyers.
Several factors influence mortgage rates, with the bond market being the primary driver. Mortgage rates tend to track the rate, or yield, on the 10-year Treasury bond, which is considered a safe investment backed by the U.S. government. When the yield on the 10-year Treasury note is high, it reflects the efforts of the Federal Reserve to control inflation by raising borrowing costs. The Fed sets short-term interest rates, which affect the expectations for long-term bond yields.
A strong economy also impacts mortgage rates. A robust job market gives households more money, increasing demand for mortgages and driving rates higher.
Lenders often pool mortgages into portfolios that they sell to investors as mortgage-backed securities. To remain competitive with the 10-year Treasury bond, lenders need to increase the yields on these securities, resulting in higher rates for home loans. Currently, the difference between the yield on the 10-year Treasury note and mortgage-backed securities is wider than usual, which significantly affects the housing market by pushing mortgage rates higher.
Economists predict that mortgage rates will remain elevated for at least a few more months. Even when rates start to decrease, they are still expected to settle above the 3 percent rates seen during the early stages of the pandemic. However, it is anticipated that rates could begin falling by the end of the year, possibly reaching 6 percent by spring. The Federal Reserve has already slowed its interest rate increases.
The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts that the average 30-year mortgage rate will fall to 5 percent by the fourth quarter of next year.
To secure a lower rate, home buyers can focus on maintaining a strong credit score and providing a sizable down payment, typically at least 20 percent of the purchase price. Buyers who can manage these requirements may find themselves in a less competitive market, which could improve the chances of closing a deal. It is also advisable for buyers to compare rates from multiple lenders and shop around for the best options.
Overall, while mortgage rates are currently high, economists project that they will eventually decrease, providing potential opportunities for home buyers to refinance their mortgages at a lower rate.
