There is a lot of talk and prediction about the future of mortgage interest rates and home sales prices. The variables that lie in the future for both of these topics will happen. What does this mean for those of us who are considering refinancing or purchasing a home? It means that interest rates and home prices may go up or may go down.
With many changes happening throughout 2020, one thing has remained consistent; the growth of home purchase demand. The combination of historic low mortgage interest rates and lowering available homes for sale, the pressure has created home purchase demand.
A recent article on CNBC.com, written by Jeff Cox, and Titled: Fed holds rates steady near zero and indicates it will stay there for years, includes the following statement “Projections from individual members also indicated that rates could stay anchored near zero through 2023. All but four members indicated they see zero rates through then. This was the first time the committee forecast its outlook for 2023.” The article details the projections and expectations of the policymaking Federal Open Market Committee.
The year of 2020 will be remembered by many people and for many reasons. The year was rocked by a pandemic with a ripple effect that created an economic recession; complex social unrest; and a highly polarized presidential election. Oh, and let’s not forget it was also a year of historically damaging wildfires and hurricanes!
The Builder Confidence Index has been in existence for 35 years as a gauge of Builders confidence in the future of single-family home sales. The Index matched the all time record high from 1998.
The mortgage industry has been offering incredibly low rate loans with low or no fees. Recent weeks have seen some mortgage lenders promoting their new 1.99% fixed rate loans, but it’s important to understand the fees involved in these loans. They might be a very good choice for some borrowers but are also a very wrong choice for many.
A recent article by CNBC.com provides an excellent overview of the details that report a historic increase in existing home sales in June over May. The key points they present include respected sources like the National Association of Realtors:
The world is filled with news about the many impacts the pandemic has had on our lives, and most are negative: social distancing, wearing masks, education impacted by school closures, loss of jobs, and health challenges, even death.
Home owners and home buyers across the nation are thrilled to have an opportunity to secure a mortgage rate that is the lowest rate ever offered in the US. During a year that has seen a pandemic and civil unrest, the nation also enters a time where the average lender is offering mortgage rates that are below 3%.
Lenders across the US are struggling to keep up with the Mortgage Refinance Boom. The recent Federal Reserve rate cut has motivated many homeowners that were waiting for the right time to refinance to make their move and file an application. Major lenders are doing their best to meet the need including hiring new loan underwriters, processors, and closers.
Purchase application volumes have also increased to the highest level in over 11 years, which is adding to the pressure on the entire mortgage industry affecting lenders, appraisers, and title companies.