For now, top-yielding online savings accounts and one-year CDs are paying more than 5% — well above the rate of inflation. "Money market brokerage accounts usually pay higher rates than money market or savings accounts at banks," he said in an emailed statement. "Timing your purchase to coincide with lower rates can save money over the life of the loan," Tayne said. However, lower mortgage rates could also boost home-buying demand, which would push prices higher, McBride said. "If lower mortgage rates lead to a surge in prices, that's going to offset the affordability benefit for would-be buyers."

---

Persons: cardholders, APRs, Tayne, Olga Rolenko, McBride, Mark Kantrowitz, Kantrowitz, Howard Hook, they've Organizations: Treasury, EKS, EKS Associates Locations: Princeton , New Jersey