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☆ 3 couples who recently got mortgage interest rates under 3% share how they did it
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Read previewOver the past few years, US mortgage rates have fluctuated wildly, leaving both homebuyers and sellers scrambling. AdvertisementThis can lead to significantly lower interest rates, making monthly mortgage payments more affordable and saving thousands over the life of the loan. The Federal Open Market Committee, which oversees US monetary policy, is expected to cut interest rates at its meeting this week. This could lead to further declines in mortgage rates in the coming months. Here are the stories of three homebuying couples who secured mortgage rates below 3% since March 2023 using assumable mortgages.

Persons: —, Louis, Freddie Mac, aren't, Grace Lucchese, Mickey Ricard, Boston —, Lucchese, Ricard, Riccard, Brian Sankey, Fort Knox, Sankey, Brian Sankey Sankey, wouldn't, Amy Yzaguirre, Yzaguirre, I've Organizations: Service, Federal, Fed, Federal Reserve Bank of St, Business, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Market Committee, Boston, Lucchese, assumable Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs, Army, Toyota Tacoma Locations: Lucchese's, Sudbury , Massachusetts, Boston, couple's Massachusetts, Elizabethtown , Kentucky, Fort, Elizabethtown, Oregon, Idaho, Tigard, Portland, Sherwood

As the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are likely to go down. Mortgage rates often trend up or down ahead of expected Fed moves, but once a hike or cut is priced in, they tend to hold steady unless the Fed surprises everyone. Haymore also notes that mortgage rates could fluctuate depending on other information that comes out of this upcoming meeting. As it does, mortgage rates should trend down, too (as will the rates banks pay on high-yield savings accounts). If you got your mortgage more recently, you could save on your mortgage payment by refinancing.

Persons: —, Freddie Mac, Scott Haymore, Haymore, you've, Matt Baker, Baker Organizations: Service, Business, Fed, TD Bank, Mortgage Bankers Association, Navy Federal Credit Union

☆ This couple bought a 19th-century schoolhouse for $210,000 and made it their family home—take a look inside
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-14 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The North Weare Schoolhouse had been on the market for more than a decade when Danielle and Kreg Jones bought it and made it their home. Danielle and Kreg Jones have a history of renovating homes together and run their own New Hampshire-based architecture firm, Inscription Architects. Kreg and Danielle JonesThat changed when they came across a 19th-century schoolhouse in Weare, a small town just outside of the state's capital. The school house has 14 and 21 foot ceilings and large windows throughout. Courtesy of John W. Hession

Persons: Danielle, Kreg Jones, Kreg, Jones, Danielle Jones, John W, Hession Danielle, Kreg Jones Danielle, We've, we're, We're, Hession Organizations: Inscription Architects, CNBC, National Register of Historic Places Locations: New Hampshire, Montana, downsize, Weare

☆ Americans have more than $32 trillion in home equity — a record high. Here's what to know before you tap it
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Tappable equity is the amount most lenders will allow you to take out while still leaving 20% in the home as a cushion. How to tap your home for cashAlternatively, a home equity loan is a type of second mortgage, which allows borrowers to pull cash while using the house as collateral. However, the current average home equity loan interest rate is 8.52%, according to Bankrate, notably higher than a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. watch nowOtherwise, a home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC, lets you borrow money against a portion of your home's equity. The average HELOC interest rate is just shy of 10%, according to Bankrate.

Persons: Jacob Channel, Andy Walden, Holden Lewis, Lewis Organizations: Louis Federal Reserve, Intercontinental Exchange's Mortgage, Intercontinental Exchange

Mortgage rates dropped substantially earlier this month and they remain low today. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 5.62%, a four-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates have been elevated for most of 2024, but they've been trending down in recent months. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Powell, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Traders, Zillow Locations: Jackson Hole, Chevron

The average 30-year mortgage rate fell to 6.46% this week, according to Freddie Mac. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.46% this week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 5.62% this week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a four-basis-point decrease from the previous week. As inflation comes down and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should fall further as well.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

As the economy continues to normalize and the Fed is able to lower the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should drop further. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Increase (+0.26%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.17%, up 26 basis points from where it was this time last week, according to Zillow data. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Go Up (+0.26%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.45%, 26 basis points higher than last week. Mortgage Refinance Rates30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Jump Up (+1.07%)The average 30-year refinance rate is 7.04%, 107 basis points up from last week.

Persons: Zillow, Price, you'll, It's, refinance, they've Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: U.S, Chevron

☆ Former Kansas police chief formally charged over Marion newspaper raid
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

A former Kansas police chief linked to the Aug. 11, 2023, raid of a local newspaper was formally charged with one count of interference with the judicial process. She collapsed and died the day after the raid, and Meyer blamed her death on the stress of the raid. Joan Meyer, co-owner of the Marion County Record, swears at police officers in her home on Aug. 11, 2023. Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey, however, withdrew the search warrants after determining that "insufficient evidence exists to establish a legally sufficient nexus between this alleged crime and the places searched and the items seized." Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and Riley County Attorney Barry Wilkerson said in a 124-page report that the newspaper's staff had committed no crimes.

Persons: Gideon Cody, Eric Meyer, Ruth Herbel, Joan Meyer, Meyer, Cody, Phyllis Zorn, Kari Newell’s driver’s, Herbel, Joel Ensey, Marc Bennett, Riley, Barry Wilkerson Organizations: Marion Police Department, Marion County, City, Marion Locations: Kansas, Marion, Marion County, Sedgwick County, Riley County

As the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are expected to decrease further. This would likely remove a substantial amount of upward pressure off of mortgage rates. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates fell to 5.63% last week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates increased dramatically over the last two years, but they're expected to go down at some point this year.

Persons: they're, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Traders, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are down today compared to where they've been in recent weeks, with 30-year mortgage rates hovering in the low 6% range, according to Zillow data. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 5.63%, a 36-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates have been elevated for most of 2024, but they've been trending down in recent months. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: they've, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: July's, CPI, Federal Reserve, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates dropped last week in response to July's weaker-than-expected labor market data, though they're up slightly today. As mortgage rates go down, more homeowners will have an opportunity to refinance and save money on their monthly mortgage payments. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 5.99% this week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is an eight-basis-point decrease from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

Persons: it's, Freddie Mac Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve, Fed Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates fell dramatically this week, with 30-year mortgage rates even briefly dipping below 6% for the first time since early 2023, according to Zillow data. This should remove a lot of the upward pressure off of mortgage rates and allow them to ease. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. As inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to drop.

Persons: they've, Fannie Mae Organizations: Treasury, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

Average 30-year mortgage rates dropped 26 basis points to 6.47%, their lowest level since May 2023, according to Freddie Mac. If today's mortgage rates are lower than the rate you're currently paying, refinancing could be worth it. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. Now that inflation has decelerated and a Fed cut is looking more likely, mortgage rates have trended down. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates have been trending down in recent days in response to weaker-than-expected labor market data and concerns of a possible economic downturn. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.73% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 5.99%, an eight-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: homebuyers, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

According to experts, while it can be costly, new windows can provide significant benefits like lower outside noise and better energy efficiency for the entire home. Wood windows have a traditional look that can be styled with just about any color. “You just need to keep them clean.”The only minor difference between vinyl and wood windows regarding maintenance is sealing and painting. Alexander says that if you have wood windows, they should be sealed or painted if they are exposed to rain or snow. According to experts, a window’s insulating value is called its U-factor, and lower numbers have the best insulation for energy efficiency.

Persons: you’ve, you'll, Wood, casement, ”, Nicholas Alexander, Alexander, isn’t, it’s, “, Casement, Olivia Ott, It’s, Mark Soto, Mark, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Alexander Development Group, Casement, Lowes, Energy Star, Energy, U.S . Environmental Protection Agency, Facebook, Twitter Locations: HOA, Milwaukee , Wisconsin, DIYers

As the Fed lowers rates this year, mortgage rates are expected to go down. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 5.99% this week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is an eight-basis-point decrease from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit. Once the Fed starts cutting rates, which may happen this year, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: —, Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal, of Labor Statistics, Zillow, Federal Reserve, Fed Locations: Chevron

☆ An interior decorator shares 7 mistakes you should never make in your backyard
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Kelly Kruger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

As an interior decorator, I've seen lots of mistakes that can downgrade a backyard. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . But as an interior decorator, I've seen many people make avoidable mistakes that can turn a potential paradise into a problem zone. Here are seven mistakes to avoid when designing your backyard.

Persons: —, I've Organizations: Service

Last week, 30-year mortgage rates averaged 6.28%, and they're even lower today, according to Zillow data. What does this mean for mortgage rates? See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. As inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal, Zillow, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are down in response to the labor market slowing. Average 30-year mortgage rates are now hovering in the low 6% range, according to Zillow data, the lowest they've been since January 2024. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. This is a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022, which means mortgage rates should start trending down soon. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: U.S, Chevron

As the Fed lowers rates, mortgage rates are expected to go down. "Mortgage rates declined to their lowest level since early February," Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, said in a press release. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Barely Tick Down (-0.05%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.55%, five basis points lower than last week. Mortgage rates also rose dramatically in 2023, though they started trending back down toward the end of the year.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Jerome Powell, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, you'll, It's, refinance, they've Organizations: Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are often indirectly impacted by changes to the federal funds rate, and as the Fed starts lowering its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are expected to go down as well. This means that as long as inflation continues to ease, mortgage rates should drop further this year. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates fell to 6.07% last week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates increased dramatically over the last two years, but they're expected to go down at some point this year.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Powell, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 6.07%, a two-basis-point increase from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and increased over three percentage points in 2022. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: they've, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, National Association of Realtors, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are down from where they've been in recent months, with 30-year mortgage rates hovering just below 6.5%, according to Zillow data. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78% this week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.07% this week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a two-basis-point increase from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

Persons: they've, Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal Reserve, Mortgage Bankers Association, Zillow, Fed Locations: Chevron

This could cause mortgage rates to move up or down slightly. If Fed officials signal that they could start lowering the federal funds rate soon, mortgage rates could ease. This would remove a lot of the upward pressure off of mortgage rates and allow them to trend down. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments.

Persons: Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates have been prohibitively high this year for many would-be homebuyers. But as mortgage affordability improves throughout the next few months, more buyers should be able to find a home and mortgage payment that fits their budget. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. This is a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022, which means mortgage rates should start trending down soon. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

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