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☆ A soft landing is now likely. But Americans will still deal with unaffordable housing
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

In a letter days before the Fed’s decision Wednesday to hold interest rates steady at a 23-year high, Democratic US senators blasted the central bank for America’s housing woes. In 2021 when the Fed’s key interest rate was near zero, home-price growth soared at a historic double-digit pace, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index. Divounguy said that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will likely not fall below 6% this year. That way we can actually start heading in the right direction with affordability and have that be sustainable and not just a short-term interest rate phenomenon,” she said. Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin delivers remarks.

Persons: Valerie Plesch, Orphe Divounguy, Freddie Mac, it’s, Fannie Mae, Divounguy, ” Daryl Fairweather, Trump, Jerome Powell, Donald Trump, Powell, David Goldman, Alexandra Ross, ” Trump, Maria Bartiromo, Joe Biden, Estee Lauder, Tyson, Raphael Bostic, Eli Lilly, Loretta Mester, Walt Disney, Adriana Kugler, Thomas Barkin, Michelle Bowman, Ralph Lauren, Armour Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, DC CNN, Federal Reserve, Democratic, Eccles Federal Reserve, Bloomberg, Getty, CNN, National Association of Realtors, Fox Business, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trump, Fed, Caterpillar, Tyson Foods, P Global, Institute for Supply Management, Atlanta Fed, Toyota, UBS AG, Chipotle, Cleveland Fed, Walt, CVS, PayPal, Brands, Fox, The Carlyle, News Corporation, New York Times Company, Mattel, Spirit Airlines, US Commerce Department, China’s National Bureau of Statistics, ConocoPhillips, Unilever, Duke Energy, Expedia, Warner Music Group, Tenet Healthcare, Richmond Fed, Pepsico, Honda Locations: Washington, Washington , DC, CAVA

While mortgage rates are expected to go down in 2024, we'll likely experience some volatility getting there. Experts believe mortgage rates will fall as inflation continues to slow and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, removing upward pressure off of 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 interest rates will affect your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates inched down to 5.94% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

Persons: we'll, Fannie Mae, Mark Palim, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's, they've Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Average 30-year mortgage rates fell to 6.63% this week, a six-point drop from the week before, 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 would impact your monthly payments. 15-year Fixed Mortgage RatesThis week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 5.94%, a two-basis-point decrease 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: Freddie Mac, Jerome Powell, you'll, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow Locations: Chevron

But borrowing money always comes with some risks, and home renovation loans can be particularly risky when used to purchase a fixer upper. Renovation loan eligibilityTo get a loan for a house renovation, you'll need to meet certain credit requirements. Cash-out refinances or renovation loans rolled into mortgages are typically the best renovation loan programs because they come with the lowest rates. Home renovation loans FAQsAre renovation loans a good idea? Renovation loans, or home improvement loans, can be a good idea for homeowners looking to make both essential and cosmetic changes to their homes.

Persons: —, It's, Fannie Mae's, Freddie Mac's, you'll, Douglas Boneparth Organizations: Service, Federal Housing Administration, Bone, reno, Chevron

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate eased this week, welcome news for prospective homebuyers as the spring homebuying season approaches. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.63% from 6.69% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell this week, pulling the average rate down to 5.94% from 5.96% last week. The cost of financing a home has been mostly easing in the weeks since the average rate on a 30-year mortgage hit 7.79%, the highest level since late 2000. For now, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage remains sharply higher than just two years ago, when it was 3.55%.

Persons: Freddie Mac, ”, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Organizations: ANGELES, Treasury, Federal Reserve, U.S, Fed, Wall, “ Locations: U.S

Average 30-year mortgage rates are currently down compared to where they were a week ago, 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. As inflation comes down and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should fall further as well. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit. Once the Fed starts cutting rates, which is likely to happen this year, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Jerome Powell, they're, Powell, Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Treasury, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Home prices declined slightly in November while posting yearly gains, suggesting the housing sector has cooled somewhat heading into 2024. The house price decline came at a time where mortgage rates peaked, with the average Freddie Mac 30-year fixed rate mortgage nearing 8%, according to Federal Reserve data. But as more inventory comes on the market and mortgage rates remain elevated, sale prices may be beginning to wilt. That has led some analysts to say that the market could bounce back as the traditional spring buying season begins. The index tracks a three-month period when mortgage rates were zig-zagging and ended on a down note, said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com.

Persons: ”, Brian Luke, San Francisco, Cleveland –, Luke, “, Freddie Mac, Selma Hepp, Danielle Hale Organizations: Dow Jones, Seattle, Cleveland, Midwest, Federal Reserve Locations: “, San, Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, Charlotte , New York

☆ The US housing market has ended a 9-month streak of price gains
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The latest S&P Case-Shiller national home price index data published Tuesday — which offers the three-month average for September, October, and November closing prices — showed a moderate slowdown in price gains. "The streak of nine monthly gains ended in November, setting the index back to levels last seen over the summer months." However, each saw annual gains of 5.4% and 6.2%, respectively. The biggest annual price gains came in Detroit and San Diego, at 8.2% and 8%, respectively. "The rate has since fallen over 1%, which could support further annual gains in home prices."

Persons: —, Brian D, Luke, Freddie Mac, Bill Adams Organizations: Service, Business, Federal Reserve, Comerica Bank Locations: Detroit, San Diego, Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, Charlotte , New York, Cleveland, Portland

☆ Home prices began to cool in November after nine straight months of gains, S&P Case-Shiller says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Home prices in November fell 0.2% from October, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller national home price index. Prices nationally were still higher than the year before, and those annual gains increased again relative to the prior month. They rose 5.1% from November 2022, up from a 4.7% annual increase in October. "The rate has since fallen over 1%, which could support further annual gains in home prices." Prices rose 8.2% in November, followed again by San Diego with an 8% increase.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Brian Luke, Luke Organizations: Federal Reserve, Detroit, Midwest Locations: Lake Pointe Subdivision, Austin , Texas, Seattle, San Francisco, Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, Charlotte , New York, Cleveland, San Diego, Portland , Oregon

☆ Elizabeth Warren rips Fed for fueling affordability crisis in housing, calls for rate cuts
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —America has a housing affordability crisis and Elizabeth Warren blames Jerome Powell and his colleagues at the Federal Reserve. To fight inflation, the Fed spiked interest rates at the fastest pace since the early 1980s. However, the Fed’s war on inflation set off shockwaves in the housing market. The one-two punch of elevated borrowing costs and record-high home prices has made the housing market historically unaffordable. “High interest rates have aggravated the country’s crisis of housing access and affordability,” the Senate Democrats wrote.

Persons: Elizabeth Warren, Jerome Powell, Powell, Warren, ” Warren, Democratic Sens, John Hickenlooper, Jacky Rosen, Sheldon Whitehouse, Freddie Mac, “, Tom Barkin didn’t, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, CNN, Democratic, Democrats, Fed, National Association of Home Builders, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Realtors, Richmond Fed Locations: New York, America, White

☆ The average US homebuyer has gained $40,000 in buying power in the last 3 months as mortgage rates cool
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Homebuyers have gained more purchasing power as mortgage rates have edged lower. That's due to a steady decline in mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed rate hovering around 6.7%. That's thanks to the recent decline in mortgage rates, which has taken the cost of borrowing on a 30-year fixed mortgage to around 6.7%, Freddie Mac data shows. With rates hovering around 6.7%, that means the typical homebuyer will pay $2,545 on their monthly mortgage payment – down from the median monthly payment of $2,713 when mortgage rates hovered around 7.8%. Prospective buyers shouldn't try to time interest rates before entering the housing market, Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather said.

Persons: Homebuyers, Redfin, —, Freddie Mac, shouldn't, Daryl Fairweather, Fairweather Organizations: Service, Fed

Though mortgage rates have ticked up a little bit in recent weeks, they're still well below the peaks reached in fall 2023, when 30-year mortgage rates neared 8%. Most major forecasts call for mortgage rates to go down further this year, which should help even more hopeful buyers afford homeownership. 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. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThis week's average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.69%, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates inched down to 5.96% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

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

Mortgage rates ticked up a bit mid-week, but they're back down today. This means it's possible we'll have to wait until later in the year for mortgage rates to come down substantially. 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 RatesThis week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 5.96%, a 20-basis-point increase from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

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

☆ The frozen housing market may be starting to thaw
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The US housing market is showing renewed signs of life as 2024 begins. AdvertisementThe US housing market has been largely frozen for the last two years, but it's starting to show signs of a thaw as sales activity and mortgage applications pick up, and mortgage rates ease. AdvertisementPending home sales increased 8% in December. Mortgage applications have also picked up. "The housing market is off to a good start this year, as consumers benefit from falling mortgage rates and stable home prices," said Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the NAR.

Persons: —, Odeta Kushi, Freddie Mac, Lawrence Yun Organizations: Service, National Association of Realtors, NAR, Federal Reserve

Average 30-year mortgage rates increased to 6.69% this week, according to Freddie Mac, a nine-point increase from the previous week's average. On a $250,000 mortgage, this would amount to a $1,798 monthly mortgage payment. 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 6.69% last week, according to Freddie Mac. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve, Fed Locations: Chevron

If the economic data shows that inflation is continuing to come down in 2024 and the Fed remains open to cutting rates this year, mortgage rates should start to trend down. 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 (+0.20%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.38%, up 20 basis points since this time last week. 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Higher This Week (+0.30%)The average 20-year fixed mortgage rate is up somewhat from last week, and is sitting at 5.99%. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Rise (+0.34%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.73%, up 34 points from last week.

Persons: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

High mortgage rates had a huge impact on the housing market last year, but we'll likely see conditions improve in 2024. Mortgage rates rose to a more than two-decade high last year, and homebuying demand all but disappeared as a result. "Mortgage rates are meaningfully lower compared to just two months ago, and more inventory is expected to appear on the market in upcoming months." 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 inched down to 5.76% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

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

☆ Wall Street is bullish on mortgage-backed securities for their juicy yields and attractive fundamentals
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

For investors looking for high-quality income with the potential for significant total return, agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) may be the answer. Fitting MBS into your portfolio In fact, Atluri believes agency MBS are more attractive than investment-grade corporate right now. In addition, agency mortgage-backed securities also trade defensively if the economic outlook were to worsen, he added. About 25% of core bond fund holdings are in mortgage-backed securities, according to Morningstar. "Mortgage-backed securities didn't do as well [as investment grade] last year," said Wei Li, BlackRock's global chief investment strategist.

Persons: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, Jason Smith, Neuberger Berman, Smith, Michael Kessler, Kessler, Pramod, Atluri, Morningstar, Wei Li, Albion's Kessler Organizations: Agency MBS, U.S ., MBS, Mortgage News, Albion Financial Group, Federal Reserve, Capital Group, Fund of America, BlackRock

☆ There are 3 bullish signals flashing that point a recovery in the housing market, Compass CEO says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The housing market is flashing signs of life, Compass CEO Robert Reffkin said. AdvertisementThe housing market is flashing a handful of bullish signals for the year ahead, according to Compass CEO Robert Reffkin. The founder of one of the nation's top real estate brokerages said he believed the housing market will be on the path to recovery in 2024. But more owners appear to be moving out of necessity or have warmed up to the idea of selling as mortgage rates head lower. At this rate, buyers are outpacing sellers in the market, Reffkin said, noting that Compass's real estate agents are seeing more business in the new year.

Persons: Robert Reffkin, Reffkin, —, brokerages, Freddie Mac, Sam Lafoca, LM Otero, Sellers, Phil Noble, I've, Barbara Corcoran Organizations: Service, National Association of Realtors, CNBC, Community, Getty, Associated, REUTERS, Mortgage, Association, New Locations: lancaster California, USA, Dallas, Kirkham, England

But 2024 may be better for some of these buyers as mortgage rates go down and borrowers are able to carve out a bit of affordability. Even small decreases in rates can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings on the average monthly mortgage payment. 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 5.76%, an 11-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

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

☆ Mortgage interest rates expected to drop in 2024—here's how much you could save on monthly payments
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

If you were priced out of the housing market in 2023, you might have better luck finding an affordable home in 2024. Mortgage rates are expected to decrease by nearly 1% by year's end — from 6.6% down to as little as 5.75% — according to recent housing forecasts. That's good news for buyers, as the decrease would reduce their monthly mortgage costs by roughly $200 for a median-priced home. On Thursday, 30-year fixed mortgage rates slid to 6.6% after peaking at 7.79% in October 2023, per Freddie Mac data. This lines up with other recent projections:

Persons: Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae's Organizations: Strategic Research

☆ Mortgage rates will dip below 6% this year amid a stronger housing-market rebound, Fannie Mae says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-20 | by ( Aruni Soni | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Fannie Mae now sees mortgage rates dipping below 6% in 2024, anticipating a stronger housing market rebound. "The outlook for both short term rates and mortgage rates is now decidedly lower than what we had previously forecast." As mortgage rates relax, it's also easing the "lock in" effect that had held the housing market in a chokehold. Fannie Mae revised its 2024 forecast for total home sales to an annualized rate of 4.96 million, up from its prior estimate of 4.79 million. And Fannie Mae now expects its home price index to increase 3.2% this year, after previously estimating a 2.8% uptick.

Persons: Fannie Mae, —, Fannie Mae's, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve

After dropping substantially toward the end of 2023, mortgage rates are expected to go down further in 2024. 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 6.60% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 5.76% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is an 11-basis-point drop 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: Fed, Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

☆ The housing market in 2023 saw its worst year of sales in 29 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Read previewThe housing market is coming off its weakest year of home sales since 1995, according to data out Friday from the National Association of Realtors. For the full 12 months, total existing home sales hit 4.09 million units, and sales were lower across all regions in the US year-over-year. Related stories"The latest month's sales look to be the bottom before inevitably turning higher in the new year," NAR economist Lawrence Yun said. AdvertisementTotal existing home sales, year-over-year. "Despite sluggish home sales, 85 million homeowning households enjoyed further gains in housing wealth," Yun said.

Persons: —, Lawrence Yun, Freddie Mac, Yun Organizations: Service, National Association of Realtors, Business, NAR Locations: homeownership

The National Association of Realtors said Friday that existing U.S. home sales totaled 4.09 million last year, an 18.7% decline from 2022. Despite easing mortgage rates, existing home sales fell 1% in December from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.78 million, the slowest sales pace since August 2010, the NAR said. Last month's sales pace is short of the roughly 3.83 million that economists were expecting, according to FactSet. “The latest month’s sales look to be the bottom before inevitably turning higher in the new year,” said Lawrence Yun, the NAR's chief economist. The national median home sales price rose 4.4% in December from a year earlier to $382,600, the NAR said.

Persons: Freddie Mac, ”, Lawrence Yun Organizations: ANGELES, The National Association of Realtors, NAR, Federal Reserve, Treasury Locations: U.S

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