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☆ Home buying in the U.S. by county: Cost, availability, competition and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Jasmine Cui | Jasmine Cui Is A Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

The conditions on the ground can vary widely across state and even county lines. The higher the index value, the higher the difficulty. A low index value, of 10 for example, suggests better purchasing conditions for a buyer — low interest rates, ample homes for sale. Chambers County, Texas, near Houston, is one of the 50 least difficult places to buy in in the country as of May, with low scores on scarcity, cost and competition. For July, the national Home Buyer Index was 85.3, nearly even with June and two points lower than it was this time one year ago.

Organizations: NBC, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Chambers, U.S Locations: Chambers County , Texas, Houston, Coconino County , Arizona

Unless the economic outlook changes, mortgage rates may hold steady for the rest of 2024. If they were to weaken unexpectedly, that could spur the Fed to cut rates more aggressively, which in turn could push mortgage rates down further. 5-Year Mortgage Rate TrendsHere's how 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates have trended over the last five years, according to Freddie Mac data. But now that inflation has decelerated and the Fed is expected to cut rates soon, 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: you'll, They've, they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Fed, Zillow, ARM, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Mortgage, Association Locations: Chevron

Sharon Kim partnered with her oldest brother and his wife to purchase a home in the suburbs of New York City for around $750,000. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make ItKim and her brother weren't very close growing up, thanks to a seven-year age gap. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make ItThe increased down payment gave them the leverage they needed. Kim, her brother and his wife decided to complete the majority of renovations to the home themselves to cut down on costs. Mickey Todiwala | CNBC Make ItKim estimates they've spent around $40,000 on renovations so far.

Persons: Sharon Kim, Mickey Todiwala, Kim, weren't, homeownership, they've Organizations: CNBC, Parsons School of Design, YouTube, Parsons, Spotify, Amazon Prime, Apple Locations: New York City, Manhattan, Queens, New Jersey, South Korea

AssumptionAn assumable mortgage will let a borrower transfer the mortgage to someone else even if they haven't fully paid it off. Assumable mortgagesIf you have an adjustable-rate mortgage or a government-backed mortgage (including FHA, VA, and USDA mortgages), you might have an assumable mortgage. Finally, if you want to transfer a property into a trust, a mortgage transfer may be able to help, too. Mortgage transfer processIf you think a mortgage transfer is the right move for your needs, follow this step-by-step process. If the lender doesn't approve a mortgage transfer, you will need to explore other options, such as refinancing your mortgage or selling your house.

Persons: You'll, Molly Grace, Molly, Read, Aly J, Yale Aly J, Aly, She’s Organizations: Chevron, Business, Rocket Companies, Indiana University, Yale, Finance, Dallas Morning News, CBS, Forbes, Fortune, Money, Newsweek, US, Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, Mortgage, National Association of Real, Insurance, Texas Christian University Locations: Chevron, Michigan

☆ Mortgage refinance boom takes hold, as weekly demand surges 20%
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A steady decline in mortgage rates to two-year lows has current homeowners rushing to take advantage of potential savings. Applications to refinance a home loan surged 20% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "As a result of lower rates, week-over-week gains for both conventional and government refinance applications increased sharply." Mortgage applications to purchase a home rose just 1% for the week and were 2% higher than the same week one year ago. Mortgage rates haven't moved much to start this week, and will likely wait for more pressing economic data later this week and at the start of October.

Persons: Joel Kan, Kan Organizations: Mortgage Locations: San Rafael , California

☆ It will take more than just a drop in interest rates to save the housing market
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-23 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But while lower mortgage rates may translate to more buying power for homebuyers, America’s housing market woes aren’t likely to be solved solely by rate cuts. But Enterprise Community Partners, the nonprofit where Donovan currently serves as CEO, estimates that the US needs 7 million new units in order to stabilize the housing market. “There are a lot of factors that have affected the housing supply and these are complicated issues to solve. “We’re not expecting mortgage rates to fall that much further, and we still think that the mortgage rate ‘lock-in’ effect will still be there,” Dougherty said. “Things will probably pick up as rates come down, but we’re not looking for a high-octane rebound,” Dougherty said of the housing market.

Persons: they’d, aren’t, ’, ”, Shaun Donovan, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, ” Donovan, Harris, Trump, Donovan, Jerome Powell’s, Freddie Mac, Charles Dougherty, That’s, “ We’re, ” Dougherty, ” Powell, that’s, Dougherty, “ It’s, ” Ryan McLennan Organizations: CNN, Housing, Urban Development, National Association of Realtors, Partners, Federal, Fed, National Association of Home Builders, homebuilders, Consumer Financial Locations: America, Wells Fargo, Houston, homebuying

Today, it is just over $3,000,” said Harris, who also serves as chair of the National Association of Home Builders. Vice President Kamala Harris has proposed offering $25,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers and incentives to homebuilders to construct more housing for first-time homebuyers. Former President Donald Trump has said he would lower housing costs by opening federal land to development, rolling back regulations and reducing overall inflation. But homebuilders say they face a web of challenges that have been nearly two decades in the making and will likely take years to resolve. One major barrier to driving down prices and increasing supply has been a shortage of workers, homebuilders said.

Persons: Carl Harris, ”, Harris, — he’s, Mike Forsum, Freddie Mac, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, “, Robert Dietz, It’s, Dietz, Sheryl Palmer, homebuilder Taylor Morrison, homebuilders, we’ve, Palmer, Forsum, “ I’m, Homebuilders, Taylor Morrison, They’ve, that’s, ” Harris, “ It’s Organizations: National Association of Home Builders, Landsea, Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: Wichita , Kansas, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Raleigh , North Carolina, Dallas, ”, Sacramento , California, Texas, Fort Worth , Texas, Phoenix, Buckeye, Orlando , Florida, In Wichita

Now that the Fed has cut rates, mortgage rates may not drop much further in the near term. But if the Fed doesn't lower rates as much as expected this year, mortgage rates may hold steady or even inch up. But rates are still expected to come down further, so it may also be worth waiting to see how low mortgage rates go. 5-Year Mortgage Rate TrendsHere's how 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates have trended over the last five years, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of different factors, including larger economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, your state's current mortgage rates, the type of loan you're getting, and your personal financial profile.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, you'll, they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Wednesday, National Association of Realtors, Consumers, Zillow, ARM, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Fed, Mortgage, Association Locations: Chevron

Stocks surged to open Thursday trading in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s announcement that it was lowering interest rates by half a percentage point. The Fed’s cut was widely expected, but came in larger than many analysts were forecasting. “The continued decline in mortgage rates is giving the mortgage market a much-needed boost,” Bob Broeksmit, the president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, said in a statement. At the same time, a growing set of indicators suggest economic growth may have begun heading in the wrong direction. “The Fed has signaled a high sensitivity to labor-market weakness,” Nomura Holdings financial group said in a note to clients Thursday.

Persons: Stocks, Jay Powell, ” Powell, It’s, “, Bob Broeksmit, ”, Powell Organizations: Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Fed, Mortgage Bankers Association, ” Nomura Holdings, Wall Street, Bank of America Locations: U.S

☆ When Bay Area rent got too expensive, I bought a house in the mountains. Living here is a dream, but I'm uncertain about the future.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( Perri Ormont Blumberg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

I'm the cofounder and CEO of Santa Cruz Fungi. I live in Boulder Creek, California, and my business is headquartered in Santa Cruz. In May 2016, I bought a home for my husband, Paul Lazazzera, and me in Boulder Creek. We married the following year, and Paul started our business in 2021. I had to go over my budget and closed at $535,000 almost a year later on a 740-square-foot house set on half an acre in Boulder Creek.

Persons: —, Katie Sarna, It's, I've, Paul Lazazzera, Paul, Katie, I'd, Shroomsicles, Rida, There's, Lauryn Haas Organizations: Service, Santa Cruz Fungi, Business, lhaas Locations: Santa Cruz, Boulder Creek , California, San Francisco, Boulder Creek, Boulder, Paul, Katie Sarna Boulder, It's, New York City, Francisco

☆ What to do with your money as interest rates drop
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Business Insider | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The last time the Federal Reserve Board cut interest rates was in 2020. Read more on buying a house after interest rates drop »Read more on refinance rates after an interest rate drop »Your savings ratesExpect: Savings account and CD rates to start falling. Remember, though: High-yielding money market and savings accounts continue to outearn regular bank accounts even as rates drop. Read more on savings rates after an interest rate drop »Compare Banking OffersYour investmentsExpect: Short-term fluctuations that shouldn't affect long-term strategies. Read more on investing after an interest rate drop »Your credit card debtExpect: More of the same.

Persons: We're, Read, you've Organizations: Federal Reserve Board, Fed, overreacting, Federal

☆ 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

The median house price in the U.S. is now 5.8 times more than the median annual income of $80,000. That was, after all, the median price for a house in the area at the time. Jonathan OchartThe median price of a home in Los Angeles county is just under $960,000, according to Zillow listings data. It's just not a level playing field," says Ochart about the income now needed to afford a home. In Grand Rapids, median home prices were on the rise before the pandemic and then soared 54% from 2020 to $285,000 in June 2024, according to Zillow sales data.

Persons: Kelcie Lesko, Tim Khalil, Lesko, Khalil, they'll, Gen Xers, What's, — there's, they're, Daryl Fairweather, Kelly Diehr, homebuyers, you'd, Diehr, Jonathan Ochart, Ochart, It's, Timothy Ham, Timothy Ham couldn't, Ham, you've, That's, boomer, it's, Lawrence Yun, Millennials, Ramit Sethi, Rich, Brad Klontz, homebuying Organizations: CNBC, Homes, LA, National Association of Realtors, NAR Locations: New Jersey, Monmouth County, North Brunswick, Lesko, homeownership, U.S, Denver, Brazil, Los Angeles and New York, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Antonio, Texas, LA, Boise , Idaho, Tacoma , Washington, Grand Rapids , Michigan, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo

☆ Here’s what you should know about buying a home ahead of a likely interest rate cut
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

While the Fed doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, its actions affect borrowing costs throughout the economy. The most apparent effect: An interest rate cut could help ease the upward pressure on mortgage rates, making one piece of the homebuying equation more affordable. Most investors are betting that the Fed will cut its benchmark interest rate by just a quarter-point on Wednesday. Some financial advisers counsel to wait until you can get a mortgage rate that is a full percentage point below the rate you’re already paying, said Fairweather. “If you got a 7.5% mortgage rate, you may already be in the money to refinance,” she said.

Persons: Freddie Mac, ”, Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s, “, it’s, Fairweather, We’re, Greg McBride, “ It’s, Leo Pareja Organizations: CNN, Federal Reserve, homebuyers, National Association of Realtors, Bankrate, eXp Realty Locations: Wells, ”

Mortgage rates probably won't drop much further if the Fed cuts rates, unless central bankers opt for a larger-than-expected cut. 30-Year Mortgage RatesAverage 30-year mortgage rates have been dropping this month and are now down near 5.70%, according to Zillow data. 5-Year Mortgage Rate TrendsHere's how 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates have trended over the last five years, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of different factors, including larger economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, your state's current mortgage rates, the type of loan you're getting, and your personal financial profile. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, ARM, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Fed, Mortgage, Association Locations: Chevron

The Fed is expected to cut rates multiple times this year and in 2025, which means mortgage rates should continue decreasing. Will mortgage rates drop when the Fed cuts rates? If he or other Fed officials indicate that bigger rate cuts could be coming, mortgage rates may inch down. How Fed rate cuts affect mortgage ratesChanges to the federal funds rate don't directly impact mortgages, but mortgage rates tend to trend up when the Fed raises rates and go down when it lowers rates. The Fed could lower rates substantially by the time we reach the 2025 buying season, which means mortgage rates may be a lot lower, too.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Dan Burnett, Burnett, Jerome Powell, Powell, Fannie Mae, Scott Haymore Organizations: Fed, Federal Reserve, Housing Survey, TD Bank

The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 6.35% on August 29 from 6.46% a week ago, the lowest mortgage rates have been in 15 months, according to Freddie Mac. "I bought a house when [the mortgage rate] was 15% and then I refinanced." "No bank is ever going to give you a true no closing cost loan at the lowest possible rate. And buying with the goal of refinancing is always taking a gamble on mortgage rates, which comes with a certain amount of risk. Even though recent declines in mortgage rates may gain steam as the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, lower mortgage rates could also boost homebuying demand, which would push prices higher.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Jacob Channel, Dottie Herman, Douglas Elliman, I've, Melissa Cohn, William Raveis, Banks, Cohn, Keith Gumbinger, Michael Krowe, Krowe Organizations: Brigade, Getty, Federal, LendingTree, Fed, William Raveis Mortgage, HSH.com, Edelman Locations: New York

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

☆ New Realtor Rules Will End Casual House Hunting, Change Homebuying
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-19 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

They'll hand 5%, or $25,000, to their agent, who then gives half, or $12,500, to the buyer's agent. They also feared that buyers' agents might "steer" clients away from homes that dared to offer less than the going rate. But in order to keep using the MLS, buyers' agents will have to abide by another rule that will further upend the old way of doing things. In the old days, a seller might have unthinkingly offered a commission of 2% or even 3% to the buyer's agent. The idea that sellers pay both agents' commissions has always been a clever sleight of hand.

Persons: they'll, didn't, Laura Ellis, they'd, Sellers, Tanya Monestier, Monestier, Ellis Organizations: Realtors, Baird & Warner, MLS, National Association of Realtors, NAR, Consumer Federation of America, California Association of Realtors, CFA, University at Buffalo Locations: Chicago, America, California

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

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

The Federal Reserve is gearing up to cut interest rates as soon as next month, which could bring relief to people with mortgages, credit cards and car loans. Certificates of deposit — fixed-rate bank accounts with term limits — are a go-to when interest rates are high. With interest rates coming down, the idea is just pay and save as much as you can right now. There’s no bad time to do that, but when the central bank lowers interest rates, it can be even more valuable. “It’s tempting to say, ‘Well, when interest rates go down, stocks are going to do well, because people are switching from low-return to higher-return assets,’” she said.

Persons: Mark Hamrick, “, ”, Hamrick, Rodney Lake, Laura Veldkamp, Veldkamp, Jude Boudreaux, now’s, ” Jude Boudreaux, you’re, ” Boudreaux, ” DON’T, Jonathan Smoke, Cox, Edmunds, Ivan Drury Organizations: Federal, GW Investment, George Washington University School of Business, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, Chipping, Columbia Business, Philadelphia Fed, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, Fed Locations: U.S, Orleans, New Orleans, Edmunds

☆ Mortgage rates plunge to lowest level in more than a year
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —US mortgage rates plummeted this week after weaker-than-expected employment data raised the odds of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next month. The standard 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.47% this week, mortgage financing giant Freddie Mac said Thursday. Mortgage rates have steadily fallen over the past several weeks since reaching a 2024 peak of 7.22% in early May. Mortgage rates track the benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield, which moves in anticipation of the Fed’s decision on interest rates. Lower mortgage rates and a bigger housing stock will eventually entice more buyers to eventually enter the market.

Persons: Freddie Mac, That’s, ”, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s, “ Homebuyers, ” Lawrence Yun, Lisa Sturtevant, “ Organizations: Washington CNN, Federal Reserve, Las, P Global, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, CNN, Treasury, National Association of Realtors, Fed, NAR, “, Bright MLS Locations: New York, San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, Denver, Minneapolis, United States

☆ Gen Z might be the luckiest homebuying generation. Here's where they're scooping up homes.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A new SmartAsset analysis found that Gen Z bought homes in 2023 at the fastest rate in the Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Cincinnati metro areas — and the slowest in California and the Northeast. The median property value for these 2,266 new Gen Z homeowners in Indianapolis was $225,000, while the median income was $65,000. Related storiesA slightly lower percentage of Gen Z bought homes in St. Louis last year at just below 1.6% or 2,649 people. Other metro areas seeing higher rates of new Gen Z homeowners included Jacksonville, Virginia Beach, and Kansas City. Intuit Credit Karma found in January that nearly a third of Gen Z adults live with their parents.

Persons: —, homeownership, Z, Louis, Gen Zers, X, Gen, Redfin, Xers, Gen Z, millennials, homebuyers, Karma Organizations: Service, Business, Kansas City, YouTube, Pew Research Center, Intuit, Bank of Locations: Midwest, Indianapolis, St, Cincinnati, —, California, homebuyers, Jacksonville, Virginia Beach, Kansas, Homebuyers, Detroit , Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Texas, San Francisco , New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Bank of America

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

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