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High inflation and Federal Reserve interest rate hikes helped push mortgage rates up to decades-long highs over the last couple of years. If next week's Consumer Price Index data comes in hotter than expected, for example, that could push mortgage rates back up. This means we may need to see a few more months of slowing inflation data before the Fed cuts rates and mortgage rates start trending 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: it's, Jerome Powell, Powell, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

☆ Mortgage rates drop after climbing for four weeks
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Washington, DC CNN —Mortgage rates ticked down slightly this week, a tiny boon to buyers eager to make a move with newly listed homes coming to market. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.88% in the week ending March 7, down from 6.94% the previous week, according to data from Freddie Mac released Thursday. While mortgage rates are expected to fall further in 2024, Sturtevant added, short-term movements in mortgage rates will likely be influenced by congressional testimony given this week by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. During his semiannual monetary report to Congress, he indicated there is no rush to cut interest rates with more evidence of cooling inflation. The February jobs report, which will be released Friday, is also likely to have some bearing on mortgage rates.

Persons: Freddie Mac, ”, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s, homebuyers, Khater, Redfin, Lisa Sturtevant, ” Sturtevant, Sturtevant, Jerome Powell Organizations: DC CNN —, Mortgage, Association, Federal Housing Administration, Redfin, MLS, Bright MLS, Federal, Congress Locations: Washington

Mortgage rates have receded a bit this week, with average 30-year mortgage rates hovering around 10 basis points below last week's average at 6.59%,according to Zillow data. Depending on how some upcoming economic reports turn out, we could see mortgage rates inch down a little further in March. Now that the Fed is considering cutting rates this year, many experts believe that mortgage rates will go down soon. This is a key gauge of inflation, and the results of this report could also cause some volatility with mortgage rates. 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: Federal Reserve, of Labor Statistics, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

☆ Weekly mortgage demand surges 11% as more homes hit the spring market
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Spring hasn't officially sprung yet, but the spring housing market already appears to be on the move despite stubbornly higher mortgage rates. Mortgage applications to purchase a home increased 11% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. There were 14.8% more homes actively for sale in February compared with the same time last year, according to Realtor.com. Notably, homes priced in the $200,000 to $350,000 range grew by 25% from a year ago, outpacing all other price categories. There are very few borrowers today with rates that are high enough to benefit from a refinance.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, Danielle Hale, Realtor.com Organizations: Spring, Mortgage, –, MBA's Locations: Hawthorn Woods , Illinois

Uncertainty around when the Federal Reserve will start cutting rates has kept mortgage rates elevated in recent weeks. This week, average 30-year mortgage rates ticked up four basis points to 6.94%, according to Freddie Mac. Once inflation gets closer to the Fed's 2% target rate and the central bank starts lowering its benchmark rate, mortgage rates should 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. This is good news for mortgage rates — 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: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, we'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, homebuying, Commerce Department, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

☆ Mortgage rates edge closer to 7%, dampening start of spring homebuying season
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Washington, DC CNN —Mortgage rates climbed for the fourth week in a row, inching closer to 7% just as peak homebuying season gets underway. Since reaching a 20-year high of 7.79% in October, mortgage rates have been slowly falling. The average mortgage rate is based on mortgage applications that Freddie Mac receives from thousands of lenders across the country. Last week, mortgage applications dropped 5.6% from the week before, according to the MBA. Higher home prices pushed loan amounts higher in January, offsetting what was a monthly decline in mortgage rates, said Edward Seiler, MBA’s associate vice president for housing economics.

Persons: Freddie Mac, ”, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s, Khater, Bob Broeksmit, Mike Fratantoni, Edward Seiler, MBA’s, Lawrence Yun Organizations: DC CNN —, “, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, National Association of Realtors Locations: Washington

Mortgage rates have been fairly calm so far this week, with average 30-year mortgage rates hovering around 6.61%, according to Zillow data. Once the Fed starts lowering its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. Sky high mortgage rates have pushed many hopeful buyers out of the market, slowing homebuying demand and putting downward pressure on home prices. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

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

☆ 7% interest rates hit weekly mortgage demand hard
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Higher mortgage rates continue to hit demand from both current homeowners and potential homebuyers. Total mortgage application volume dropped 5.6% last week from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. Fratantoni noted, however, that mortgage demand from buyers looking at newly built homes jumped 19% year over year in January. However, mortgage rates above 7% sure don't help," he added. Mortgage rates moved higher again to start this week, according to a separate survey from Mortgage News Daily.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, Fratantoni, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, VA, FHA, Mortgage News

Right now, average 30-year mortgage rates are more than 40 basis points higher than they were this time last month. As long as price growth continues to come down, mortgage rates should ease this year. The person with the better score would also pay around $300 less on their monthly mortgage payment. 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: They're, they've, it's, myFICO, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

The economy has been doing surprisingly well so far this year, and it's pushing mortgage rates back up. Average 30-year mortgage rates rose 13 basis points to 6.90% this week, according to Freddie Mac. Average 15-year mortgage rates also increased to 6.29% this week, a 17-point jump. Once the Federal Reserve starts lowering the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to go down as well. 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: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

☆ A booming stock market means homebuyers will be more tolerant of high mortgage rates, Compass CEO says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Aruni Soni | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A strong US stock market means homebuyers are more tolerant of high mortgage rates, Compass CEO Robert Refkin said. Mortgage rates have been climbing back up towards 8% after hotter inflation data and delayed Fed rate cuts. But "you don't need 6% mortgage rates when the stock market is at an all-time high," says Refkin. "You don't need 6% mortgage rates when the stock market is at an all-time high," Robert Refkin, Compass CEO said on CNBC on Thursday. Mortgage rates have gone back north of 7% in recent months after tumbling from recent peaks of more than 8% in October.

Persons: Robert Refkin, — Organizations: Service, Compass, CNBC, Federal Reserve, Tech, Nvidia, Meta, Mortgage Bankers Association Locations: Seattle

In its latest forecast, the Mortgage Bankers Association predicts that 30-year mortgage rates will fall to 6.1% by the end of this year. This means we'll likely have to deal with high mortgage rates for at least a few more months. 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 Back Below 6% (-0.12%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.91%, down just 12 points from last week. Mortgage rates also rose dramatically in 2023, though they started trending back down toward the end of the year.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, MBA's, you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: Mortgage, Association, Survey, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

☆ Mortgage rates rise for the third week in a row to 6.9%
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Washington, DC CNN —Mortgage rates climbed for the third week in a row, inching closer to 7%. Mortgage rates have been making smaller moves over the past two months, after coming down from last year’s high, 7.79%, reached in October. Historically, Khater said, the mix of a strong economy and higher rates didn’t meaningfully impact the housing market. “In essence, Federal Reserve officials are seeking more concrete evidence of sustained improvement in inflation before making any changes,” she said. “The recent increase in mortgage rates has the potential to slow the market by disrupting the plans of many buyers, especially in a market where a significant number of consumers are anticipating lower mortgage rates, not higher,” said Xu.

Persons: Freddie Mac, who’ve, “, ”, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s, Khater, Jiayi Xu, Powell’s, Xu Organizations: DC CNN —, Federal Reserve, Realtor.com, Federal, Mortgage, Association Locations: Washington

☆ Mortgage demand takes a massive hit as interest rates cross back over 7%
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage interest rates surged last week to the highest level since early December, and that hit mortgage demand hard. "Potential homebuyers are quite sensitive to these rate changes, as affordability is strained with both higher rates and higher home values in this supply-constrained market," Fratantoni added. With rates higher, the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity increased to 7.4% of total applications. ARMs offer lower interest rates but are considered more risky because they can adjust higher after a fixed period. Mortgage rates jumped even higher Friday after a monthly government report on wholesale prices showed inflation is still persistent and hotter than most analysts had expected.

Persons: Mike Fratantoni, Fratantoni Organizations: Woodland, Lifestyle Homes, Mortgage Locations: Cold Springs , Nevada

Mortgage rates have been trending up this month in response to strong economic data. Most major forecasts expect mortgage rates to go down in 2024, but when they'll actually start dropping depends on the economy. Once the Fed starts lowering the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should start to come down, too. 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. This is good news for mortgage rates — 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: they'll, there's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

If inflation remains near current levels or looks like it's ticking back up, mortgage rates could climb higher. Average 30-year mortgage rates rose 13 basis points to 6.77% this week, according to Freddie Mac. Once the Fed starts lowering its benchmark rate, the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to go down as well. This means we might not see mortgage rates fall substantially until the second half of 2024. 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, Price, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

☆ Why oil prices aren’t soaring despite Middle East uncertainty
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Oil prices spiked last month following US-led strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to repeated attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. One factor that could be keeping the cap on oil prices is waning demand. “Global oil demand growth is losing momentum,” said the agency in its February report. While global oil demand growth is slowing, supply has stayed relatively strong, potentially putting further downward pressure on oil prices. “Higher global oil supply this year, led by the United States, Brazil, Guyana and Canada, should more than eclipse the expected rise in world oil demand,” said the report.

Persons: Bell, ”, Donald Trump, Matt Egan, —, Trump, Jay Ritter, Read, Anna Bahney, Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s, Khater, Bob Broeksmit Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New, New York CNN, West Texas, Brent, International Energy Agency, “, shuttering, Federal, US, United Arab Emirates, White, Wall, Trump, Truth Social, Trump Media & Technology Group, Securities and Exchange, Trump Media, SEC, University of Florida, Mortgage Bankers Association Locations: New York, Russia, Ukraine, Yemen, Red, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Iraq, United States, Brazil, Guyana, Canada

☆ Mortgage rates rise for the second week, reaching 6.77%
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Washington, DC CNN —After treading water for months, US mortgage rates jumped higher Thursday following a string of strong employment and inflation reports. “On the heels of consumer prices rising more than expected, mortgage rates increased this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. The average mortgage rate is based on mortgage applications that Freddie Mac receives from thousands of lenders across the country. The addition of needed inventory and the prospect of lower mortgage rates this year may spur buyers to jump into the market. “This spring, buyers are likely to see lower mortgage rates than in the fall of 2023, which may mean more eager buyers in the market,” Jones said.

Persons: Freddie Mac, ”, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s, Khater, Bob Broeksmit, Broeksmit, Jerome Powell, Hanna Jones, who’ve, Lisa Sturtevant, Jones, Alicia Huey, ” Jones Organizations: DC CNN, “, Mortgage Bankers Association, Labor Department, Federal Reserve, Realtor.com, National Association of Home Builders Locations: Washington, ”

☆ Home Prices May Be Sky-High, but America Is Not in a Housing Bubble
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

The housing market, they claimed, was a bubble destined to burst. I’ve spent the past few years asking experts a simple question: Has the housing market reached bubble territory? AdvertisementFor a time, it seemed like the housing market was doing a speedrun through Simonsen’s checklist. And even if the economy does take a turn, a run-of-the-mill recession probably wouldn’t be enough to topple the housing market. The housing market is far from balanced, but we’re at least heading in that direction.

Persons: doomsayers, I’ve, Redfin, you’ve, you’ll, Mike Simonsen, megalandlords, ”, Ian Shepherdson, Goldman Sachs, Jerome Powell, Powell, Rick Palacios Jr, John Burns, ” doomsayers, might’ve, It’s, it’s, Logan Mohtashami, don’t, US homebuilders, “ It’s, ” Mohtashami, Selma Hepp, Fannie Mae, Palacios, ” Palacios, Mohtashami Organizations: Altos Research, Wall, John, John Burns Research, Consulting, Mortgage Bankers Association, Federal Reserve Bank of New, Federal Housing Finance Agency Locations: Charlotte, North Carolina, Austin, Las Vegas, Miami, Boise , Idaho, Dallas, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, US

☆ 30-year mortgage rate rises to the highest level in 2 months
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Yuheng Zhan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate spiked to 6.87% in the last week, the highest level in two months. Elevated borrowing costs for prospective buyers sent mortgage applications lower. A hot inflation report for January is likely to keep borrowing costs elevated as the Fed stays hawkish. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumped to 6.87% in the week ending February 9th, marking the highest level since early December 2023's average of 6.43%, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data released on Wednesday. AdvertisementThe uptick in mortgage rates reversed the declines seen over the past few months.

Persons: —, Joel Kan, bode, Redfin Organizations: Service, Mortgage Bankers Association Locations: American

☆ Mortgage rates surge higher again, causing homebuyers to pull back
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

After a brief reprieve in December and January, mortgage rates are moving higher again, and that is taking its toll on mortgage demand. Total mortgage application volume fell 2.3% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "That's because mortgage rates are climbing again and winter weather has been harsher than usual in much of the country, keeping some house hunters at home." Mortgage rates surged even higher Tuesday after a government report on inflation showed it was still stubbornly higher than expected. "The bond market (which underlies mortgage rates) reacted immediately and forcefully when the numbers came out.

Persons: Joel Kan, Chen Zhao, Bonds, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Mortgage News Locations: Pico Rivera , California, Redfin

☆ The number of new commercial mortgages plummeted 47% last year
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage originations in commercial real estate fell 47% through 2023, Mortgage Bankers Association said. AdvertisementMortgage originations for commercial properties dropped 47% in 2023, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported. The drawdown came as weak confidence bears down on commercial real estate. Despite these obstacles, MBA previously anticipated that commercial mortgage lending would climb into 2024, gaining 29% to an expected volume of $476 billion. Advertisement"2023 is likely to go into the record books as the slowest year for commercial real estate borrowing and lending in roughly a decade," MBA Head of Commercial Real Estate Research Jamie Woodwell said in January's report.

Persons: —, Jamie Woodwell, Woodwell, Morgan Stanley Organizations: Mortgage Bankers Association, Service, Healthcare, Real

☆ New rules for banks would be the 'end of real-estate finance as we know it,' MBA says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Yuheng Zhan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Basel III proposals would cripple commercial property financing, MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit said. "Basel III could be the end of bank real-estate finance as we know it," Broeksmit said. Basel III could be the end of bank real-estate finance as we know it," Broeksmit said at the CREF 24 conference in San Diego on Monday. This isn't the first time Basel III has raised alarms, and some groups outside of the banking industry have also criticized the proposals as too stifling. Consumer groups last month joined the chorus of bankers in calling for the rejection of the Basel III proposal over fears that it would strangle credit availability for underserved borrowers.

Persons: Bob Broeksmit, Broeksmit, —, They're Organizations: Service, Mortgage Bankers Association, Consumer, Basel III Locations: Basel, San Diego, Washington ,

☆ US office buildings are facing a 30% price drop as remote work continues to upend the sector, Morgan Stanley says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

US commercial real estate is headed for a $2 trillion wall of maturing debt in the next few years. America's office market is in flux and prices have further to fall amid "secular" challenges facing the sector, Morgan Stanley analysts said in a note. Commercial real estate pain has been a source of anxiety for the US banking sector, and regional banks in particular. Thus, the challenges facing CRE in general and office loans in particular are intricately linked to the regional banking sector." Real estate pros have been sounding the alarm on commercial real estate since early 2023 when the sector was in the spotlight following a spate of regional bank failures.

Persons: Morgan Stanley, That's Organizations: Real Capital, National Association of Realtors, Mortgage, Association, New York Community Bank

Fed officials have indicated they may cut rates at least three times this year, which should allow mortgage rates to decrease. Though mortgage rates aren't directly impacted by the Fed, investor expectations of how Fed changes will impact the overall economy can push mortgage rates up or down. Hopeful homebuyers waiting for lower rates may finally have some luck this summer — though those who wait until next year will likely see even lower rates. 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 means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

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