Home Mortgages: Rates Up, Requirements Easing
The media has extensively covered the rise in mortgage interest rates since last fall (from 3.42% last September to the current 4.1% according to Freddie Mac). However, a less covered aspect of the mortgage market is that requirements to get a mortgage have eased while rates have risen.
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) quantifies the availability of mortgage credit each month with their Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to the MBA, the MCAI is:
“A summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.”
The higher the index, the easier it is to get a mortgage. Here is a chart showing the MCAI over the last several months as rates have increased.
Have requirements for attaining a mortgage actually eased?
Yes. Here are two examples:
- FICO® Score – the credit score which helps determine a buyer’s eligibility. The score required to attain a mortgage has been falling over the last five months:
- Down Payment Requirement – the percentage of the purchase price necessary to place as a down payment on a home. To make this point, let’s look at the percentage of first-time buyers who have put less than 5% down over the last several years as compared to the 1st quarter of 2017:
Bottom Line
Whether you are a current homeowner looking to move to a home that will better serve your family’s current needs, or a first-time buyer looking for a starter home, it is easier to get a mortgage today than it has been at any other time in the last ten years.
The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here
The third week of April brings the best combination of housing market factors for sellers.
Is It Easier to Find a Home to Buy Now?
To help you explore the growing list of choices you have now, team up with a local real estate agent you trust.
What Every Homebuyer Should Know About Closing Costs
Your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing.
What Are Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market?
If you’re planning to move soon, you might be wondering where prices and mortgage rates are headed, and how to navigate today’s market.
4 Tips To Make Your Strongest Offer on a Home
Your agent is your partner in navigating details. Trust them to lead you through negotiations and help you figure out your best plan.
Why Today’s Seller’s Market Is Good for Your Bottom Line
The market is still working in favor of sellers. If you house is ready and priced competitively, it should get a lot of attention.
What Mortgage Rate Do You Need To Move?
While mortgage rates are nearly impossible to forecast, the optimism from the experts should give you insight into what’s ahead.
Finding Your Perfect Home in a Fixer Upper
Your agent can also offer advice on which upgrades and renovations will set you up to get the greatest return on your investment.
The Benefits of Downsizing When You Retire
When you downsize your house, you often end up downsizing the bills that come with it, like energy costs, and maintenance requirements.
Why There Won’t Be a Recession That Tanks the Housing Market
The fundamentals of the economy, despite some hiccups, are doing pretty good.