“If you’re on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how mortgage rate shifts affect your purchasing power.”
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power.
The chart below helps show the general relationship between mortgage rates and a typical monthly mortgage payment:
Even a 0.5% change can have a big impact on your monthly payment. And since rates have been moving between 6% and 7% for a while now, you can see how it impacts your purchasing power as rates go down.
What This Means for You
You may be tempted to put your homebuying plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall. But that can be risky. No one knows for sure where rates will go from here, and trying to time them for your benefit is tough. Lisa Sturtevant, Housing Economist at Bright MLS, explains:
“It is typically a fool’s errand for a homebuyer to try to time rates in this market . . . But volatility in mortgage rates right now can have a real impact on buyers’ monthly payments.”
That’s why it’s critical to lean on your expert real estate advisors to explore your mortgage options, understand what impacts mortgage rates, and plan your homebuying budget around today’s volatility. They’ll also be able to offer advice tailored to your specific situation and goals, so you have what you need to make an informed decision.
Bottom Line
Your ability to buy a home could be impacted by changing mortgage rates. If you’re thinking about making a move, let’s connect so you have a strong plan in place.
Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in over a Year and a Half
Mortgage rates have fallen more than half a percent . . . and are at their lowest level since February 2023.
The Best Time to Buy a Home This Year
Mortgage rates just hit their lowest point in 19 months, and that goes a long way to help with your purchasing power and affordability. Are you ready to buy?
Why Pre-Approval Should Be at the Top of Your Homebuying To-Do List
While home affordability is finally starting to show signs of improving, it’s still tight. Your lender can help you.
2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To Expect
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market.
Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You?
the number of listings tailored for homebuyers in this age group has increased by over 50% compared to last year.
Are We Heading into a Balanced Market?
Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding how the market is changing gives you a big advantage. Your agent has the latest data and local insights.