“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.
What Mortgage Rate Are You Waiting For?
If you’ve been holding out and waiting for rates to come down, know that it’s already happening.
Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths
If you have questions about what you’re hearing or reading, let’s connect. You deserve to have someone you can trust to get the facts and sort out the misconceptions.
How To Choose a Great Local Real Estate Agent
The right agent should be someone you trust to guide you through one of the most significant transactions of your life.
How Mortgage Rate Changes Impact Your Homebuying Power
Real estate agents have the expertise to help you understand what’s happening and what it means for you.
What Credit Score Do You Really Need to Buy a House?
While many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy.
Is Affordability Starting to Improve?
While affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Here’s a look at the latest data.