“We’re starting to see a hint of what mortgage interest rates could look like next year.”
This past year, rising mortgage rates have slowed the red-hot housing market. Over the past nine months, we’ve seen fewer homes sold than the previous month as home price growth has slowed. All of this is due to the fact that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has doubled this year, severely limiting homebuying power for consumers. And, this month, the average rate for financing a home briefly rose over 7% before coming back down into the high 6% range. But we’re starting to see a hint of what mortgage interest rates could look like next year.
Inflation Is the Enemy of Long-Term Interest Rates
As long as inflation is high, we’ll see higher mortgage rates. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen indications that inflation may be cooling, giving us a glimpse into what may happen in the future. The mortgage market is eagerly awaiting positive news on inflation. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, says:
“The housing market is expected to face continued uncertainty heading into 2023 as consumers, financial markets, and policymakers work through their respective challenges in today’s economy. . . . we are watching for any additional stability in the MBS market, signs of cooling inflation, and/or less aggressive Federal Reserve action to give us confidence that mortgage rates are past their peak.”
What Does This Mean for the Future of Mortgage Rates?
As we get through the inflation battle and start to see that coming down, we should expect mortgage rates to follow. We’ve seen nods of this over the past couple of weeks. As the Federal Reserve works to bring inflation down, mortgage rates will come down as well. Bill McBride from Calculated Risk says:
“My current view is inflation will ease quicker than the Fed currently expects.”
As we look toward next year, we certainly hope he’s right.
Bottom Line
Mortgage rates will come down – it’s just a matter of time. The hope is we continue to see more positive news on inflation, and that’ll bring mortgage rates down. This will give prospective homebuyers more buying power and lead to more homeowners throughout the country.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
A Trusted Real Estate Advisor Provides Expert Advice
With their expertise, a real estate advisor can anticipate what could happen next and work with you to put together a solid plan.
Why You May Want To Start Your Home Search Today
Inventory growth this year is certainly good news for you, especially if you’ve had trouble finding a home that meets your needs.
3 Tips for Buying a Home Today
No matter where you’re at in your homeownership journey, the best way to make sure you’re set up for success is to work with a real estate professional.
What Does the Rest of the Year Hold for Home Prices?
Despite what you’ve heard, experts say home prices won’t fall in most markets. They’ll just appreciate more moderately.
Is the Shifting Market a Challenge or an Opportunity for Homebuyers?
Today, data shows buyer demand is moderating in the wake of higher mortgage rates.
Why It’s Still a Sellers’ Market
While buyer demand is softening due to higher mortgage rates, homes that are priced right are still selling fast. That means your window of opportunity to list your house hasn’t closed.