If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably got mortgage rates on your mind. That’s because you’ve likely heard that mortgage rates impact how much you can afford in your monthly mortgage payment, and you want to factor that into your planning. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates?
Mortgage rates have been trending down recently. While that’s good news for your homebuying plans, it’s important to know that rates can be unpredictable because they’re affected by many factors.
Things like the economy, job market, inflation, and decisions made by the Federal Reserve all play a part. So, even as rates go down, they can still bounce around a bit based on new economic data. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, says:
“The ongoing deceleration in inflation, coupled with the Federal Reserve’s recent indication of potential rate cuts [in 2024], suggests an environment supportive of modest declines in mortgage rates. Barring any unforeseen circumstances and resurgence in inflation, lower mortgage rates could be on the horizon, but the journey towards them might be slow and bumpy.”
How Do These Changes Affect You?
When mortgage rates change, it affects how much you pay each month for your home loan. Even a small rate change can make a big difference to your monthly bill.
Take a look at the chart below to see how different mortgage rates impact your house payment each month for various loan amounts. Imagine you can afford a monthly payment of $2,600 for your home loan. The green part in the chart shows payments in that range or lower based on varying mortgage rates (see chart below):
Understanding how mortgage rates impact your payment helps you make better decisions.
How Can You Keep Track of the Latest on Rates?
Real estate agents have the expertise to help you understand what’s happening and what it means for you. They can provide tools and visuals, like the chart above, to show how rate changes impact your buying power.
You don’t need to be a mortgage expert; you just need a professional by your side. Someone who can help you make sense of the market and guide you through your homebuying or selling journey.
Bottom Line
Mortgage rate changes have a significant impact on your homebuying power, influencing how much house you can afford and the overall cost of homeownership. When mortgage rates are low, your purchasing power increases, allowing you to afford a more expensive home or lower your monthly payments on the same loan amount. Conversely, when rates rise, your purchasing power decreases, meaning you may need to adjust your budget or consider less expensive properties.
Even a small change in mortgage rates can have a large effect over the life of your loan. For example, a 1% increase in interest rates could raise your monthly mortgage payment by hundreds of dollars, depending on the loan amount. This change not only impacts your immediate budget but also affects your long-term financial planning, including your ability to save for other goals, such as retirement or education.
Understanding how mortgage rate fluctuations affect your homebuying power is crucial for making informed decisions in today’s market. By staying informed about rate trends and working with a knowledgeable mortgage lender, you can time your purchase to maximize your affordability and secure a loan that fits your financial situation.
Ultimately, being aware of how mortgage rate changes impact your buying power enables you to approach the homebuying process with confidence, ensuring that you make a decision that supports your long-term financial goals while getting the most value out of your investment.
If you have questions about the housing market, let’s connect. That way you’ll understand what’s going on and how to navigate it.
