Lisa Mailhot | May 18, 2023
If you’re reading headlines about inflation or mortgage rates, you may see something about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But what does it mean for you, the housing market, and your plans to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know.
While the Fed’s working hard to lower inflation, the latest data shows that, while the number has improved some, the inflation rate is still higher than the target (2%). That played a role in the Fed's decision to raise the Federal Funds Rate last week. As Bankrate explains:
“Keeping its inflation-fighting streak alive, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the 10th time in 10 meetings . . . The hikes aimed to cool an economy that was on fire after rebounding from the coronavirus recession of 2020.”
While the Fed’s actions don’t directly dictate what happens with mortgage rates, their decisions do have an impact and contributed to the intentional cooldown in the housing market last year.
During times of high inflation, your everyday expenses go up. That means you’ve likely felt the pinch at the gas pump and in the grocery store. By raising the Federal Funds Rate, the Fed is actively trying to lower inflation. If the Fed is successful, it could also ultimately lead to lower mortgage rates and better homebuying affordability for you. That’s because when inflation is high, mortgage rates tend to be high. But, as inflation cools, experts say mortgage rates will likely fall.
Moving forward, both inflation and mortgage rates will continue to impact the housing market. And as Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
“Mortgage rates are likely to descend lower later in the year as the consumer price inflation calms down . . .”
Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains:
“We continue to expect that mortgage rates will drift down over the course of the year as the economy slows . . .”
While there’s no way to say with certainty where mortgage rates will go from here, the experts think mortgage rates will trend down this year if inflation comes down too. To stay informed on the latest insights, connect with a trusted real estate advisor. They keep their pulse on what’s happening today and help you understand what the experts are projecting and how it could impact your homeownership plans.
Don’t let headlines about the latest decision from the Fed confuse you. Where mortgage rates go from here depends on what happens with inflation. If inflation cools, mortgage rates should tick down as a result. Let’s connect so you have expert insights on housing market changes and what they mean for you.
Explore three crucial strategies wealth managers must adopt to prepare for significant industry shifts, including the integration of technology, recruitment of new adv… Read more
Homebuilder stocks surge as Kamala Harris proposes housing reforms and the Federal Reserve hints at rate cuts. Discover how these factors could reshape the real estate… Read more
Explore the latest insights from July's inflation data and its subtle impact on future mortgage rates. This article delves into the PCE price index, Federal Reserve st… Read more
Explore the staggering monthly costs associated with maintaining a celebrity mansion, as revealed by Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s recent real estate troubles. Lear… Read more
Explore the escalating legal battle as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) prepares to take its confrontation with the Department of Justice (DOJ) over alleged … Read more
Explore the differences between incentive and protective trusts to safeguard your wealth and support your heirs. Learn how each trust type can influence the next gener… Read more
Governor Newsom signs two bills expanding housing options in California. Learn how AB 2835 and AB 3057 aim to address homelessness and increase affordable living space… Read more
Homeowners and investors anticipating lower mortgage rates after the Fed cuts interest rates may have to wait. Learn why longer-term Treasury yields are a better indic… Read more
Discover the groundbreaking antitrust lawsuit filed by Homie against the National Association of Realtors and key industry players, alleging conspiracies to stifle inn… Read more
Let's find a time that suits you best to chat about your goals, show you how we work, and figure out how we can help you the most