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Mortgage rates have trended lower over the past two months, although they remain volatile.
Inflation has pushed rates higher this year, although in July it showed signs of easing, with the consumer price index posting an 8.5% year-on-year increase. the other, down from the previous month’s 9.1% increase.
It looks like the Federal Reserve’s efforts to slow price growth are finally starting to pay off. But with more Fed rate hikes to come, it’s possible the economy will slow too much and slip into a recession. Fears of a slowdown combined with still high prices have driven mortgage rates up and down in recent weeks.
Today’s Mortgage Rates
Today’s Refinance Rates
mortgage calculator
Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today’s interest rates will affect your monthly payments:
mortgage calculator
$1,161
Your estimated monthly payment
- pay one 25% a higher down payment would save you $8,916.08 on interest charges
- Lower the interest rate by 1% would save you $51,562.03
- Pay an extra fee $500 each month would reduce the term of the loan by 146 month
By clicking on “More details”, you will also see the amount you will pay over the life of your mortgage, including the amount of principal versus interest.
Are mortgage rates increasing?
Mortgage rates began to recover from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and have risen significantly so far in 2022. More recently, rates have been relatively volatile.
Over the past 12 months, the consumer price index has increased by 8.5%. The Federal Reserve has been struggling to keep inflation under control and plans to raise the target federal funds rate three more times this year, following increases in March, May, June and July.
Although not directly tied to the fed funds rate, mortgage rates are sometimes pushed higher due to Fed rate hikes and investors’ expectations of the impact of those hikes on the economy. .
Inflation remains high, but has started to slow, which is a good sign for mortgage rates and the economy in general.
What do high rates mean for the housing market?
When mortgage rates rise, the purchasing power of homebuyers decreases, as more of their projected housing budget must be spent on interest payments. If rates get high enough, buyers can be shut out of the market altogether, cooling demand and putting downward pressure on home price growth.
However, that doesn’t mean house prices will go down – in fact, they’re expected to rise even more this year, just at a slower pace than what we’ve seen over the past two years.
What is a good mortgage rate?
It can be difficult to know if a lender is offering you a good rate, which is why it’s so important to get pre-approved from several mortgage lenders and compare each offer. Apply for pre-approval from at least two or three lenders.
Your price isn’t the only thing that matters. Be sure to compare both your monthly costs and your upfront costs, including lender fees.
Although mortgage rates are heavily influenced by economic factors beyond your control, there are steps you can take to ensure you get a good rate:
- Consider fixed rates versus adjustable rates. You may be able to get a lower introductory rate with an adjustable rate mortgage, which can be beneficial if you plan to move before the end of the introductory period. But a fixed rate might be better if you’re buying a house forever, because you don’t risk your rate going up later. Examine the rates offered by your lender and weigh your options.
- Look at your finances. The stronger your financial situation, the lower your mortgage rate should be. Look for ways to increase your credit score or reduce your debt ratio, if necessary. Saving for a larger down payment also helps.
- Choose the right lender. Each lender charges different mortgage rates. Choosing the right one for your financial situation will help you get a good rate.
