The cost of fixed-rate mortgages has been steadily increasing since the start of the year, with rates rising by more than two full percentage points. This is part of the Federal Reserve's campaign to raise interest rates in order to combat inflation, and the effects on the housing market have been immediate. As of June 30th, the rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has already reached 5.7%, up from 2.98% a year ago, according to Freddie Mac. It is important to ask your lender about the consequences of not closing within the time specified in a rate lock agreement, as well as what could happen if rates drop after you set a rate. However, this rising interest rate environment could be beneficial and help take advantage of the high home price growth of the past two years.
To determine what rate a lender can offer you based on your credit score and other factors, you must complete a loan application. Therefore, it is important to plan to keep your home long enough to cover any costs associated with refinancing at a lower rate. The 30-year average fixed interest rate rose from 5.51% on July 14th to 5.54% on July 21st, according to Freddie Mac. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 20 basis points lower than it was a week ago and 251 basis points higher than it was a year ago. There are various mortgage products available and different ways to calculate your monthly bill.
Those with excellent credit and large down payments may be able to get below-average interest rates, while those with low credit scores or non-QM loans may see much higher rates. The risk is that once the fixed rate period ends, you could end up with a higher interest rate and thus higher monthly payments. The 30-year average fixed rate rose from 5.51% to 5.54% for the seven days ending July 21st, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey. Experts from Fannie Mae, First American and other industry leaders are divided on whether 30-year mortgage rates will continue to rise in July or stabilize. For sellers, Beacher recommends setting an appropriate price for their home and considering offering closing cost credits to help buyers lower their interest rate and make their payment more affordable.
