Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?

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Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year. Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering if they should put their plans on hold and wait for the lowest rates imaginable. However, the reality is, acting sooner rather than later may be the actual win if you’re ready to buy a home.

According to Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst for Bankrate:

As vaccines become more widely available and a return to normal starts to come into view, we’ll see mortgage rates bounce off the record lows.

While only a slight increase in mortgage rates is projected for 2021, some experts believe they will start to rise. Over the past week, for example, the average mortgage rate ticked up slightly, reaching 2.79%. This is still incredibly low compared to the trends we’ve seen over time. According to Freddie Mac:

Borrowers are smart to take advantage of these low rates now and will certainly benefit as a result.

While only a slight increase in mortgage rates is projected for 2021, some experts believe they will start to rise.

Here’s why.

As mortgage rates rise, the increase impacts the overall cost of purchasing a home. The higher the rate, the higher your monthly mortgage payment, especially as home prices rise too. Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Macsays:

The forces behind the drop in rates have been shifting over the last few months and rates are poised to rise modestly this year. The combination of rising mortgage rates and increasing home prices will accelerate the decline in affordability and further squeeze potential homebuyers during the spring home sales season.

What does this mean for buyers?

Right now, the inventory of houses for sale is also at a historic low, making it more challenging than normal to find a home to buy in many areas. As more buyers hit the market in the typically busy spring buying season, it may become even harder to find a home in the coming months. With this in mind, Len Keifer, Deputy Chief Economist for Freddie Mac, recommends taking advantage of both low mortgage rates and the opportunity to buy:

If you’ve found a home that fits your needs at a price you can afford, it might be better to act now rather than wait for future rate declines that may never come and a future that likely holds very tight inventory.

While today’s low mortgage rates provide great opportunities for homebuyers, we may not see them stick around forever. If you’re ready to buy a home, let’s connect so you can take advantage of what today’s market has to offer.

Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?

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Discover why having a professional and skilled expert to guide you through the home-buying process is essential, especially in today’s market. Learn more about the advantages of working with an experienced agent like Diane Casey Luong.

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Diane Casey Luong

Diane Casey Luong

Realtor

Realtor at RE/MAX Advantage I, Buying Real Estate Agent, Seller Real Estate Agent, Listing Real Estate Agent

DIANE-CASEY-LUONG-BUYERS-GUIDE

You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home…or if interest rates are projected to rise or fall. The free eGuide above will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you didn’t even know you should consider when buying a home.

It’s difficult to know when is the best time to sell, or how to get the most money for your house, but you don’t need to go through the process alone.

You may be wondering if prices are projected to rise or fall…or how much competition you may be facing in your market. The free eGuide below will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you haven’t even thought about yet.

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2015

RE/MAX 100% Club
Diane achieved levels of productivity in 2015 that were more than double the industry average with commission levels of $100,000 – $249,999

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2016

RE/MAX 100% Club
Diane achieved levels of productivity in 2016 that were more than double the industry average with commission levels of $100,000 – $249,999

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2017

RE/MAX 100% Club
Diane achieved levels of productivity in 2017 that were more than double the industry average with commission levels of $100,000 – $249,999

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2018

RE/MAX 100% Club
Diane achieved levels of productivity in 2018 that were more than double the industry average with commission levels of $100,000 – $249,999

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2019

RE/MAX 100% Club
Diane achieved levels of productivity in 2019 that were more than double the industry average with commission levels of $100,000 – $249,999

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2016

Realtor™ Association of Central Massachusetts
2019 Top Producers, Ruby Level

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2019

Realtor™ Association of Central Massachusetts
2019 Top Producers, Ruby Level

Working with Diane was an absolute pleasure and joy.

She was incredibly professional yet still warm and personable. I always felt that Diane had my best interests in mind; she never pressured me into anything and always worked to get me all the information I needed before making a decision.

Diane had great knowledge of the housing market in the area and the pros and cons to look for when looking at homes.

During the finalization process, Diane was able to refer me to an excellent home inspector and other individuals necessary for the closing.

I wholeheartedly recommend Diane and would use her again if I am lucky enough to buy another home or sell my own.

Bought a Townhouse home with Diane in 2016 in Worcester, MA.