Mortgage rates have doubled since the start of the year, with lenders quoting a 6.9% interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for new home purchases. Higher borrowing costs could further stretch housing affordability, push more buyers to the sidelines, and cool off the heated housing market.
Home building stocks are languishing. Toll Brothers is down 6% over the past month, Lennar shares are down 8%, and D.R. Horton shares are down 3.8% over the same period.
Recent data suggest that home sales have already slowed, and online real estate brokers are feeling the pain. Redfin is cutting 8% of its employees, citing market conditions. Compass is cutting 10% of its workforce.
Home building stocks are also dragging. The iShares U.S. Home Construction exchange-traded fund hit a new 52-week low on Tuesday, now down 35% from its December high.
Active home listings have increased from the same period last year for the fifth consecutive week, according to Realtor.com data. For the first time in seven weeks, median listing price growth slowed but stayed well above the historic norm. (Realtor.com is operated by the same parent company as Barron’s.)
What’s Next: The National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index, which gauges builders’ confidence in market conditions, will release its number for June later this morning. Analysts expect a reading of 68, down from 69 for May.
How to Compare Mortgage Interest Rates
Before you make a decision on a new mortgage, it is important to understand the different types of mortgage interest rates. There are different factors involved in calculating mortgage rates, including the interest rate and the annual percentage rate (APR). You must also understand that these figures can be misleading, especially if you are not sure what you are comparing. Nevertheless, it is still important to compare mortgage interest rates, as these can help you determine the best possible mortgage interest rate for your particular situation.
A lender will base your interest rate on several factors, including your credit score, down payment amount, and loan length. Some mortgage rates are lower than others, depending on your credit score, down payment, and the loan-to-value ratio. However, a low credit score can still mean favorable mortgage rates, so it is important to shop around to find the lowest rate you can. To lower your rate, you can make a larger down payment or try to improve your credit score.
To make sure you get the best mortgage interest rate, it is essential to shop around and compare rates at several lenders. It is also a good idea to shop around before choosing a lender. You should request quotes from at least three lenders, and always compare the official Loan Estimates provided by each lender. It is very possible to find a better rate if you compare lender to lender and choose the one with the lowest fees and interest rates.
Mortgage interest rates are based on external economic factors, including the state in which you live. As a result, the best time to purchase a new home is when your finances are in better shape, save for a down payment, and work on improving your credit score. You can also track the real estate market and see when the best opportunity to purchase a new home arises. The best time to buy a new home is when mortgage rates are the lowest.
While there are many factors that affect mortgage rates, the most common reason for rising mortgage rates is the economy. Mortgage interest rates tend to move ahead of the federal funds rate, which banks charge to borrow money. A variety of other factors can also affect mortgage rates, such as inflation, unemployment rate, and bond market conditions. With so many different factors affecting the mortgage market, it is important to keep an eye on these factors. This will help you negotiate a better mortgage interest rate.
To get the best mortgage rate, you should also pay attention to the mortgage term. Mortgages are generally repaid over a specified period of time, with the longest term lasting for 30 years. In addition to the interest rate, mortgages also differ in their terms. Short-term loans tend to carry higher interest rates than long-term mortgages, and long-term mortgages typically have lower monthly payments. In the end, it will be more cost-effective to choose a long-term mortgage.
