You may have heard that the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate by .75% on Wednesday. This rate controls how expensive it is for banks to borrow and lend from each other – which influences how much it costs for most consumers to borrow money, too. What does this news mean for mortgage rates and your homebuying journey? Here’s what you should know about the … [Read more...] about The Fed’s latest rate hike: here’s what homebuyers need to know
Series: The Morty Report
Does homebuying have ‘seasons?’
Seasons change, but do they change the market, too? Whether it’s the end of a lease or the start of a new job, there are often deadlines driving the home search. But regardless of what’s on the calendar, buyers almost always want to know about seasonality and whether it’s the “right” time of the year to buy. We typically see activity drop slightly this time of year … [Read more...] about Does homebuying have ‘seasons?’
The lowdown on low-down payment mortgages
A new zero-down option, plus more ways to put down less on your home This week, Bank of America announced a “no-down” mortgage program called the Community Affordable Loan Solution, aimed at closing the racial homeownership gap. It’s the latest of various no- and low-down payment mortgage options, as growing numbers of buyers seek more affordable paths to becoming … [Read more...] about The lowdown on low-down payment mortgages
Getting it right the first time: simple steps for first-time homebuyers
When the only certainty is uncertainty, simple rules can help Buying a home for the first time can be scary, but it’s especially true in today’s market. Rates are at a relative high and home sales are on the decline. Uncertainty remains around inflation. It’s understandable that you might be second-guessing yourself right about now. While the current market conditions … [Read more...] about Getting it right the first time: simple steps for first-time homebuyers
Are home prices *really* falling?
Prices still projected to rise – but stable for now Recent real estate headlines might look a little bleak, with descriptions like “plunging” home prices and a “slumping” market. But are they really? Let’s start with the market: Yes, it’s cooling slightly, but no – it’s not as extreme as some might suggest. We have to remember that the frenzied market of the past two … [Read more...] about Are home prices *really* falling?
Ready, set, prep: first steps before you buy a home
Sort out your finances *before* getting pre-approved If you are looking to restart your search for a home, it can be tempting to jump straight into getting a pre-approval. But you may want to spend some time sorting out your finances first, as it’ll give you a more realistic snapshot of what you can afford in a fast-changing market. Some areas to focus on: 1. Take a close … [Read more...] about Ready, set, prep: first steps before you buy a home
Will cooling inflation heat up the housing market?
A shifting market amplifies the ‘rent or buy?’ dilemma The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report from July shows that inflation has begun to cool – somewhat, anyway – in response to the Fed’s actions over the past few months. But there’s no question that challenges remain for buyers and sellers, and positive inflation news won’t … [Read more...] about Will cooling inflation heat up the housing market?
What the ‘new normal’ means for buyers
Is it time for buyers who have been waiting to step off the sidelines? Last week, we talked about how the cooling housing market has entered a “new normal” that looks much different than the frenzied, competitive activity of the past two years. Mortgage rates hit three-month lows even after the Fed raised interest rates again last week – further … [Read more...] about What the ‘new normal’ means for buyers
The upside to higher rates
A new normal for the housing market There have been a few pieces of news driving conversation around the state of the housing market this week. We saw new data from the National Association of Realtors that purchase contracts dropped by 8.6% in June. We also saw the Federal Reserve raise interest rates again in a continued effort to curb inflation. Intense speculation … [Read more...] about The upside to higher rates
Affordable homes in 2022? Yes – in these markets
What does affordability look like to you? A list of the “Top 10 Affordable Cities for Middle-Class Homebuyers” certainly sounds promising for buyers chasing affordability – but what does that actually mean? Affordability differs from market to market, and the homebuying equation is still complex. Factors like rising rents, high inflation and economic uncertainty are still … [Read more...] about Affordable homes in 2022? Yes – in these markets
