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
Federal Reserve
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
Shrinking average mortgage indicates opportunity, but not falling prices
Rates are volatile this week, heading up mid-week after dropping for two weeks in a row on the heels of some positive inflation data. Recently released minutes from the Fed’s June meeting point to further steep rate hikes and reflect inflation’s continued impact on monetary policy. This comes as recent … [Read more...] about Shrinking average mortgage indicates opportunity, but not falling prices
How do the Fed’s Interest Rate Changes Affect Mortgage Rates?
At the end of September, the Fed chose to raise the target Federal Funds Rate. Another rate increase is expected before the end of the year. And chances are good that we can expect additional rate increases in 2019. That’s important news, though not many people understand exactly what a rate increase means or how it relates to their day-to-day lives. If you’re a person … [Read more...] about How do the Fed’s Interest Rate Changes Affect Mortgage Rates?