Over the past few years, affordability has been the biggest challenge for homebuyers. Between rapidly rising home prices and higher mortgage rates, many have felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.
But, something pretty encouraging is happening. While affordability is still tight, mortgage rates have shown signs of stabilizing in recent months. And that may finally make it a bit easier to plan your move.
Mortgage Rates Have Stabilized – For Now
Over the past year, mortgage rates have had their share of ups and downs, making it tough for buyers to know what to expect. But recently, rates have started to level out and have settled into a more narrow range (see graph below):
As the graph shows, rates have stayed within that half-percentage-point since late last year. Yes, there’s been movement within that range, but wild swings and sudden ups and downs just haven’t been the story lately. And that’s a bigger deal than you may realize. As HousingWire explains:
“Analysts, economists and mortgage professionals are coining this quarter’s activity as one of the most “calm” periods for mortgage rates in recent memory.”
How This Helps Today’s Buyers
Let’s be real. Unpredictability makes it tough to plan ahead. When rates are bouncing around and making big jumps week to week, it’s easy to be intimidated. But with rates staying in a pretty steady range over the past several months, you have a clearer picture of what (click "Learn More" to finish the article)...
