Some of the headlines that have been in the news may beg you to ask the question of what is in store for mortgage rates. A short while ago there was some discussion that there were going to be cuts that would bring rates down. This was specifically to the Federal Reserve (The Fed) and the Fed Funds Rate. Any change in the Fed Funds Rate does not directly set mortgage rates, but it does often have an effect on them. As of the recent meeting the Fed had, a cut was not yet made. There are many things that go into how the Fed makes their decision to make a cut, but the real question everyone has is if this means that home loans rates will soon fall or not.
Mortgage Rates Should Still Fall This Year
Just because we have not seen it happen yet does not mean that it is not going to. Jerome Powell, the Chairman of the Fed, says they still plan to make cuts this year, assuming inflation cools:
“We believe that our policy rate is likely at its peak for this tightening cycle and that, if the economy evolves broadly as expected, it will likely be appropriate to begin dialing back policy restraint at some point this year.”
Just because we have not seen it happen yet does not mean that it is not going to. Jerome Powell, the Chairman of the Fed, says they still plan to make cuts this year, assuming inflation cools:
“We believe that our policy rate is likely at its peak for this tightening cycle and that, if the economy evolves broadly as expected, it will likely be appropriate to begin dialing back policy restraint at some point this year.”
When this happens, historical patterns show mortgage rates will likely follow. That means hope isn’t lost. As a recent release from Business Insider explains: “As inflation comes down and the Fed is able to start lowering rates, mortgage rates should go down, too. . .”
What This Means
Seeing any rate movement doesn’t mean you should necessarily wait for it to happen to home loan rates. Mortgage rates are historically tough to forecast what and when will happen. There are several factors at play and any one of those can change the projections as the economy changes. And it’s why the experts offer this advice. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says: “Well, mortgage rate projections are just that, projections, not promises, and don’t forget how hard it is to forecast them. . . So my advice is to never try to time the market . . . If one is financially prepared and buying a home aligns with your lifestyle goals, then it could be the right time to purchase. And there’s always the refinance option if mortgage rates are lower in the future.”
What This Means
Seeing any rate movement doesn’t mean you should necessarily wait for it to happen to home loan rates. Mortgage rates are historically tough to forecast what and when will happen. There are several factors at play and any one of those can change the projections as the economy changes. And it’s why the experts offer this advice. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says: “Well, mortgage rate projections are just that, projections, not promises, and don’t forget how hard it is to forecast them. . . So my advice is to never try to time the market . . . If one is financially prepared and buying a home aligns with your lifestyle goals, then it could be the right time to purchase. And there’s always the refinance option if mortgage rates are lower in the future.”
So ultimately if you’re looking to move and trying to time the market, don’t hedge your bets on any specific time in the future. If you’re ready and able to move then it may still be worth it to do it now, especially if you can find the right home you’ve been in search of.
