Today's Mortgage and Refinance Rates: August 4, 2023 | Rates Keep Climbing

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For the second week in a row, average 30-year mortgage rates have jumped — they are now at 6.90%, according to Freddie Mac. Average 15-year mortgage rates also increased to 6.25%.

"The combination of upbeat economic data and the US government credit rating downgrade caused mortgage rates to rise this week," Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, said in a press release. "Despite higher rates and lower purchase demand, home prices have increased due to very low unsold inventory."

High rates, low inventory, and increasing home prices have made for an extremely difficult homebuying season. While homeownership may seem permanently out of reach for those who don't already have their foot in the door, some relief should come later this year once inflation slows further and the Federal Reserve stops hiking rates.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's latest forecast, 30-year rates could drop below 6% by the end of this year and fall to 4.6% by 2025. This means that hopeful homebuyers could benefit from increasing affordability in just a few months.

Today's mortgage rates

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Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments:

By clicking on "More details," you'll also see how much you'll pay over the entire length of your mortgage, including how much goes toward the principal vs. interest.

Mortgage Rate Projection for 2023

Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and increased over three percentage points in 2022.

But many forecasts expect rates to begin to fall this year. In their latest forecast, Fannie Mae researchers predicted that 30-year fixed rates will trend down throughout 2023 and 2024.

But whether mortgage rates will drop in 2023 hinges on if the Federal Reserve can get inflation under control.

In the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index rose by 3%. This marks another month of slowing price growth and is a sign that the Fed's efforts are paying off.

For homeowners looking to leverage their home's value to cover a big purchase — such as a home renovation — a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be a good option while we wait for mortgage rates to ease. Check out some of our best HELOC lenders to start your search for the right loan for you.

A HELOC is a line of credit that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. It works similarly to a credit card in that you borrow what you need rather than getting the full amount you're borrowing in a lump sum. It also lets you tap into the money you have in your home without replacing your entire mortgage, like you'd do with a cash-out refinance.

Current HELOC rates are relatively low compared to other loan options, including credit cards and personal loans. 

When Will House Prices Come Down?

Home prices declined a bit on a monthly basis late last year, but we aren't likely to see huge drops this year, even if there's a recession.

Fannie Mae researchers expect prices to increase 3.9% in 2023, while the Mortgage Bankers Association expects no change in 2023 and a 1% increase in 2024.

Sky high mortgage rates have pushed many hopeful buyers out of the market, slowing homebuying demand and putting downward pressure on home prices. But rates may start to drop soon, which would remove some of that pressure. The current supply of homes is also historically low, which will likely keep prices from dropping too far.

What Happens to House Prices in a Recession?

House prices usually drop during a recession, but not always. When it does happen, it's generally because fewer people can afford to purchase homes, and the low demand forces sellers to lower their prices.

How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

A mortgage calculator can help you determine how much you can afford to borrow. Play around with different home prices and down payment amounts to see how much your monthly payment could be, and think about how that fits in with your overall budget.

Typically, experts recommend spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing expenses. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

The lower your rate, the more you'll be able to borrow, so shop around and get preapproved with multiple mortgage lenders to see who can offer you the best rate. But remember not to borrow more than what your budget can comfortably handle.