Mortgage Interest Rates Today, May 17, 2024 | Rates Trending Lower After Latest Read on Inflation
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Mortgage interest rates have moved lower amid signs that persistently high inflation may be starting to cool. The average rate for a 30-year mortgage is now hovering in the mid-6% range after starting the month above 7%, according to Zillow data.
On Wednesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index rose 3.4% year over year in April, a slowdown from the previous month. The 10-year Treasury yield fell following the release of this data, and mortgage rates followed suit.
Lower rates should provide a bit more affordability for borrowers. On a $300,000 loan with a 7% rate, you'd pay $1,996 per month on your mortgage. With a 6.5% rate, you'd pay $100 less per month on that same loan.
But we probably won't see rates drop much further until we get more data showing that inflation is coming down sustainably. Once inflation slows enough that the Federal Reserve is able to start lowering the federal funds rate, mortgage rates and other consumer rates should trend down. Investors are currently betting that the Fed will cut rates at its meeting in September, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
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Use our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments:
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Mortgage Rate Projection for 2024
Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and increased dramatically in 2022 and throughout most of 2023.
Many forecasts expect rates to fall this year now that inflation has been coming down. In the last 12 months, the Consumer Price Index rose by 3.4%. This is a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022, but we'll likely need to see more slowing before rates can drop substantially.
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?
We aren't likely to see home prices drop this year. In fact, they'll probably rise.
Fannie Mae researchers expect prices to increase 4.8% in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025, while the Mortgage Bankers Association expects a 4.1% increase in 2024 and a 3.3% 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 have since eased, removing some of that pressure. The current supply of homes is also historically low, which will likely push prices up.
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 house you can afford. 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.