Housing Market Bounces Back as Mortgage Demand Rises with Falling Interest Rates

As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling.   Now, however, rates are beginning to come down—and buyers are starting to reenter the market. In fact, the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows mortgage applications increased last week by 7% compared to the week before.    So, if you’ve been planning to sell your house but you’re unsure if there will be anyone to buy it, this shift in the market could be your chance. Here’s what experts are saying about buyers returning to the market as we approach spring.   Mike Fratantoni, SVP and Chief Economist, MBA: “Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since September 2022, and about a percentage point below the peak mortgage rate last fall. As we enter the beginning of the spring buying season, lower mortgage rates and more homes on the market will help affordability for first-time homebuyers.”   Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR): “The upcoming months should see a return of buyers, as mortgage rates appear to have already peaked and have been coming down since mid-November.”   Thomas LaSalvia, Senior Economist, Moody’s Analytics: “We expect the labor market to remain robust, wages to continue to rise—maybe not at the pace that they did during the pandemic, but that will open up some opportunity for folks to enter homeownership as interest rates stabilize a bit.”   Sam Khater, Chief Economist, Freddie Mac: “Homebuyers are waiting for rates to decrease more significantly, and when they do, a strong job market and a large demographic tailwind of Millennial renters will provide support to the purchase market.”   If you’ve been thinking about making a move, now’s the time to get your house ready to sell. Contact a local real estate professional to learn about buyer demand in your area and the best time to put your house on the market.

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How to Get the Best Mortgage Rates in Spokane

As a home buyer in Spokane, you want to get the best mortgage rate available. That means understanding how interest rates are determined and exploring your options for getting a lower rate. Keep reading to learn more about what factors affect mortgage rates and what you can do to save yourself money on your loan.   What Factors Affect Mortgage Rates? The most important factor determining your mortgage rate is market conditions. Interest rates fluctuate based on economic trends, so when the economy is doing well and inflation is expected, mortgage rates will usually rise. Additionally, demand for mortgages affects mortgage rates; when there’s high demand for loans, lenders may raise their interest rates as a way to limit the number of loans they have to process.   What Options Do Home Buyers Have? Fortunately, there are several options available for home buyers who want to get a lower mortgage rate. One option is buying discount points, which are upfront payments that allow you to access lower interest rates over the course of your loan term. Another option is taking advantage of special home buyer programs offered through local or state governments; these programs often provide access to more affordable mortgages with lower interest rates than conventional loans. Additionally, choosing the right closing date can also help you get a better rate; try scheduling your closing at the end of the month if possible as this could help you save money on your loan. Finally, shopping around and increasing your downpayment can also work in your favor; compare different lenders and make sure you put down as much as possible so that you’ll be seen as less risky by lenders (and thus qualify for better interest rates). Lastly, plan ahead so that you have time to improve your credit score before applying for a loan; higher credit scores will give you access to better rates!   No one wants to leave money on the table—especially when it comes to major purchases like homes! By understanding what factors affect mortgage rates and exploring all available options, home buyers in Spokane can get a great deal on their loan by accessing lower interest rates. From buying discount points to increasing your downpayment and shopping around for different lenders, there are many strategies that can help make sure you don’t pay more than necessary for your dream home!

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What Affects Home Affordability in Spokane?

For many of us, owning a home is the ultimate goal. But with the cost of buying a house in Spokane continuing to rise despite the market cooling down, how can you determine just how much home you can afford? The answer lies in three main factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. Let’s take a closer look at each one and how it affects your ability to purchase a home in Spokane.   Mortgage Rates The first factor that affects your ability to afford a home is mortgage rates. Mortgage rates fluctuate based on economic conditions and other related factors. Low mortgage rates make it more affordable for potential buyers to borrow money for their new homes. In general, when mortgage rates are low, demand for homes goes up because more people have access to financing options they would not have had otherwise.   Home Prices The second factor that affects affordability is the price of the home itself. Home prices vary depending on location and other factors such as size, age, condition, etc. Higher-priced homes may be out of reach for some buyers while lower-priced homes may be within reach. It's important to research current market trends so you can get an idea of what kind of house fits your budget and needs best.   Wages Finally, wages play an important role in determining what kind of house you can afford in Spokane. Wages are typically determined by job type or industry sector and can vary widely from person to person. Your salary will likely affect the amount you are able to borrow for a mortgage as well as how much money you need for closing costs and other upfront expenses associated with buying a new home. Therefore understanding your own financial situation before embarking on the home-buying process is essential!   When it comes down to it, there are three main factors that affect how much house you can afford in Spokane—mortgage rates, home prices, and wages—each of which should be taken into consideration before making any decisions about purchasing property here. By doing your due diligence and researching both current market trends and your own financial situation beforehand, you’ll be better prepared when it comes time to make an offer on a new home! Good luck!

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