Rising Mortgage Rates: Three Things To Keep an Eye On

Thanks to historically low mortgage interest rates, many have been able to live the American dream and purchase a home. Mid-September figures for the 30-year fix-rate mortgage had a national average of 4.28 percent but we all know good things come to an end.

Just as 2015 comes around the corner, many real estate professionals and economists believe this will also bring rising mortgage rates.

According to Stan Humphries, the chief economist for Zillow, the 30-year rate could reach the five percent mark by the middle of next year as the Federal Reserve discontinues their mortgage-backed security purchases.

Should rates go north, prospective homeowners may see their home-buying opportunities change. But it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Here are three things for consumers to keep their eyes on should mortgage rates rise.

A cut in buying power

For most of this year, rates have sat between four to five percent, but are poised to rise around .75 percent in 2015. Borrowers will see this cut into their buying power—perhaps more than they realize.

This increase could produce higher monthly mortgage payments next year by $700-plus in the more expensive U.S. places.

In a comparison by Zillow that reviewed 35 metropolitan areas for a one percent increase in 30-year mortgages (from 4.1 percent to 5.1 percent), with rising increases for home values during the next year, monthly payments could increase for the St. Louis area to $65 per month and $200 per month for the New York metropolitan area. Over in Silicon Valley/San Jose area, there’s a possible $710 jump.

Decreased inventory

Along with spending more per month, consumers will have fewer homes to choose from when they’re ready to buy—especially hard hit will be those first-time homeowners seeking either mid- or lower-priced dwellings.

Real estate broker Redfin has July data supporting this with July property figures. They saw homes under the $375,000 range hard hit from 2011 figures as there were 28 percent less of homes in this price range and for a sticker price $130,000 or less, 50 percent fewer.

But for those seeking homes greater than a $375,000, this inventory rose 16 percent as compared to 2011.

However, when reviewing August numbers, the down trend continued. “Affordable inventory” fell by 9 percent as compared to July’s numbers.

Less competition

Sure, the two aforementioned points are concerning, but here’s one silver lining for consumers: a less competitive housing market. The National Association of Realtors recently reported in August, investors and all-cash purchase dramatically fell.

For prospective homeowners, this is a good thing according to Nela Richardson, Redfin’s chief economist. She said, “Many markets are not going to see the same multiple-bid environment that we saw even earlier this year. It will be easier to win the home of your dreams than it was a few months ago.”

Furthermore, for those first-time buyers, she believes they can take a deep breath as over the next few months as rates will remain low and they can take their time looking around.

While mortgage rates will likely change in the next year, prospective homeowners still have time to take advantage of these historic lows now. But similar to any major investment, it will be important to look at the current market, comparison shop and make an informed decision.

source: totalmortgage.com