December 14, 2023
Potential homebuyers received welcome news this week as mortgage rates dropped below seven percent for the first time since August. Given inflation continues to decelerate and the Federal Reserve Board’s current expectations that they will lower the federal funds target rate next year, there will likely be a gradual thawing of the housing market in the new year.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
For Week Ending December 2, 2023
Mortgage rates dropped for the fifth consecutive week, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declining to 7.22% the week ending November 30, 2023, the lowest level since September, according to Freddie Mac. As a result, mortgage applications increased 2.8% on a seasonally adjusted basis from the previous week, and were up 43% on an unadjusted basis, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Refinance activity also improved, rising 14% from the previous week, marking the strongest week in two months.
IN THE TWIN CITIES REGION, FOR THE WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 2:
FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER:
All comparisons are to 2022
Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From MAAR Market Data News.
December 7, 2023
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged near 7 percent this week, down from nearly 7.80 percent just six weeks ago. When rates began to rapidly drop, purchase applications rebounded initially, but this improvement in demand diminished in the last week. Although these lower rates remain a welcome relief, it is clear they will have to further drop to more consistently reinvigorate demand.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
For Week Ending November 25, 2023
Down payments reached a new high recently, as rising interest rates, elevated sales prices, and increased competition have led homebuyers to put more money down when purchasing a home. According to Realtor.com, buyers made an average down payment of 14.7% of the purchase price and a median down payment of $30,400 on primary residences in the third quarter of the year, surpassing the previous high of 14.1% in Q2 2022. In doing so, buyers paid 78.2% more as a down payment in Q3 2023 compared to Q1 2020, when the median down payment was $17,000.
IN THE TWIN CITIES REGION, FOR THE WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 25:
FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER:
All comparisons are to 2022
Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From MAAR Market Data News.
November 30, 2023
Market sentiment has significantly shifted over the last month, leading to a continued decline in mortgage rates. The current trajectory of rates is an encouraging development for potential homebuyers, with purchase application activity recently rising to the same level as mid-September when rates were similar to today’s levels. The modest uptick in demand over the last month signals that there will likely be more competition in a market that remains starved for inventory.
Information provided by Freddie Mac.
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified.