Instant Reaction: Mortgage Rates, December 7, 2023

The mortgage market continues to improve for home buyers. The 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate hit an average of 7.03% this week. In just 6 weeks of decline, this makes a considerable difference for a home buyer purchasing a $400,000 home. A monthly mortgage payment of $2,135 is a monthly savings of $166. This is considerable, and buyers who have been priced out may start to trickle back in.

For home buyers who are taking on a mortgage to purchase a home and have been wary of the autumn rise in mortgage rates, the market is turning more favorable, and there should be optimism entering 2024 for a better market.

It should be noted that in the most recent months' data in the REALTORS® Confidence Index, 29% of the market is purchasing a home without the use of a mortgage. These buyers are likely indifferent to the mortgage market. Some are investors, but many are primary residence buyers who have built substantial housing equity amid home price gains. While some of these buyers may be local, others may be moving long distances to a more affordable area.  

For now, eyes are on the Feds statements, CPI, and the 10-year treasury to see what the end of the year holds for mortgage interest rates. For those interested—join NAR’s Real Estate Forecast Summit on Dec. 12 for a more in-depth forecast.