Navy Fellas Realty Group

Real Estate, Residential sales and purchase

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 26, 2022

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What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - December 26, 2022Last week’s economic scheduled economic news included readings on sales of previously-owned homes, housing starts,  and building permits issued. Readings on the Consumer Price Index, which tracks inflation, were also released along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

Sales of previously-owned homes fall in November

The National Association of Realtors® reported fewer sales of previously-owned homes in November than in October. 4.09 million previously-owned homes were sold year-over-year in November as compared to 4.43 million sales reported in October. This was the tenth consecutive month showing fewer sales of previously-owned homes. Although mortgage rates and home prices have eased recently, it will take additional time for would-be buyers to adjust their budgets during and after the winter holiday season.

The  Commerce Department reported 1.34 million building permits issued in November; analysts expected a reading of 1.48 million permits issued as compared to October’s reading of 1.51 million permits issued. The onset of winter weather typically impacts building permits issued and rising concerns about inflation and recession also sidelined home builders who took a “wait-and-see” position about current economic conditions.

Housing starts were unchanged in November with 1.43 million housing starts reported on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Analysts expected a reading of 1.40 million starts in November.

Mortgage Rates. Inflation, and Jobless Claims

Freddie Mac reported mixed readings for average mortgage rates last week as the average for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by four basis points to 6.27 percent. The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by 15 basis points to 5.69 percent.

Month-to-month inflation rose by 0.10 percent in November as compared to an increase of 0.40 percent in October. The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by 15 basis points to 5.69 percent.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose by 0.20 percent as compared to October’s month-to-month increase of 0.30 percent. Year-over-year inflation rose by 5.50 percent in November as compared to October’s year-over-year inflation rate of  6.10 percent.

216,000  first-time jobless claims were filed last week, which fell short of the expected reading of 220,000 initial claims filed but surpassed the prior week’s reading of  214,000 new jobless claims filed. The final consumer sentiment report for December showed an index reading of 59.7 as compared to the expected reading of 59.1 and November’s index reading of 59.1.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on U.S. housing markets, pending home sales, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. 

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence in Housing Markets Slips in December

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NAHB: Home Builder Confidence in Housing Markets Slips in DecemberDecember’s National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index reported slipping builder confidence in U.S. housing markets. The Housing Market Index readings fell every month in 2022. Recently rising mortgage rates, materials costs, and inclement winter weather contributed to builder skepticism about current housing market conditions.

December’s National  Housing Market Index reading of 31 was the lowest since mid-2012 not including readings published during the pandemic. By comparison, the Housing Market Index reading for December 2021 was 84. The three indices comprising the Housing Market Index reported mixed readings in December. Current home sales decreased by three points and home builder expectations for home sales in the next six months increased by four points. Builder expectations of buyer traffic in new housing developments were unchanged from November’s reading.

Regional housing market indices reported mixed index readings, which are seasonally adjusted. The Northeast region reported an index reading of 32 for December, which was unchanged from November. The Midwestern region had an index reading of 30 for December, which was five points lower than November’s reading. The South reported an index reading of 35, which was two points higher than in November. The West reported an index reading of 25 for December, which was three points lower than in November.

Mortgage rates recently fell below seven percent and the pace of home price growth is slowing. High home prices and rapidly rising mortgage rates led more than 60 percent of home builders to offer a variety of buyer incentives including mortgage rate buydowns and paying discount points charged to home buyers for lower mortgage rates.

Building affordable homes: The struggle is real

NAHB home builders expect weaker housing market conditions to continue through 2023 with full recovery starting in 2024. NAHB estimates that there is a shortage of 1.5 million new homes based on buyer demand and homes currently available. Jerry Konter, the chair of NAHB, said that home builders are struggling to keep housing affordable. Construction costs rose by 30 percent since the start of 2022 and there is little room for home builders to cut home prices.

Slower home price growth and lower mortgage rates will help prospective home buyers qualify for mortgages and encourage more buyers to enter the housing market.  

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 19, 2202

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What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - December 19, 2202Last week’s economic reporting included readings on inflation, retail sales, and the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.  Fed Chair Jerome  Powell held his scheduled post-meeting press conference and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

Federal Reserve Raises Target Interest Rate Range

The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee announced its decision to raise the Fed’s target interest rate range to 4.25 to 4.50 percent from its previous range of 3.75 to 4.00 percent.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in remarks made during his scheduled press conference, “We’re going into next year with higher inflation than we thought.” Seven Fed officials predicted rising interest rates with the Fed’s interest rate range potentially reaching 5.75 percent. Analysts said that the Fed’s position of controlling inflation at any cost could result in a recession. Chair Powell said it was impossible to predict if a recession would occur and how deep it might go and how long it could last. He repeated the Fed’s commitment to controlling high inflation.

Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims  Fall

Freddie Mac reported lower fixed mortgage rates last week as the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped by two basis points to 6.31 percent. The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped by 13 basis points to 5.54 percent.

Initial jobless claims fell to 211,000 first-time claims filed as compared to the prior week’s reading of 231,000 new jobless claims filed. Continuing jobless claims were reported as unchanged from the prior week with 167,000 ongoing unemployment claims filed.

The Commerce Department reported lower retail sales in November than in October. Retail sales decreased by -0.6 percent in November, which surpassed analysts’ estimates of -0.3 percent. Lower retail sales could suggest an impending recession as consumers hold back on paying rapidly rising prices for non-essential goods and services.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings from the National Association of Home Builders on U.S. housing markets and Commerce Department data on building permits issued and housing starts. Reports on sales of new and previously-owned homes and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.

How Large Of A Down Payment Do You Truly Need?

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If you are interested in purchasing a home, how much money should you put down? This is a difficult question that all potential homeowners need to answer, as it will dictate the size and location of the house you can afford. There are a number of factors to consider, so what do you need to know?If you are interested in purchasing a home, how much money should you put down? This is a difficult question that all potential homeowners need to answer, as it will dictate the size and location of the house you can afford. There are a number of factors to consider, so what do you need to know?

Generally, Putting More Down Is Better

There is a solid chance that a home loan is going to be the largest loan you will ever take out in your life. Therefore, there is some risk involved, and you must make sure you can pay it back. You can reduce the risk you take on by putting more money down. That way, you don’t necessarily have to take out such a large loan, and your lender may provide you with a lower interest rate. This could save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

First-Time Homebuyer Options Are Available

The downside of saving up such a large down payment is that it could take a long time for you to save up so much money. Fortunately, there are programs available for first-time home buyers. For example, if you qualify for an FHA-backed loan for first-time homebuyers, you might be able to qualify for a home loan with as little as 3.5 percent down. This might make it easier for you to afford a house.

Is Your Money Better Served In The Market?

Putting more money down for a house may provide you with a lower interest rate while also reducing your monthly mortgage payments; however, you need to think about where your money will work the hardest for you. You may qualify for a lower interest rate if you put more money down, but will your money generate a higher return if you invested in your retirement? You should answer this question when you decide whether to put more money towards your house or more money in an investment portfolio.

Consider Working With An Expert

How much money should you put down for your house? This is a question that has a different answer for everyone, which is why you should consider working with a professional who can help you. 

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 5, 2022

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What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - December 5, 2022Last week’s economic news included readings on home prices, inflation, and data on public and private-sector jobs. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

S&P Case-Shiller Posts Lower Home Prices in September

September home prices fell in all cities tracked by Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index. Home prices were – 8.7 percent lower year-over-year in September than August’s reading of -10.40 percent. Home price declines showed signs of increasing after a period of rapidly rising home prices sidelined would-be home buyers.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency Home Price Index rose by 0.90 percent in September as compared to home price depreciation of -7.50 percent posted in August. Home prices rose in all 50 states and the District of Columbia between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022. States with the highest year-over-year home price growth were Florida with 22.7 percent home price growth, South Carolina with 18.4 percent home price growth, and Tennessee, where home prices rose by 17.9 percent growth. North Carolina experienced 17.4  percent growth in home prices and Georgia completed the top 5 states with the highest home price growth with 16.7 percent home price growth.

Home prices decreased in two metro areas in California; the San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City metro area posted a -4.3 percent decrease in home prices and the Oakland-Berkeley-Livermore metro area where home prices decreased by -0.60 percent.

Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims

Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates last week as the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased by nine basis points to 6.49 percent. The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by 14 basis points to 5.76 percent.

225,000 new jobless claims were filed last week as compared to an expected reading of 235,000 first-time claims filed and the previous week’s reading of 241,000 new jobless claims filed. 1.61 million continuing jobless claims were filed last week as compared to 1.55 million ongoing claims filed in the previous week.

The federal government’s Non-Farm Payrolls report for November showed 263,000 public and private-sector jobs added in November; analysts expected 200,000 jobs added based on October’s reading of 284,000 jobs added. ADP reported 127,000 private-sector jobs added in November as compared to analysts’ expectations of 190,000 private–sector jobs added and September’s reading of  239,000 private-sector jobs added. The national unemployment rate was unchanged from the previous week at 3.7 percent.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include readings from the University of Michigan on consumer sentiment and consumer expectations for inflation in the next five years. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be published.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 28, 2022

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What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - November 28, 2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on new home sales and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. No economic data was published Thursday or Friday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

New Home Sales Surpass Expectations in October

The Commerce Department reported higher-than-expected sales of new homes during October. New homes sold at a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 632,000 homes sold.  Analysts expected new homes to sell at an annual pace of 570,000 sales as compared to the revised annual pace of 588,000 new home sales in September. The supply of available new homes rose by 1.50 percent between September and October and approached a nine-month supply of new homes for sale. Rising mortgage rates affected affordability for first-time and moderate-income home buyers, but average mortgage rates fell last week.

Mortgage Rates Fall, Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported lower average mortgage rates last week as the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by three basis points to 6.58 percent and the average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by eight basis points to 5.90 percent. Homebuilders reported rising costs and slowing home sales; some builders added or increased buyer incentives including mortgage rate buydowns and paying buyers’ closing costs.

Last week’s first-time jobless claims were higher than expected with 240,000 new claims filed as compared to the expected reading of 225,000 initial claims filed and the previous week’s reading of  223,000 new jobless claims filed.

Consumer sentiment fell to an index reading of 56.8 in November according to the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey. November’s reading reflected consumer concerns about inflation and a potential recession and was markedly lower than October’s index reading of 59.9 and the October 2021 reading of 73.6. Consumer sentiment about economic conditions in the next six months was also lower at an index reading of  55.6. Readings over 50 indicate that most consumers have a positive view of economic conditions.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes readings on home prices, pending home sales, and inflation. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 21, 2022

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What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - November 21, 2022Last week’s economic reporting included readings on U.S housing markets, housing starts, and building permits issued. Data on sales of previously-owned homes were released along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

Builder Sentiment on Housing Markets Declines in November

November’s National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index fell five points to an index reading of 33; analysts expected a reading of 36. November’s reading was the lowest since June 2012 except during the pandemic.

All three indices contributing to the Housing Market Index were lower in November than in October. Homebuilder sentiment regarding current sales conditions fell six points to an index reading of 39; by comparison, this reading was 83 in November 2021. Builder confidence in home sales conditions over the next six months fell four points to 31. Homebuilder confidence in prospective buyer traffic in new single-family developments fell five points to an index reading of 20.

Homebuilders were less confident about housing market conditions in the four regions tracked by the NAHB. Builder sentiment in the Northeast fell six points to an index reading of 41. Builder sentiment in the Midwest fell two points to 38. Builder confidence in the South fell seven points to 42. Builder sentiment was five points lower in the West at 29. Index readings of less than 50 indicate that most builders lack confidence in housing market conditions.

Builders continue to experience rising materials costs and regulatory expenses associated with developing land and home construction. Rising home prices and resulting affordability concerns compelled builders to ask lawmakers to reduce regulatory costs connected with developing land and building homes.

Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims

Freddie Mac changed the format of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey to include only average rates for 30 and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages and the survey no longer reports average discount points. The average rate for 30-year mortgages fell 47 basis points to 6.61 percent. Rates for 15-year mortgages averaged 5.98 percent and four basis points lower than in the previous week. 222,000 initial jobless claims were filed last week. Analysts expected 225,000 new claims filed as compared to the previous week’s reading of 226,000 first-time claims filed.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on new home sales, minutes of the most recent meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. Financial markets will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Finding The Best Mortgage Deal: What To Do

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Finding The Best Mortgage Deal: What To DoYou have worked hard for your money, and you probably want to save as much of it as you possibly can. That means you need to find the best possible mortgage deal you can. What are a few steps you should take if you want to get the best loan terms possible?

1. Get Plenty Of Estimates

You need to get a lot of estimates from different types of lenders. Examples include private mortgage companies, commercial banks, and credit unions. If you have a real estate agent, you may want to see if they can refer you to a loan officer. Many of these institutions have forms you can fill out online. Then, they will give you a custom rate estimate. When you compare rates across institutions, you must make sure you use the same loan terms. For example, you might want to get a 30-year fixed-rate estimate from all of these institutions. 

2. Understand Closing Costs

When you get an estimate back from the lender, they will probably give you the total loan amount, the term (or length) of the loan, and the interest rate; however, you cannot overlook closing expenses. For example, some lenders will charge you a fee just for printing your loan documents. Pay attention to the closing costs and try to remove as many of them as possible.

3. Select A Lender

After reviewing the documents carefully, you should select a lender. Be sure to ask about the rate lock period, which guarantees your interest rate for a certain amount of time. You need to make sure your interest rate will not change before you get to the closing table. You should also ask about prepayment penalties, which refers to penalties you might have to pay for paying off your mortgage early. If you plan on making extra payments toward the principal, try to remove the prepayment penalty.

4. Finalize The Document

Once you are done with the negotiating process, go ahead and finalize the document. You cannot necessarily negotiate appraisal fees or government recording fees, but you can negotiate your closing expenses, interest rate, and points. Once you are done, work with your agent to get to the closing table and start the moving process. 

 

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 7, 2022

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Last week’s economic reporting included the Federal Reserve’s statement on its target interest rate range and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s regularly-scheduled press conference. Data on construction spending and public and private-sector jobs was published along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims.Last week’s economic reporting included the Federal Reserve’s statement on its target interest rate range and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s regularly-scheduled press conference. Data on construction spending and public and private-sector jobs was published along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

Fed Hikes Key Interest Rate Range, but Signals a Future Slowdown

The Federal Reserve increased its key interest rate range last week from 3.50-3.75 percent to 3.75-4.00 percent. While this was the highest interest rate range in 15 years, the Fed said it plans to continue raising the target interest rate range until it reduces the inflation rate to 2 percent “over time.” Analysts viewed the Fed’s latest comments as less aggressive than its stance earlier this year.

Fed chair Jerome Powell said during his scheduled press conference that at some time “it will be appropriate to slow the pace of increases.” Mr. Powell also cautioned that the target interest rate range will likely rise past the current expected rate range of 4.50 to 4.75 percent.

Mortgage Rates Fall, Jobless Claims Mixed

Average mortgage rates fell last week as the rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by 13 basis points to 6.95 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.29 percent and 7 basis points lower than in the previous week. Rates for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged one basis point lower at 5.95 percent; Discount points averaged 0.80 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 1.20 percent for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. Points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.20 percent.

 

Initial jobless claims fell by 217,000 claims as compared to the previous week’s reading of 218,000 new claims filed. Continuing jobless claims increased to 1.49 million claims filed from the previous week’s reading of 1.44 million ongoing claims filed.

Job Growth Data Mixed, Unemployment Rate Rises

ADP reported 239,000 private-sector jobs added in October as compared to expectations of 195,000 jobs added and September’s reading of 192,000 private-sector jobs added. The Commerce Department’s Non-Farm Payrolls reported 261,000 public and private-sector jobs added in October as compared to expectations of 205,000 jobs added and 315,000 jobs added in September. The national unemployment rate rose to 3.7 percent in October from September’s rate of 3.5 percent.

In other news, construction spending rose 0.2 percent in September; analysts expected spending to drop -0.6 percent based on August’s construction spending pace of -0.7 percent

What’s Ahead

 

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be published.

Last week’s economic reporting included the Federal Reserve’s statement on its target interest rate range and Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s regularly-scheduled press conference. Data on construction spending and public and private-sector jobs was published along with weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims.
Fed Hikes Key Interest Rate Range, but Signals a Future Slowdown
The Federal Reserve increased its key interest rate range last week from 3.50-3.75 percent to 3.75-4.00 percent. While this was the highest interest rate range in 15 years, the Fed said it plans to continue raising the target interest rate range until it reduces the inflation rate to 2 percent “over time.” Analysts viewed the Fed’s latest comments as less aggressive than its stance earlier this year. 
Fed chair Jerome Powell said during his scheduled press conference that at some time “it will be appropriate to slow the pace of increases.” Mr. Powell also cautioned that the target interest rate range will likely rise past the current expected rate range of 4.50 to 4.75 percent. 
Mortgage Rates Fall, Jobless Claims Mixed
Average mortgage rates fell last week as the rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by 13 basis points to 6.95 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.29 percent and 7 basis points lower than in the previous week. Rates for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged one basis point lower at 5.95 percent; Discount points averaged 0.80 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 1.20 percent for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. Points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.20 percent.
Initial jobless claims fell by 217,000 claims as compared to the previous week’s reading of 218,000 new claims filed. Continuing jobless claims increased to 1.49 million claims filed from the previous week’s reading of 1.44 million ongoing claims filed.
Job Growth Data Mixed, Unemployment Rate Rises
ADP reported 239,000 private-sector jobs added in October as compared to expectations of 195,000 jobs added and September’s reading of 192,000 private-sector jobs added. The Commerce Department’s Non-Farm Payrolls reported 261,000 public and private-sector jobs added in October as compared to expectations of 205,000 jobs added and 315,000 jobs added in September. The national unemployment rate rose to 3.7 percent in October from September’s rate of 3.5 percent. 
In other news, construction spending rose 0.2 percent in September; analysts expected spending to drop -0.6 percent based on August’s construction spending pace of -0.7 percent
What’s Ahead
This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on inflation and consumer sentiment. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be published.

How Interest-Only Mortgages Work and Why They’re A Good Solution for Some Buyers

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Mortgage 101: How Interest-Only Mortgages Work and Why They're A Good Solution for Some BuyersWhether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced real estate investor, if you are planning to borrow funds to buy a home you will want to choose the right mortgage product. In today’s blog post we’ll explore how interest-only mortgages work and why they’re the perfect choice for some homebuyers.

How Interest-Only Mortgages Differ From Conventional Ones

As the name suggests, interest-only mortgages are loans where you are only required to pay off the interest portion of the loan each month for some specific term. The length of these loans can be up to ten years, although five or seven is the most common. Once this period is over, you will have some options. Some choose to refinance their mortgage into a new term; others will make a lump-sum payment to pay off the balance. The most important item of note is that during the interest-only period, no principal is paid off unless you pay a bit extra.

The Pros And Cons Of Interest-Only Mortgages

Interest-only mortgages are a popular choice because of their many upsides. Your monthly payments are almost certainly going to be far lower during the interest-only period. This is because you’re not responsible for paying down the principal of the loan. A lower monthly payment frees up money that you can use for other purposes, such as investing. Also, your entire monthly payment during the interest-only period should be tax deductible, which may contribute to a refund each year.

Note that there are some potential downsides to interest-only mortgages as well. For example, if your mortgage interest rate is adjustable, you can end up paying more in interest than if you had locked in. You also need to stay disciplined financially. Once the interest-only period ends, your monthly payment may increase significantly to cover both interest and principal.

Who Should Consider An Interest-Only Mortgage?

Interest-only mortgages are a good fit for those individuals or families where you are confident that your income is going to grow significantly in five or ten years. Alternatively, if your income is somewhat sporadic and you want the option of paying lower payments in some months and more substantial payments in others. The key point is that these mortgages offer flexibility that other mortgage products do not.

As you can see, interest-only mortgages are an excellent choice in certain circumstances. To learn more about how an interest-only mortgage might be right for you, contact our professional mortgage team today. We are happy to share our experience to find mortgage financing that perfectly suits your needs.