The 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate is currently still below 4%. Many buyers may be on the fence as to whether to act now and purchase a new home, or wait until next year, believing they still have time to lock in a low rate.
If you look at what the experts are predicting over the course of the next 12 months, it may make the decision for you.
Predictions for 2016 2Q:
- 4.2% - Fannie Mae
- 4.7% - Freddie Mac
- 4.9% - Mortgage Bankers Association
- 5.3% - National Association of Realtors
Even an increase of half a percentage point can put a dent in your family's net worth.
Let's look at it this way…
The monthly payment (principal & interest only) on a $250,000 home today, with the current 3.86% interest rate would be $1,173.
If we take that same home a year later, the Home Price Expectation Survey projects that prices will rise about 4.4% making that home cost $11,000 more at $261,000.
If we take Freddie Mac's rate projection of 4.7%, the monthly mortgage payment climbs to $1,354.
Some buyers might not think that an extra $181 a month is that bad. But over the course of 30-year mortgage you have spent an additional $65,160 by waiting a year.
Keeping Current Matters
