Due to the rise in home values during this period, the FHFA has announced an increase in the maximum baseline conforming loan limits for mortgages acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for 2025. Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA) updates its annual loan limits. These […]
Buying or refinancing soon? Check your credit!
When interest rates decline, you might question whether refinancing is worthwhile. Springtime is almost always the strongest real estate season in Colorado. After the winter storms and cold temperatures, people are ready to get out, buy houses, sell houses and enjoy being more active. However, in the spring of 2024, prices were still rising, interest […]
I hear interest rates are dropping! Should I refinance?
When interest rates decline, you might question whether refinancing is worthwhile. It could be a good idea to check your current home interest rate and determine if refinancing might be beneficial. According to Freddie Mac, the average interest rate peaked at 7.79% in October 2023, but as of August 2024, it has decreased to 6.46%. […]
Options for financing when interest rates go up
The most popular mortgage loan evolved into what is the 30-year amortized loan, which has become one of the primary reasons for increasing the level of homeownership in the United States. Amortizing means some of the principal of the loan amount is paid off each month, allowing homeowners to build equity and avoid a large […]
Do falling home prices offset higher interest rates?
Now that interest rates have risen from the 3.5% range to the 7% range, will home prices decline to balance out the purchasing power? Looking at historical evidence, it shows that sharply rising mortgage rates tend to slow home price appreciation and affect housing market activity. However, nominal price appreciation in most of Colorado remains […]
Rising interest rates decrease purchasing power
In general, as interest rates rise, the homebuyer loses about 3% of purchasing power for every .25% in interest rate increase. Today’s market is tough on first time buyers. The inventory of homes and condos purchased by first-time buyers continues to be low, and along with inflation, home prices are being pushed upward in […]
Rising mortgage rates…To lock or not lock? That is the question!
To lock or not to lock, that is the home buyer’s choice. However, buyers need to understand this is a commitment from both the mortgage lender and themselves to close at the agreed upon interest rate. (Photo: Pexels). Over the last several years we have enjoyed record-low mortgage rates with a sense of stability. The most […]
Rising mortgage rates: Lock or not?
To lock or not to lock, that is the home buyer’s choice. Over the last several years we have enjoyed record-low mortgage rates that have, for the most part, been stable. The most recent peak in interest rates was November 2018 with an average reported rate of 4.81% for 30-year loans. Afterwards, the trend moved […]