As of the week ending on April 25, 2024, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is reported at approximately 7.877%. It’s important to note that these rates have seen some fluctuations, and various factors including economic conditions and the borrower’s credit profile influence the final rate offered. For those considering refinancing, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate refinance loan has slightly increased to about 8.425%​​.

Mortgage rates are significantly influenced by economic factors, personal financial details of the borrower, and the specific conditions of the mortgage market at the time. For instance, someone with a strong credit score and a substantial down payment might secure a lower rate, while those with lower credit scores or smaller down payments might face higher rates​​.

If you’re thinking of securing a mortgage or refinancing your current one, it would be beneficial to compare rates from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your situation. As of April 30, 2024, the housing market is showing signs of resilience and growth in certain areas despite ongoing challenges like high mortgage rates and affordability issues. Key insights include:

• Home sales have seen a mix of increases and decreases depending on the region. Nationally, existing home sales have improved month-over-month but are still below the levels from the previous year. New home sales show slight growth compared to the previous year, indicating a shift where more buyers are opting for new homes due to the low supply of existing homes​ (Freddie Mac – We Make Home Possible)​.

• The National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecasts a significant increase in existing-home sales to 4.71 million for 2024, which is up from the previous year. This growth is expected to be concentrated in markets with high demand such as Austin, Texas, which is noted as a top market to watch due to pent-up housing demand​ (http://www.nar.realtor)​.

• Mortgage rates have remained steady with an average of around 6.8% as of March, impacting both buying and refinancing activities. Although this presents challenges, there’s an uptick in both refinance activity and purchase applications as the market adapts to these conditions​ (Freddie Mac – We Make Home Possible)​.

Overall, while the housing market faces headwinds from higher rates and price pressures, certain regions are experiencing growth, and there’s a general sense of cautious optimism as the market adapts to the economic landscape of 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYQgJlwKskc

Below is a concise overview of the mortgage, real estate, and business updates for the week of December 23 to December 28, 2024:

Mortgage Rates and Housing Market Trends

Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise:

• For the second time in a row, mortgage rates have surged since July and now stand at 6.85 percent.
• This is an increase from 6.72 percent, which stood last week.
• The rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has also hiked again, breaking 6.61 percent this time last year.
• This also means it will keep increasing, as we saw it hit 6.89 percent in mid-July.
• In addition, 15-year fixed mortgages surged, with rates reported at a whopping 5.92 percent compared to 5.84 percent.
• As we enter the new year, the economy is expected to boost purchase rates to assist with the surging problem of undersupplied homes in the market.

Homeowners Costs Are Increasing

A rising trend indicates that homeowners are now spending more on property taxes and home insurance than they are reportedly spending on mortgages. The average single-family mortgage is set at 32 percent for property taxes and insurance, which breaks records as it’s the highest rate since 2014. The driving factor for this trend is the natural disasters that caused home values to skyrocket.

The Pirates of the Caribbean

Or, as I like to call them, the New York upstate, Omaha, New Orleans, and Miami Pirates that own homes. They are the worst, and so are mortgage holders because they pay more than half of their monthly payments on taxes and insurance. The average rate of this has grown to 7 percent, making owning a single-family single-family home a life of misery. And speaking of home buying in general, mortgage payments are high, no thanks to the recent rate cuts. In both 2014 and now, buying a home is a huge hassle for the rich and the poor, and I can assure you that this is only the start of our problems.

Advancements in the Real Every Field

Let’s start with Rocket Homes

• The CFPB also sued Rocket Homes for its alleged actions, in which the brokers were asked to purchase mortgage holder services from their company.
• The back-and-forth in this lawsuit goes deep, but to keep it short, the JMG Holding firm’s Jason Mitchell also comes into play within these allegations.
• Rocket Homes argues against the CFPB’s stance, enabling them to go at ease again.

Sadly, the CU building has also come under heat to be able sexual misconduct scandals with the inclusion of Master Batters: the brokers, Tal and Oren, go on to expose how eXp is real.

The recent allegations raised questions of integrity within a predominantly female industry sorely constructed by male figures. Detractors note the industry’s rampant culture, where safety precautions and a proper supervision hierarchy that controls malfeasance are non-existent. Pioneers such as the National Association of Realtors have tried devising policies that will help foster a balanced, safe, and upbuilding environment.

The sale of loans in multifamily commercial real estate by HomeStreet Bank

In a transaction that involved Bank of America, HomeStreet Bank went on to sell $990 million in unpaid principal balance of loans for almost $906 million. This translates to a 92% value of the loans. The only reason why this discount was given was due to the current interest rate environment and the lower yield of the loans. The deal is projected to aid HomeStreet in recovering from the multiyear loss and assuage investors worried about the previous halted merger with First Sun Capital Bancorp. Funds raised from the transaction will primarily be focused on addressing debt and looking for cheaper capital. The final date for the completion of the transaction is December 31. On the other hand, Home Street is expected to continue servicing the loans.

Forecast of Commercial Real Estate

The commercial real estate sector has been conditioned by various challenges, including the constant rise in interest rates, constantly decreasing supply, and high production expenses.

The hybrid and remote work trend has severely affected the office space market. And even now, despite a rather remarkable cutback from the Federal Reserve, long-term rates are elevated, making sales and refinancing more complicated than necessary. A massive 570 billion dollars worth of commercial real estate loans are due by 2025. These loans will most likely experience a cash flow deficit, while some may even face massive refinancing difficulties. The assumed Trump administration portrays promising tax structures and lower regulations as policies that further bolster the population’s confidence. The online shopping boom brought a sharp increase in demand for industrial supply. However, this has recently stagnated and is anticipated to bounce back when the newly available supply is subdued and demand rises. The growth of e-commerce stimulates future demand for industrial space. 2025 will likely be the year when this wheel starts rolling again. But we still have to navigate slow economic growth and tough refinancing circumstances.

Expected Housing Market Scenario

Expected changes in the 2025 housing market:

Towards 2025, hope is presented to future real estate hopefuls who have navigated on that tough terrain the last couple of years, as most are expected to find the housing market easier to deal with. There are predictions that mortgage rates will increase slightly over the 6% threshold, which will cause more listings to become available and slow the increase in the value of these listings. As the rate of interest declines, it is expected that more US citizens will be willing to relocate, aiding the housing inventory.

The current housing supply is likely to witness an uptrend growth of about 11.7%, which would dampen the competition with a more controlled price increase. However, they expect a remarkable rate decrease since they are most likely to follow the return on the 10-year treasuries, which may stay high if inflation continues. Overall, during 2025, there are high chances of the rates being more favorable for the buyers due to a high supply, alongside the mortgage rates being slightly lower than they used to be.

Lennar Homes are slashing their new home prices by 25% in 2024. CEO of Lennar admits their mortgage division is experiencing delinquencies and a higher number of debt to income ratio from consumers. Lennar Homes is America’s second largest New Home Builder.

https://youtu.be/6mmQ2TEoK-g?si=nj2aidmYgL_awc8N

Will history repeat but with different reason ?? Thoughts on how real estate agent commissions affect price of property these days and what future holds !!

Why is it that lenders are quoting different mortgage interest rates on FHA loans? Isn’t FHA loans backed by the federal government. Shouldn’t all government loans have a uniform mortgage rates?

Are many Mortgage Lenders going out of business due to high mortgage rates?

Auto Repossessions are nearing 20,000 per day and increasing month after month by 5%

. If Biden dies or gets impeached do we have to worry about this ding bat becing our President?Kamala Harris is being questioned by millions of Americans on her mental health state and her intelligence level. Is this idiot pretending to be dumb and stupid or is Kamala Harris a real idiot. Kamala Harris has zero brains 🧠 and seems this goof 🤪 is pretending to be a creature with a single digit IQ. Is this brainless moron the number 2 in charge of the United States? How humiliating to have this creature to represent the nation and be a power leader. The Imbecile in Chief. She has zero respect and is not a liked person in any way or form.

https://youtu.be/k7TCTQQWIZI?si=-hQw0rw-TbyD7SxJ

I am interested in commercial loans. What does Factoring work and how do I learn about Factoring?

Can a borrower sign an inspection waiver? How long does usually it take to send an inspector to a property?

I know HUD requires nonborrowing spouse’s debts to be counted on FHA home loans in community property states on FHA loans by mortgage lenders. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac does not require NONBORROWING spouse’s debts to be counted on conventional loans on Conventional loans. What is the Veterans Administration (VA) requirements on NONBORROWING spouse’s debts on VA loans when a veteran applies for a VA LOAN? Does the NONBORROWING spouse’s debts count towards the debt to income ratio on VA loans in community property states.

How does EPM EMPOWERED DPA and GRANT PROGRAM work? How do I qualify for the EMPOWERED DPA PROGRAM for first time homebuyers?

I am currently in chapter 13 in WA state, I have 12 months on time payments and my low credit score is 667. Can i refinance my home to pay the balance of my chapter 13?

If I get a co-borrow to sign on the loan but they sign a non owner occupied will they still have access and rights to the home. If they chose to move in if I’m the primary resident

What is domain authority and domain rankings. What is Spam score and back link? What are toxic back links?

How is the National Realtor Association ruling affect real estate agents making money especially buying agents. Thank you in advance.

My application is currently in underwriting. I am concerned that because my student loans are so high that my DTI may not pass. I have found a home that is scheduled to close on 11/19/2024. Honestly I did not see you site until after applying thru my current lender. Would you be able to take over the case and will I still be able to close on November 19th, 2024 or earlier? I am in Illinois and also seeking downpayment assistance if possible. The Home Inspection and Appraisal have all been completed. My student loans total 186k and I am currently in deferment, but the lender is saying that the payments are coming up to 0.50% of the outstanding student loan balance per month…but I am paying $0.00. My credit score middle is 643. Also I am currently employed but will start a new job in a week making more money. Can you help? What steps will I need to take.Renting a home for two years owner decided to sale to me via notice to vacate. I have bad credit, owe taxes and zero for a down payment. What are my options in Michigan

Is it legal to use a self-employed monthly paycheck as expense instead of net? Can I claim self-employment expenses without income? Is self-employed income gross or net? Can you write off payroll as a business expense? Can a self-employed person pay themselves a salary?

Is It Better To Apply For FHA Loan During Or After Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Discharge? How soon can you get a mortgage after Chapter 13 discharge? How long after Chapter 13 can I get a home equity loan? Can I get a loan after Chapter 13 discharge? What is the waiting period for a FHA loan after Chapter 11? What are the rules for an FHA loan after Chapter 13 discharge? How long after a Chapter 13 discharge can I get a mortgage? How long after Chapter 13 can I get a home equity loan? What is an FHA waiting period completion?

Is it possible to be pre-approved for USDA and a Conventional product? We really would like to stay in the town we live in, but it is excluded from USDA. We like the USDA mortgage for all the reasons that make it popular. So can a person get two types, in case homes come available in different areas or would it be best to just get conventional pre-approved? Can you have a USDA and Conventional loan at the same time? Does USDA allow non-occupant co-borrowers? What would cause a USDA loan to be denied? How strict are USDA appraisals? Can you avoid PMI with USDA loan? Can you have an FHA and USDA loan at the same time? What is the maximum debt to income ratio for a USDA loan? What are the requirements for a USDA loan in Oregon? Can USDA loan be used on Fixer Upper? Is there an income limit for first time home buyers in Oregon? How does USDA calculate household income?

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC? What is the main difference between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines the same? How do I know if my loan is Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac? Who qualifies for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines the same? What is the main difference between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? What is a loan that doesn t comply with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac’s underwriting guidelines called? What are Fannie Mae underwriting guidelines?

Is $735.00 monthly in ssi income enough to receive any type of home loan or home ownership program? Does SSI count as income for a mortgage loan? Can I use SSI money to buy a house? Can I get a loan if my only income is Social Security? Can people on SSI take out a loan? How is Social Security calculated for a mortgage? Can I get a home loan if my only income is Social Security? Does Social Security count as income when applying for a loan? How do they calculate Social Security income?

Is The Home Purchase Agreement Void if FHA pre-approval on current employment & buyer won’t have 6 months of employment until 50 days after the pre-approval letter? What is the FHA 6 month employment rule? Does FHA allow seasonal income? Do FHA loans require 2 years of employment? What is the final verification of employment for FHA loans? Can you use an offer letter for FHA loan? What is the FHA 6 month employment rule? What are the requirements for a FHA employment contract? What are the rules for FHA verification of employment?

Is it possible to obtain a FHA mortgage during active Chapter 13 with another bankruptcy from years prior? How long after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can I get an FHA loan? Can you get a mortgage after a Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Can you get a loan while in Chapter 13? Does FHA allow multiple bankruptcies?

Can me and my husband by ONE house each rent them out and then use that income to buy our forever home?

What is the largest size carry on luggage that you can have with you in an airplane without checking in. It’s the carry on luggage with wheels and handle. I want to purchase one but want to make sure I can board it with me on the overhead bin of an airline I am traveling. Thank you in advance.

What does being judgment proof mean? How can you qualify for a mortgage with an outstanding judgment? Can you get approved for a mortgage if you are judgment proof? How can you get rid of a judgment.

What are the middle score requirements for usda and conventional, to keep manual underwriting from occurring? What kind of reserves will each require? Without down payment added, how much will closing costs be on a 200k home? Is it possible to get into a home via usda and never pay anything? Do you offer down payment assistance in Kansas? Sorry for the wall of questions.

What is an overview of India? Geography, Landscape, and Weather in India? Economy of India. Education and the best grade, high schools, junior colleges, colleges, and graduate schools in India. Tourism and Traveling in India. What are the best cities in India. What does $500 a month (U.S. Dollar) get you in India? How much does a average middle class wage earner make in India? How much is the average college graduate make in India? How is living in the United States like compared in India? How do you buy a house in India? What is the average cost of a house and how much money do you need to buy and finance a home? How does the housing and mortgage industry in the India work? How much does a car cost? How do you buy and finance a car in India?

What does $500 a month (U.S. Dollar) get you in the Philippines? How much does a average middle class wage earner make in the Philippines? How much is the average college graduate make in the Philippines? How is living in the United States like compared to the Philippines? How do you buy a house in the Philippines? What is the average cost of a house and how much money do you need to buy and finance a home? How does the housing and mortgage industry in the Philippines work? How much does a car cost? How do you buy and finance a car in the Philippines?